5.56 vs 7.62x39: Differences, Rifles and Weight per 1,000

5.56 vs 7.62x39 is the classic rifle cartridge comparison: the AR-15 round against the AK round. This page compares them on the things that matter when you choose a rifle or buy a case, including bullet weight, velocity, trajectory, recoil and availability. It also covers something most comparisons skip: how much 1,000 rounds of each weighs, since shipping is charged by weight. We stock both cartridges deep at our Phoenix warehouse.

Side by side

• Bullet diameter and weight: 5.56 fires a .224 inch bullet, usually 55 to 77 grains (62 grain for M855 and SS109). 7.62x39 fires a .310 to .312 inch bullet, usually 120 to 125 grains.
• Velocity: 5.56 runs roughly 2,900 to 3,200 feet per second from typical barrels. 7.62x39 runs roughly 2,300 to 2,400.
• Trajectory: 5.56 shoots flatter, so less holdover is needed past 200 yards. 7.62x39 drops more steeply as distance grows, and most shooters keep it inside about 300 yards.
• Recoil: both are mild. 7.62x39 has more push, and 5.56 in an AR-15 is about as soft as centerfire rifles get.
• Typical rifles: 5.56 means the AR-15 family and many bolt guns. 7.62x39 means AK-pattern rifles, SKS, Mini-30 and some bolt-action ranch rifles.
• Case material: most 5.56 is brass-cased and reloadable. Most 7.62x39 is steel-cased with a coating, which is not practical to reload, though brass 7.62x39 exists.

Weight per 1,000 rounds

A loaded 5.56 cartridge with a 62 grain bullet weighs roughly 12 grams. A 7.62x39 cartridge weighs roughly 16 to 18 grams, depending on case material. With packaging, 1,000 rounds of 5.56 comes to roughly 27 to 30 pounds, and 1,000 rounds of 7.62x39 to roughly 35 to 40 pounds. We charge shipping by weight, so the difference shows up at checkout. It also shows up in a range bag, a plate carrier or a bug-out pack.

Which suits what

• Range practice and training classes: both work. 5.56 has more load variety and AR parts support. 7.62x39 rifles are known for running dirty and still functioning.
• Longer distances: 5.56 has the edge, with a flatter trajectory and less wind drift with the right bullet.
• Barriers and brush at short range: the heavier 7.62x39 bullet carries more momentum, which some shooters prefer for ranch and brush use.
• Hunting: both are used on medium game with expanding bullets at sensible ranges. FMJ is not a hunting bullet. Check Arizona Game and Fish rules for your species and unit.
• Range rules: brass-case, lead-core loads are welcome almost everywhere. Steel-core 5.56 (M855) and steel-case or bimetal-jacket 7.62x39 are banned at some indoor ranges. Check before you go.

What we stock in each

5.56 NATO: MKE SS109 battle packs, BVAC remanufactured Lake City M855 and Federal American Eagle XM855, plus lead-core PMC Bronze .223 55 grain that runs in any 5.56 chamber. Full detail in our 5.56 NATO guide.

7.62x39: Precision One 123 grain FMJ steel case in 500-round packs and American Quality (Armscor) 123 grain FMJ brass case in 250-round packs. Full detail in our 7.62x39 guide.

Every product page shows a live count and a 360-degree spin of the actual box. Phoenix-area shooters can call 480-623-4515 and pick up Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or order online for UPS Ground shipping. You must be 21 or older to order.

5.56 vs 7.62x39 questions

Is 7.62x39 more powerful than 5.56?

7.62x39 fires a heavier bullet with more momentum, and its muzzle energy is a little higher than typical 5.56 loads. 5.56 is faster and flatter-shooting, so it keeps more of its performance at longer distances. Which one is "more powerful" depends on the distance and what you measure.

Can an AR-15 shoot 7.62x39?

Only with parts built for it. An AR-15 needs a 7.62x39 barrel, a matching bolt with a larger bolt face, and magazines designed for the tapered 7.62x39 case. A standard 5.56 AR-15 cannot fire 7.62x39.

Which is cheaper to shoot, 5.56 or 7.62x39?

It changes with the market. Steel-case 7.62x39 has often been the lower-cost option per round, while brass 5.56 offers more variety. Shipping cost also differs because 7.62x39 weighs more per round. Compare current listings in 5.56 and 7.62x39.

Which cartridge is better for a first rifle?

Both are good first-rifle cartridges with mild recoil. The rifle usually decides it. If you want an AR-15 with modular parts, choose 5.56. If you want an AK or SKS, choose 7.62x39. Shoot both at a range if you can.

Other comparisons: 5.56 vs .223 and steel case vs brass case. More in our ammo FAQ.