5.56 vs 7.62: Your Guide to Stopping Power, Range, and More

On the hunt for the perfect cartridge? Whether for safeguarding your home or planning your next hunting trip, look no further than the 5.56 and 7.62x39 cartridges. These cartridges have been around since the 1960s and have a wide number of uses. Their comparison continues as a topic of debate in the firearm community to this day.

In this complete guide, we'll delve into key factors such as stopping power (ft-lbs), muzzle velocity (FPS), accuracy, and bullet weight to help you find the cartridge that perfectly suits your unique needs. Whether you want to go hunting, practice at the range, or use it for self-defense, one of these cartridges can meet your needs. Who knows? You may discover that both have a place in your arsenal!

If you're browsing firearms at a gun show or looking for a new gun to take to the range, 5.56 and 7.62x39 have likely crossed your mind. The 7.62x39 cartridge features a common bullet weight of 123 grains. It’s popular with AK-47s, SKS rifles, and RPK machine guns. Hunters typically use the 7.62x39 for larger game because of its stopping power.

Gun enthusiasts like to use the 5.56 cartridge with the AR-15. Having popular bullet weights of 55 or 62 grains, it offers distinct advantages, such as long-range performance, high muzzle velocity, flatter trajectory, and extremely mild recoil. Review our table for specifications like diameter, length, and capacity.

The 7.62x39 features a larger bullet diameter of 0.312 in., while the 5.56 has a smaller diameter of 0.224 in. The 7.62x39 has a narrow shoulder design, while the 5.56 features a cone-shaped shoulder design. Both cartridges are suitable for self-defense applications. These distinctions make them versatile choices for various shooting needs.

Every cartridge type has advantages and drawbacks. However, knowing the differences between the 7.62x39 and 5.56 will help you decide which features are suited to meet your needs. Variations in stopping power, velocity, and range appeal to different shooters. Let's take a closer look at how they compare.

The 7.62x39 cartridge is a .30 caliber round. It’s comparable to the .30-30 Winchester cartridge in terms of stopping power. This cartridge is also known for its high muzzle energy, durability, and consistency, making it the ethical choice for hunting larger game. Its higher mass gives you a more powerful shot, increasing the chance of a successful deer or similar game hunt.

Because the 7.62x39 is made for larger bullets, it has a slightly higher recoil. This factor can decrease the speed of your follow-up shots. Remember that rounds with this cartridge will be heavier and slightly more expensive.

The 5.56 cartridge has a low recoil that allows a comfortable experience for quicker follow-up shots. Lower felt recoil also means it will be suitable for less experienced shooters. The 5.56 exhibits minimal bullet drop, maintaining a flatter trajectory and improving its overall accuracy at longer distances. It’s also a more economical choice for target practice at the shooting range.

Although a lightweight round is useful for pest control, self-defense, and military use, this factor reduces its stopping power. Stick to hunting varmints like hogs, foxes, and coyotes.

When it comes to choosing the right cartridge for your needs, both the 7.62x39 and 5.56 cartridges have their advantages and drawbacks. It’s important to choose a cartridge based on your preferences and the type of game you are hunting. Although the 7.62x39 tends to be slightly more expensive than the 5.56, both are very reasonably priced.

To help you make the most informed choice, we provided a more detailed comparison of bullet weight, velocity, effective range, and more. The 7.62x39 and 5.56 cartridges accommodate bullets of varying sizes and are available at different price points. The brand you purchase from also affects the quality of the ammunition. See the performance comparison in the following chart.

Bullet weight plays a vital role in cartridge performance. The 5.56 uses lightweight bullets, which give them slightly more wind drift. The 7.62x39 relies on heavier bullets, which affects both bullet drop and velocity.

• The 5.56 has a bullet weight of 55-77 grains. The most common grain sizes are the 55 grain and 62 grain. The lighter weight results in higher muzzle velocity.

• The 7.62x39 employs heavier bullets of 120-125 grains. The most common size is the 123 grain. The heavier weight causes lower muzzle velocity.

Since the 5.56 has a greater velocity than the 7.62x39, the bullet will travel at a significantly higher speed for longer distances.

• The 5.56 boasts impressive velocity, with a 62-grain round traveling 710 feet per second faster than the 7.62x39 out of the muzzle. However, velocity experiences slight reductions at 300 and 500 yards.

• The 7.62x39 exhibits slightly lower energy on the target when compared to the 5.56. This reduced velocity impacts its long-range performance and penetration capabilities.

The 7.62x39 cartridge boasts a higher muzzle energy than the 5.56. This results in increased stopping power upon impact.

• The 5.56 has lower muzzle energy due to its lighter weight. However, it compensates with better velocity, making it suitable for different applications.

• When fired from the muzzle, the 7.62x39 carries about 219 ft-lbs more energy than the 5.56. This additional energy contributes to its effectiveness, especially at shorter ranges.

The 5.56 outperforms the 7.62x39 in terms of bullet drop. This makes it an excellent choice for longer ranges.

• At 400 yards, a 62-grain 5.56 round experiences a bullet drop of only 24 inches. This makes it a popular choice for predator hunting.

• The 7.62x39, firing a 123-grain bullet, experiences a substantial 44-inch bullet drop at 400 yards. Shooters need to account for this drop to ensure accurate targeting.

While the 5.56 is generally more budget-friendly than the 7.62x39, the cost difference is not too substantial. However, those who shoot frequently at the range should consider the most economical choice.

• Brass-cased ammunition tends to be on the higher end, with prices starting at 60 cents for 5.56 and 70 cents for 7.62x39. However, brass casing has much better performance.

• Steel-casing is cheaper but does not expand, perform, or eject from the firearm as consistently. Be mindful of these factors and state laws when shopping for a hunting trip.

The 5.56 cartridge is notably more effective at longer ranges, benefitting from its lighter weight and reduced bullet drop. It will also have a flatter trajectory.

• 5.56 is suited for both long and short-range shooting. It boasts a range of 300-800 yards.

• The 7.62x39 is primarily effective at closer ranges. It has a range of 200-300 yards.

Recoil can significantly impact first-time shooters as they learn to handle firearms. The 5.56 cartridge has a lighter recoil, while the 7.62x39 has a stronger recoil.

• TThe 5.56 is known for its smooth, almost nonexistent recoil. This makes it helpful for shooting smaller targets where more precision is needed.

• The 7.62x39 has a more noticeable recoil. However, it is still considered mild and is easily manageable for less frequent shooting and experienced shooters.

The 5.56 and 7.62x39 cartridges are used extensively in law enforcement, military, hunting, self-defense, and home-defense applications.

• The 5.56 is well suited for hunting small game, such as prairie dogs and bobcats. It is commonly used by the U.S. and other NATO members, dating back to the Vietnam War.

• The 7.62x39 excels in hunting at close to medium ranges for animals like white-tailed deer. It is also commonly employed by foreign militaries.

Ready for the range? Explore our wide variety of 5.56 and 7.62x39 ammunition, featuring popular brands such as Winchester, Remington, and Hornady. Whether you're into long-range target shooting or big game hunting, we have you covered.