When it comes to selecting a semi-automatic rifle cartridge, the 5.56x45mm NATO and 7.62x39mm are always front and center in the conversation.
Both rifle rounds have been forged in the fires of battle in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as a host of other conflicts across the globe. As a result, they are two of the most popular rifle cartridges on the planet.
Virtually every military on Earth uses one of these two rifle rounds for their primary battle rifle. And there’s a good reason for that. Their terminal ballistics and effectiveness in close quarters battle (CQB) are second to none.
But which rifle cartridge is better suited for you – and does it matter?
Let’s take a closer look at the caliber debate that has defined world conflict since the Cold War: 5.56x45mm NATO vs. 7.62x39mm.
A Note on Nomenclature: 223 Remington vs. 5.56 NATO
Please note that within this article we refer to the 223 Remington (223 Rem) and the 5.56x45mm NATO interchangeably. There are differences between the two. You can read about them in our 223 Rem vs. 5.56 NATO comparison.
In short, a 223 Rem can be safely fired from a rifle or handgun chambered in 5.56; however, the reverse is not true.
When 5.56 Is the Better Choice
- Varmint hunting
- Dynamic shooting competitions
- Home defense
When 7.62x39 Is the Better Choice
- Deer and hog hunting
- Need more stopping power
- Unbeatable reliability of the AK platform
5.56 vs. 7.62x39: Let the Caliber Cold War Begin
Ever since the Vietnam War, when the 5.56 and 7.62x39mm first squared off toe to toe, many militaries around the world have adopted one of the rifle cartridges as the chambering for their primary battle rifle. This has led many internet gun forums to delve into intense heated debates over the combat effectiveness and lethality of each round to determine which one is “best.” Most of these caliber debates come down to terminal ballistics, effective range, stopping power (ft-lbs), muzzle velocity (fps), accuracy, and bullet weight.
In one camp, we have the 7.62x39 comrades with their AK-47 rifles, SKS rifles, AKM variants, and RPK machine guns. They tout the 7.62x39 as firing a heavier bullet that boasts the kinetic energy equivalent to Thor’s hammer, superior barrier penetration, and enough stopping power to put a Siberian brown bear into permanent hibernation.
In the other camp are the proponents of the 5.56 NATO cartridge with their beloved AR platform, M4 carbine, and bolt-action varmint rifles. These shooters proclaim that “speed kills” and a lighter bullet traveling at high muzzle velocity is preferable because it causes massive damage via hydrostatic shock. With their round’s flatter trajectory and lower recoil, 5.56 shooters proudly boast of sniper-rifle accuracy at ranges that the slow and chunky 7.62x39 crowd could only dream of.
I hope you enjoyed some of the sarcasm there. But sadly, this is what the caliber debate has come to in some forums.
Let’s begin by analyzing the specs for each cartridge.
Continue reading 5.56x45 vs. 7.62x39: Which Is Better? on Ammo.com
https://ammo.com/comparison/556-vs-762#556-vs-762-cartridge-specs
