5.45x39mm Ammo
Shop in-stock 5.45x39mm ammunition in bulk with next-business-day shipping. TelaAmmo 65gr FMJ in 300 and 1,500-round cases and Hornady Black 60gr V-MAX for AK-74 and other 5.45 rifles. Read more about 5.45×39 ammo.
Overview of 5.45x39mm Ammo
5.45x39mm is the Soviet answer to 5.56 NATO and the cartridge of the AK-74 rifle. It fires a light .221-inch bullet, usually 53 to 70 grains, at around 2,900 to 3,000 fps. Recoil is very light, trajectory is flat, and accuracy is good, which makes it a favorite for AK-74 owners who want a softer-shooting alternative to 7.62x39.
5.45x39 is not interchangeable with 5.56 NATO or 7.62x39. For the classic AK-47 cartridge, see our 7.62x39 ammo.
5.45x39mm Brands We Carry
- TelaAmmo 5.45x39 Ammo: 65gr FMJ in 300-round and 1,500-round cases for high-volume range shooting.
- Hornady 5.45x39 Ammo: Black 60gr V-MAX, a polymer-tipped load for varmints and home defense.
Best 5.45x39 Ammo for Specific Uses
| Use Case | Top Pick | Also Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk Range Ammo | TelaAmmo 65gr FMJ, 1,500 Rounds | TelaAmmo 65gr FMJ, 300 Rounds |
| Varmints / Home Defense | Hornady Black 60gr V-MAX | None in stock |
| Range Trial Quantity | TelaAmmo 65gr FMJ, 300 Rounds | TelaAmmo 65gr FMJ, 1,500 Rounds |
Why Buy 5.45x39 Ammo from BulkMunitions?
- In stock and ready to ship. We only list ammunition that is physically in our warehouse. No backorders.
- Next-business-day shipping from our Knoxville, TN warehouse on orders placed before our daily cutoff.
- Hard-to-find caliber, in bulk. 5.45x39 supply is limited in the U.S., and 1,500-round cases keep your AK-74 running.
- We tithe 10% of profits to Christian-based, 2A-supporting organizations every quarter, and our customers vote on where it goes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shoot 5.45x39 in a 5.56 AR-15?
No. 5.45x39mm and 5.56x45mm NATO have different case dimensions and are not interchangeable. AR-15 rifles chambered for 5.45x39 need a dedicated barrel, bolt, and magazines.
Is 5.45x39 good for home defense?
With an expanding load like Hornady Black 60gr V-MAX, 5.45x39 can be effective for home defense, offering light recoil and fast follow-up shots. FMJ range ammo is not recommended for defense.
5.45x39 vs 7.62x39: what is the difference?
5.45x39 fires a smaller, faster bullet with flatter trajectory and much lighter recoil. 7.62x39 fires a heavier bullet that hits harder, especially on deer and through cover, and ammunition is much easier to find.
More About 5.45x39mm Ammo
The Soviet Union adopted 5.45x39mm in 1974 with the AK-74 rifle, following the U.S. move to the smaller, faster 5.56mm in Vietnam. The new cartridge cut recoil and weight compared to 7.62x39, letting soldiers carry more ammunition and shoot more accurately in full-auto fire.
In the United States, 5.45x39 boomed in the 2000s thanks to inexpensive surplus and imported steel-case ammunition. Supply has tightened since then, which makes in-stock bulk cases especially valuable for AK-74 owners.
Related reading: 5.45x39 Ammo: Everything You Need to Know