5.45x39mm Ammo
Shop in-stock 5.45×39 ammunition — also written as 5.45x39mm or 5.45 Soviet — with next-business-day shipping on most orders. Developed as the Soviet answer to the 5.56x45mm NATO, 5.45×39 is the standard cartridge of the AK-74 and its variants, offering high velocity, flat trajectory, and mild recoil in a compact intermediate cartridge. We carry FMJ, hollow point, and steel-case loads from Wolf, Hornady, and more. If you’re feeding an AK-74, AK-74M, AKS-74U, or a U.S.-made AK-74 pattern rifle, BulkMunitions stocks the 5.45×39 ammo you need at competitive bulk prices.
About 5.45x39 Ammo
5.45x39 was developed in the Soviet Union in the early 1970s and adopted in 1974 alongside the AK-74 rifle as a direct response to the U.S. military's adoption of the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge and M16 rifle. Soviet engineers designed the cartridge around a 53-grain steel-core bullet at approximately 2,950 fps — producing a lightweight, high-velocity intermediate cartridge with a notably flat trajectory and mild recoil compared to the 7.62x39mm it supplemented in Soviet and Warsaw Pact service.
The standard military 7N6 ball load earned a formidable reputation for terminal effectiveness, producing significant temporary cavitation and tumbling behavior on impact due to the bullet's air pocket and steel core construction. U.S. Customs and Border Protection banned the importation of 7N6 surplus ammunition in 2014, citing the steel penetrator core, which significantly reduced the availability of cheap surplus ammo that had been a hallmark of the caliber. Non-surplus commercial production from Wolf and Hornady continues to supply the civilian market, though per-round pricing has risen considerably since the import ban.
What Is 5.45x39 Best For?
- AK-74 pattern rifle shooting: The primary and essentially exclusive use case for this cartridge in the U.S. civilian market. 5.45x39 is the standard chambering for AK-74, AK-74M, AKS-74U, and numerous Eastern European military surplus and U.S.-made AK-74 pattern rifles.
- High-volume range training: Steel-case loads from Wolf deliver reliable cycling at a lower cost per round than brass-case options, making them the practical choice for high-volume range sessions.
- Varmint and predator hunting: The flat trajectory and lightweight bullet make 5.45x39 adequate for coyotes and similar varmints at moderate ranges, where it is legal for hunting use.
Bullet Types Available
- FMJ Steel Case: The most widely available and affordable 5.45x39 loading. Wolf and similar Eastern European manufacturers produce steel-case FMJ loads that deliver reliable cycling and adequate accuracy for range use and training.
- FMJ Brass Case: Less common than steel case but preferred for range facilities that prohibit steel cases, and for shooters who want to reload brass. Hornady produces brass-case 5.45x39 loads.
- Hollow Point: Limited availability but suitable for hunting applications where expansion is desired. Check local hunting regulations before using HP loads for game.
Rifles Chambered in 5.45x39
5.45x39 is almost exclusively an AK-platform cartridge. Common rifles chambered in this caliber include the Arsenal SLR-104, WASR-2, Palmetto State Armory PSAK-74, Zastava ZPAP M85, and various imported and domestic AK-74 pattern builds. Several AR-15 pattern uppers have been produced in 5.45x39 as well, though magazine compatibility and bolt carrier group availability make them a niche option compared to AK-platform rifles. Note that 5.45x39 and 5.56x45mm NATO are not interchangeable — the cartridges are similar in diameter but have different case dimensions, headspace, and pressure specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 5.45x39 ammo so hard to find and expensive now?
Two events significantly reduced 5.45x39 availability. In 2014, U.S. Customs and Border Protection banned importation of the 7N6 surplus military load citing its steel penetrator core, eliminating the large supply of affordable Eastern Bloc surplus that had kept prices low. Then in 2022, sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine banned Russian-made ammunition imports entirely, removing Wolf and other Russian brands from the U.S. market. Non-Russian production continues, but at lower volumes and higher prices than the surplus era.
Is 5.45x39 the same as 5.56x45mm NATO?
No. Both are small-caliber, high-velocity intermediate cartridges with similar bullet diameters, but 5.45x39 and 5.56x45mm NATO have different case dimensions, headspace specifications, and pressure levels and are not interchangeable. 5.45x39 fires a slightly smaller .221-inch diameter bullet vs. the .224-inch bullet of 5.56 NATO. Never attempt to chamber one in a firearm marked for the other.
Can I shoot steel-case 5.45x39 ammo without damaging my rifle?
Yes, for AK-74 pattern rifles. AK-74 actions were specifically designed to run steel-case ammunition — it is what the platform was built around. Steel case is harder on extractors over very high round counts compared to brass, but for typical civilian use it is entirely appropriate in AK-74 pattern rifles. For AR-15 pattern uppers chambered in 5.45x39, brass-case ammunition is generally preferred.
How does 5.45x39 compare to 7.62x39?
5.45x39 fires a lighter bullet at higher velocity, producing a flatter trajectory, less wind drift, and milder recoil than 7.62x39. 7.62x39 delivers more muzzle energy and better barrier penetration at close range. For long-range accuracy and high-volume training, 5.45x39 has the edge. For short-range stopping power, hunting, and the widest ammunition availability, 7.62x39 is the more practical choice. Both are AK-platform cartridges but are not interchangeable.
How much does 5.45x39 ammo cost per round?
Expect to pay roughly $0.35–$0.55/rd for steel-case FMJ loads and $0.60–$0.90/rd for brass-case or hollow point ammunition. Pricing has risen significantly since the 2014 7N6 import ban and 2022 Russian import sanctions eliminated the surplus and Russian commercial supply that previously kept costs low. Buying in bulk is the most effective way to reduce your per-round cost.