Editing 5.45x39mm

{{Cartridge
|name= 5.45x39mm M74
|image= 5.45x39.jpg
|caption= The 5.45 Soviet cartridge.
|origin= [[USSR]]
|type= [[rifle]]
<!-- Specifications -->
|parent=
|case_type=Steel, [[rim|rimless]], bottleneck
|bullet=5.680 mm (0.2236 in)
|neck=6.248 mm (0.2460 in)
|shoulder=7.290 mm (0.2870 in)
|base=10.033 mm (0.3950 in)
|rim_dia=10.008 mm (0.3940 in)
|rim_thick=1.372 mm (0.0540 in)
|case_length=39.624 mm (1.5600 in)
|length=56.388 mm (2.2200 in)
|rifling= 
|primer=[[Internal_ballistics#Internal_priming|Berdan]], small rifle
|max_pressure= 
|max_cup= 
|filling=
|filling_weight=
|detonation=
|yield=
<!-- Production history -->
|designer= 
|design_date=
|manufacturer=
|production_date=
|variants= 
<!-- Service history -->
|service= 1974-present
|used_by=Soviet Union/Russian Federation, former Soviet republics
|wars= 	Afghan War (Soviet), Georgian Civil War, First Chechen War, Second Chechen War, Balkan Wars
<!-- Ballistic performance -->
|bw1=50 gr (3.2 g) 
|btype1=5N7 FMJ
|vel1=915 m/s (3,000 ft/s)
|en1=1,316 J (971 ft·lbf)
|bw2=
|btype2=
|vel2=
|en2=
|bw3=
|btype3=
|vel3=
|en3=
|bw4=
|btype4=
|vel4=
|en4=
|bw5=
|btype5=
|vel5=
|en5=
|notes= Test barrel length: 415 mm (16.6 in)
}}
The Soviet '''5.45x39mm''' round was introduced into service in 1974 for the [[AKS-74U]] and the [[AK-74]] assault rifle. It gradually supplemented then largely replaced the [[7.62x39mm]] round then in service.

==Design==
The Russian military issue 5N7-specification 5.45 mm bullets are a somewhat complex [[Full metal jacket bullet|full metal jacket]] design.  The bullet's core consists mainly of a length of soft steel rod, cut to length during the manufacturing process to give the correct weight. There is a hollow air space ahead of the steel rod behind the bullet tip. The base of the bullet is tapered to reduce drag (a boat-tail bullet) and there is a small lead plug crimped in place in the base of the bullet. The lead plug, in combination with the air space at the point of the bullet, has the effect of moving the bullet's center of gravity to the rear; the hollow air space also makes the bullet's point prone to deformation when the bullet strikes anything solid, inducing yaw.

==Wounding effects==
[[File:AK-74 5.45x39mm wound ballistics.gif|thumb|300px|AK-74 5.45×39mm wound ballistics]]

Early ballistics tests done demonstrated a pronounced tumbling effect with high speed cameras.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3912/is_200112/ai_n9010648/pg_3 Terminal ballistics of the Russian AK 74 assault rifle: Two wounded patients and experimental findings]</ref>  Some Western authorities believed this bullet was designed to tumble in flesh to increase wounding potential. 

At the time, it was believed that [[yaw]]ing and [[cavitation]] of projectiles was primarily responsible for tissue damage. Non-Soviet alarmists feared that this new cartridge had achieved wounding parity with the [[5.56x45mm NATO]] round. To dispute this, [[Martin Fackler]] conducted a study using live pigs and [[ballistic gelatin]] demonstrating that the 5.45 mm round does not reliably fragment or cause unusual amounts of tissue disruption. <ref>[http://www.btammolabs.com/fackler/ak74_wounding_potential.pdf Wounding Potential of the AK-74 Assault Rifle]</ref> Most organs and tissue were too flexible to be severely damaged by the temporary cavity effect caused by yaw and cavitation of a projectile. With the 5.45 mm bullet, tumbling produced a temporary cavity twice, at depths of 100 and 400 mm. This is comparable to modern 7.62x39mm ammunition and to (non-fragmenting) 5.56 mm ammunition. The average width of a human trunk is 400 mm.

Military 5.45×39mm rounds offer better penetration over (fragmenting) military 5.56×45mm NATO rounds.<ref name="frfrogspad.com">http://www.frfrogspad.com/terminal2.htm | Military rifle bullet wound patterns comparison charts – by Martin L. Fackler.</ref><ref name="Russian AK-74 Assault Rifle 1984">http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Fackler_Articles/ak74_wounding_potential.pdf Wounding Potential of the Russian AK-74 Assault Rifle. Martin L. Fackler MD. John S. Surinchak MA. John A. Malinowski BS. & Robert E. Bowin. The Journal of Trauma 1984. The Williams & Wilkins Co. Vol. 24, No. 3</ref> However, unlike its 5.56mm counterpart, the 5.45mm round “does not deform or fragment when striking soft tissues.”<ref name="frfrogspad.com"/><ref name="Russian AK-74 Assault Rifle 1984"/> Nevertheless, during the Soviet Afghan war the Mujahedeen called the 5.45×39mm round the "Poison Bullet" due to the severe wounds it was reputed to produce to extremities and the resulting need to amputate.<ref>The Gun Digest Book of the AK & SKS: A Complete Guide to Guns, Gear and Ammunition. By Patrick Sweeney. Gun Digest Books, 2009. page 104-105</ref><ref>Gun Digest Book of The Tactical Rifle: A User's Guide. By Patrick Sweeney. Krause Publications, 2011. page 151</ref><ref>http://www.atncorp.com/night-vision-reviews/SPEC-WEAPONS-09-PS23-CGT.pdf  Tandal AK-74S 5.45mm Bringing the AK into the 21st century with modular capability! By Charlie Cutshaw Photos by Doug Richardson. SPECIAL WEAPONS 2009. page 32-37</ref>

==Anti-armor effect==
As body armor saw increasing use in Western military forces, bullet construction was changed several times to keep it up with improving means of ballistic protection. In 1987 a steel rod of original design 7N6 bullets was hardened to 60 HRC. In 1992 size of the steel penetrator was increased, and lead plug in front of it discarded (still there was some empty space under the jacket in the bullet's nose), this bullet designated as 7N10 "improved penetration". In 1994 the 7N10 design was improved by filling nasal empty space with lead again. At the impact at hard target soft lead is pressed sideways by following steel penetrator, its hydrostatic pressure tearing the jacket, so the penetrator goes in clear of jacket, being able to penetrate more. In 1998 a new design was introduced - a 7N22 armour-piercing bullet with sharp-pointed steel penetrator made of special steel, still with soft lead plug in the nose for jacket discarding. <ref>[http://grigorew.narod.ru/raznoe/kal545.htm Evolution of the 5,45 mm bullet]</ref> A newest known design is 7N24 "super-armor-piercing" bullet with penetrator made of tungsten carbide, but due to higher cost it's doubtful that 7N24 would be fielded in large scale.

==Specifications==
[[Image:5.45x39 specs.jpg|thumb|left|Dimensions for the Soviet M74 [[rifle]] [[cartridge]]]]
(See also the table in the top right of the article)
*Bullet weight: 3.43 g (7N6), 3,61 g (7N10), 3,69 g (7N22), about 4 g (7N24), 5,15 g (7U1 subsonic for use with silencer)
*Muzzle velocity: 915 m/s (7N6?)
*Muzzle energy: 1,316 J (7N6?)

==5.45×39mm cartridge variants==

===Enhanced penetration cartridges===
As [[body armor]] saw increasing use in militaries, the original 7N6 standard service cartridge bullet construction was changed several times to improve penetration. This resulted in the 7N6M, 7N10, 7N22 and 7N24 variants.

The '''7N6M''' (M—Russian: ''Модернизированный''; ''Modernizirovanniy'' or "modernized") cartridge was introduced in 1987. In contrast to the original 7N6 unhardened steel rod penetrator the 7N6M rod penetrator is made of steel 65 and hardened to 60 [[wikipedia:Rockwell scale|HRC]]. The 7N6M 3.43 g (52.9 gr) boat-tail bullet can penetrate a 6&nbsp;mm thick St3 steel plate at 300 m and 6Zh85T body armour at 80 m. 7N6(M) bullets have a red identification ring above the cartridge neck.

The US Army's Ballistic Research Laboratory measured a [[ballistic coefficient]] (G7 BC) of 0.168 and form factor (G7 ''i'') of 0.929 for the 7N6(M) projectile, which indicates good aerodynamic efficiency and external ballistic performance for the bullet diameter.<ref>[http://www.quarryhs.co.uk/The%20Next%20Generation.htm The Case for a General-Purpose Rifle and Machine Gun Cartridge (GPC) by Anthony G Williams]</ref><ref>[http://www.bergerbullets.com/form-factors-a-useful-analysis-tool/ Form Factors: A Useful Analysis Tool by Bryan Litz, Chief Ballistician Berger Bullets]</ref>

The [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]] classified the 7N6 cartridge as "armor piercing handgun ammunition" on 7 April 2014, and, as such, it is illegal to import from Russia to the United States.<ref>[http://www.atf.gov/press/releases/2014/04/040714-special-advisory-test-examination-and-classification-7n6-545x39-ammunition.html Test, Examination and Classification of 7N6 5.45x39 Ammunition ATF Special Advisory at www.atf.gov]</ref>

The '''7N10''' "improved penetration" cartridge was introduced in 1992. The 7N10 boat-tail bullet weighs 3.60 g (55.6 gr) and the weight of the lengthened sleeker steel (high-carbon steel U12A) penetrator made of steel 70 was increased to 1.80 g (27.8 gr) and the lead plug in front of it was discarded. The hollow cavity at the front of these projectiles was reduced significantly compared to previous 7N6(M) projectiles. 

In 1994 the 7N10 design was improved by filling the remaining hollow cavity in the projectiles front with lead and reducing the weight of the penetrator to 1.72 g (26.5 gr) resulting in a bullet weighing 3.62 g (55.9 gr). Upon impacting a hard target, soft lead is pressed sideways by the steel penetrator, tearing the jacket. 

The 7N10 cartridge replaced the previous variants as standard Russian service round and can penetrate a 16 mm thick St3 steel plate at 100 m and 6Zh85T body armour at 200 m.<ref name="Evolution of the 5.45 mm bullet">{{cite web|url=http://grigorew.narod.ru/raznoe/kal545.htm|title=Evolution of the 5.45 mm bullet}} (in Russian)</ref> 7N10 bullets have a violet/purple identification ring above the cartridge neck. The 7N10 and 7N6(M) cartridges have practically identical external ballistic characteristics, meaning they can share identical sighting lines and optics on firearms.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gunsru.ru/rg_patron_5_45x39_eng.html|title=5.45x39 submachine gun cartridges}}</ref>

The '''7N22''' armour-piercing bullet, introduced in 1998, has a 1.75 g (27.0 gr) sharp-pointed steel penetrator made of steel U12A and retains the soft lead plug in the nose for jacket discarding. 7N22 boat-tail bullets weigh 3.69 g (56.9 gr) and can be identified by their red identification ring above the cartridge neck and a black tip.<ref name="Evolution of the 5.45 mm bullet"/>

The '''7N24''' "super-armor-piercing" cartridge, introduced in 1999, has a stub cone nosed penetrator made of [[tungsten carbide]] (hard alloy VK8). The 7N24 round is loaded with a 4.15 g (64.0 gr) projectile containing a 2.1 g (32.4 gr) penetrator which is fired with a muzzle velocity of 840 m/s (2,756 ft/s) yielding 1,464 J (1,080 ft·lbf) muzzle energy. 7N24 bullets have a black identification ring above the cartridge neck.

===Tracer cartridges===
Besides that the [[tracer ammunition|tracer cartridges]] 7T3 and 7T3M were developed. These bullets can be identified by their green marked tips. The 3.23 g (50 gr) tracer projectile has a shorter ogival profile and for 7T3 ammunition burns out to 800 m (870 yd) and for 7T3M ammunition ignites at 50 m (55 yd) burning out to 850 m (930 yd).

===Training and instruction cartridges===
[[File:7H4.jpg|thumb|7H4 training or dummy cartridges.]]

For training purposes the [[blank cartridge]]s '''7H3''', '''7H3M''' and '''7Kh3''' were developed. These rounds have a hollow white plastic imitation projectile. When these training rounds are used, the barrel of the gun is fitted at the muzzle with a Blank Fire Adapter to produce a gas pressure build-up for cycling the gun, as well as a breakup aid for their plastic projectiles.<ref>[http://www.military-today.com/russian_land_forces.pdf Russian 5.45x39mm Assault Rifle Rounds, Land Forces Weapons Export Catalog, page 86]</ref>

For instruction purposes the '''7H4''' training or dummy cartridge (which has longitudinal grooves) was developed.

===Special purpose cartridges===
For special purposes the '''7U1''' subsonic cartridge with a black and green painted meplat and '''CAP''' cartridge for underwater were developed.

The 7U1 subsonic cartridge weight is 11 g (170 gr) and is loaded with a 5.2 g (80 gr) projectile which is fired with a muzzle velocity of 303 m/s (994 ft/s) yielding 239 J (176 ft·lbf) muzzle energy. Accuracy of fire at 100 m (109 yd) (R50) is 35 mm (1.4 in).

===Basic specifications===
{| class="wikitable"
! Cartridge designation
! 7N6M
! 7N10
! 7N22
! 7N24
! 7T3 (tracer)
! 7Kh3 (training)
|-
! Cartridge weight
| 10.5 g (162 gr)
| 10.7 g (165 gr)
| 10.75 g (166 gr)
| 11.20 g (173 gr)
| 10.3 g (159 gr)
| 6.65 g (103 gr)
|-
! Bullet weight
| 3.43 g (52.9 gr)
| 3.62 g (55.9 gr)
| 3.69 g (56.9 gr)
| 4.15 g (64.0 gr)
| 3.23 g (49.8 gr)
| 0.24 g (3.7 gr)
|-
! Muzzle velocity
| 880 m/s (2,887 ft/s)
| 880 m/s (2,887 ft/s)
| 890 m/s (2,920 ft/s)
| 840 m/s (2,756 ft/s)
| 883 m/s (2,897 ft/s)
| 
|-
! Muzzle energy
| 1,328 J (979 ft·lbf)
| 1,402 J (1,034 ft·lbf)
| 1,461 J (1,078 ft·lbf)
| 1,464 J (1,080 ft·lbf)
| 1,259 J (929 ft·lbf)
| 
|-
! Accuracy of fire at300 m (328 yd) (R50)
| 75 mm (3.0 in)
| 90 mm (3.5 in)
| 90 mm (3.5 in)
| 96 mm (3.8 in)
| 140 mm (5.5 in)
| 
|}

* <small>R<sub>50</sub> at 300 m (328 yd) means the closest 50 percent of the shot group will all be within a circle of the mentioned diameter at 300 m (328 yd).</small>
* <small>The twist rate used in the [[AK-74#AK-74M|AK-74M]] assault rifle that has been adopted as the new [[service rifle]] of the [[Russian Federation]] in 1991 is 200 mm (7.87 in).</small>

==Civil use==
The 5.45×39mm was developed by the Soviet Union for military use and it was not intended to create civilian weapons in this chambering. When 5.45×39mm ammunition finally became available for sale to civilians, several arms manufacturers started to offer 5.45×39mm chambered ([[semi-automatic rifle|semi-automatic]]) AK-74 platform arms for civilian use. Sometimes these AK-74 platform arms combine parts originating from Russia or other Eastern European countries and parts produced elsewhere.<ref name="Centerfire Systems">{{cite web | url=http://www.centerfiresystems.com/digitalpubs/latefall2014/centerfire-systems-late-fall-2014.html?utm_source=streamsend&utm_medium=email&utm_content=22536729&utm_campaign=Late%20Fall%202014%20Digital%20Catalog%20now%20online,%20plus%20free%20shipping%20on%20.223!#?page=10 | title=Centerfire Systems Late Fall 2014 online catalog | publisher=Centerfire Systems, Inc. | accessdate=12 December 2014 | pages=11}}</ref>
Only a few civilian 5.45×39mm weapons were developed and commercially offered. Non AK-74 platform rifles and commercial offerings include the East German [[Ssg 82]] [[bolt action]] rifle and the Russian CRS-98 "Vepr-5, 45" semi-automatic carbine and [[Saiga semi-automatic rifle]]. In May 2008 the [[Smith & Wesson M&P15|Smith & Wesson M&P15R]] was introduced. This was a standard [[AR-15]] platform rifle chambered for the 5.45×39mm cartridge and was Smith & Wesson's first AR-variant rifle in a chambering other than 5.56×45mm NATO<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2008/06/05/smith-and-wesson-mp15r-new-ar15-platform-rifle-and-uppers-in-545x39/ |title= Smith and Wesson M&P15R: New AR15 Platform Rifle and Uppers in 5.45×39}}</ref> and is no longer in current (2012) production.<ref>[http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764984_-1_757785_757784_757784_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y S&W PRODUCT ARCHIVE: Model M&P15R Rifle]</ref> The civilian version of the [[IMI Tavor TAR-21|Tavor TAR-21]] rifle produced for the US market includes an optional 5.45×39mm conversion kit.<ref>[http://www.iwi.us/tavor.html Israel Weapon Industries US Tavor website]</ref>

===Commercial 5.45×39mm ammunition===
The US ammunition manufacturer [[Hornady]] produces commercial polymer-coated steel case 5.45×39mm ammunition loaded with 3.89 g (60.0 gr)  polymer tipped V-MAX bullets with a stated [[ballistic coefficient]] (G1 BC) of 0.285.<ref>[http://www.hornady.com/store/5.45X39-60-gr-V-MAX-Steel-Case/ 5.45X39 60 gr V-MAX™ Steel Case]</ref><ref>[http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/ballistics/metric-ballistics-chart-2012.pdf HornadyMetric Ballistic Chart - 2012]</ref>
[[Wolf Ammunition|WOLF Performance Ammunition]] offers several [[Berdan primer#Berdan primer|Berdan primed]] commercial 5.45×39mm loads.<ref>[http://www.wolfammo.com/pdf/WPA_2011_catalog.pdf WOLF Performance Ammunition 2011 catalog]</ref>
The Russian ammunition manufacturer [[Barnaul Cartridge Plant]] also offers several Berdan primed commercial sporting and hunting 5.45×39mm cartridges. Barnaul states that their 5.45×39mm cartridges produce a maximal pressure of 294,2 MPa (41,054 psi) and have a bullet dispersion R<sub>100</sub> of 25 mm (1.0 in) at a range of 100 m (109 yd), meaning every shot of a shot group will be within a circle of the mentioned diameter at 100 m (109 yd).<ref>[http://eng.barnaulpatron.ru/production/sportshuntingcartridgescalibre/545.html Barnaul 5.45×39mm sporting and hunting cartridges]</ref> The American firearms corporation [[Century International Arms]] offers Ukrainian made 5.45×39mm cartridges with steel casings and bi-metal (copper/steel) jacketed bullets under the [[Red Army Standard Ammunition]] brand.<ref>{{cite web|title=• 5.45 x 39mm •|url=http://redarmystandard.com/545x39.html|publisher=Red Army Standard|accessdate=27 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=January 2014 Consumer Catalog|url=http://www.centuryarms.com/Consumer/JAN14Consumer/files/assets/common/downloads/Century%20Arms%20January%202014%20Catalog.pdf|page=24|publisher=Century International Arms|accessdate=27 May 2014|date=1 January 2014}}</ref> The Russian manufacturer [[Tula Arms Plant]] states that its [[Tula Ammunition]] cartridges comply with the 5.45×39mm C.I.P. rulings producing a maximal pressure of 302.7 MPa (43,900 psi) and keeps their qualities under various climatic and weather conditions independent of the season and at a temperature range from −50 to 50 °C (−58 to 122 °F).<ref>[http://www.webyshops.com/Product-Type/Ammo-pt/TULA-AMMO-5-45x39-60Gr-Full-Metal-Jacket-20-50-Steel-Cased-TA545390BX.html TULA AMMO 5.45x39, 60Gr, Full Metal Jacket 20/50 Steel Cased (TA545390BX)]</ref><ref>[http://tulammousa.com/products/centerfire-rifle-cartridges/5-45x39/#more-93 5.45×39 at http://tulammousa.com]</ref> Tula's 3.89 g (60.0 gr) [[full metal jacket bullet]] has a stated [[ballistic coefficient]] (G1 BC) of 0.329 and its 3.89 g (60.0 gr) [[hollow-point bullet]] has a stated [[ballistic coefficient]] (G1 BC) of 0.301.<ref>[http://en.tulammo.ru/products/rifle_cartridges/545x39/ 5.45x39 FMJ at http://en.tulammo.ru]</ref><ref>[http://en.tulammo.ru/products/rifle_cartridges/545x39_hp/ 5.45x39 HP at http://en.tulammo.ru]</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
! Cartridge designation
! Hornady V-MAX
! WOLF PerformanceFMJ HP
! WOLF Military Classic FMJ
! WOLF Military Classic HPSP
! Barnaul FMJBT
! Barnaul SPBT
! Barnaul HPBT
! TULAMMO FMJ
! TULAMMO HP
|-
| Bullet weight
| 3.89 g (60.0 gr)
| 3.89 g (60.0 gr)
| 3.89 g (60.0 gr)
| 3.565 g (55.0 gr)
| 3.85 g (59.4 gr)
| 3.56 g (54.9 gr)
| 3.56 g (54.9 gr)
| 3.89 g (60.0 gr)
| 3.89 g (60.0 gr)
|-
| Muzzle velocity
| 856.5 m/s (2,810 ft/s)
| 895 m/s (2,936 ft/s)
| 860 m/s (2,822 ft/s)
| 881 m/s (2,890 ft/s)
| 860 m/s (2,822 ft/s)
| 878 m/s (2,881 ft/s)
| 883 m/s (2,897 ft/s)
| 895 m/s (2,936 ft/s)
| 895 m/s (2,936 ft/s)
|-
| Muzzle energy
| 1,427 J (1,053 ft·lbf)
| 1,558 J (1,149 ft·lbf)
| 1,439 J (1,061 ft·lbf)
| 1,384 J (1,021 ft·lbf)
| 1,424 J (1,050 ft·lbf)
| 1,372 J (1,012 ft·lbf)
| 1,388 J (1,024 ft·lbf)
| 1,558 J (1,149 ft·lbf)
| 1,558 J (1,149 ft·lbf)
|}

==See also==
*[[7.62×39mm]]
*[[5.45×18mm]]
*[[Table of cartridges]]

== References ==
<references/>

== Notes and Citations ==
* Fackler ballistics study - [http://www.btammolabs.com/fackler/ak74_wounding_potential.pdf]
* Terminal Ballistics Study - Bosnia - Military Medicine/December 2001 [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3912/is_200112/ai_n9010648]
* Photos of various different types of 5.45x39mm ammunition[http://www.conjay.com/Ammunition%20for%20Armor%20Testing%20East%205.45mm%20x%2040.htm]

[[Category:Ammunition]]
[[category:5.45mm]]
[[Category:Military cartridges]]
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{cartridge page tabs|5.45x39mm}}
 {{Cartridge
 |name= 5.45x39mm M74
@@ Line 59: / Line 58: @@
 }}
 The Soviet '''5.45x39mm''' round was introduced into service in 1974 for the [[AKS-74U]] and the [[AK-74]] assault rifle. It gradually supplemented then largely replaced the [[7.62x39mm]] round then in service.
-==History==
-[[File:Modern-rifle-cartridges-cases.jpg|thumb|left|Service rifle cartridges cases: (Left to right) [[7.62×54mmR]], [[7.62×51mm NATO]], [[7.62×39mm]], [[5.56×45mm NATO]], 5.45×39mm.]]
-The 5.45×39mm cartridge was developed in the early 1970s by a group of Soviet designers and engineers under the direction of M. Sabelnikov. Further group members were: L. I. Bulavsky, B. B. Semin, M. E. Fedorov, P. F. Sazonov, V. Volkov, V. A. Nikolaev, E. E. Zimin and P. S. Korolev.
-The 5.45×39mm is an example of an international tendency towards relatively small-sized, lightweight, high-velocity military service cartridges. Cartridges like the 5.45×39mm, [[5.56×45mm NATO]] and Chinese [[5.8×42mm DBP87|5.8×42mm]] allow a soldier to carry more ammunition for the same weight compared to their larger and heavier predecessor cartridges and produce relatively low [[bolt thrust]] and [[free recoil]] impulse, favouring lightweight arms design and automatic fire accuracy.<ref>[http://www.quarryhs.co.uk/Assault.htm Assault Rifles and Their Ammunition: History and Prospects by Anthony G. Williams]</ref>
-The Soviet original military issue '''7N6''' cartridge variant introduced in 1974 are loaded with [[Full metal jacket bullet|full metal jacket]] bullets that have a somewhat complex construction. The 3.43 g (52.9 gr) boat-tail projectile's jacket is clad in gilding metal. The unhardened 1.43 g (22.1 gr) steel (steel 10) rod penetrator core is covered by a thin [[lead]] inlay which does not fill the entire point end, leaving a hollow cavity inside the nose. The bullet is cut to length during the manufacturing process to give the correct weight. The 7N6 uses a boat-tail design to reduce [[drag]] and there is a small lead plug crimped in place in the base of the bullet. The lead plug, in combination with the air space at the point of the bullet, has the effect of moving the bullet's center of gravity to the rear; the hollow air space also makes the bullet's point prone to deformation when the bullet strikes anything solid, inducing yaw. The brown-lacquered steel case is [[Berdan primer#Berdan primer|Berdan primed]]. Its 39.37 mm (1.55 in) length makes it slightly longer than the 7.62×39mm case which measures exactly 38.60 mm (1.52 in). The primer has a copper cup and is sealed with a heavy red lacquer. The propellant charge is a ball powder with similar burning characteristics to the WC844 powder used in [[5.56×45mm NATO]] ammunition. The 7N6 cartridge weight is 10.75 g (165.9 gr).
-Tests indicate the [[free recoil]] energy delivered by the 5.45×39mm [[AK-74]] assault rifle is 3.39 J (2.50 ft·lb), compared to 6.44 J (4.75 ft·lb) delivered by the 5.56×45mm NATO in the M16 assault rifle and 7.19 J (5.30 ft·lb) delivered by the 7.62×39mm in the [[AKM]] assault rifle.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_9_54/ai_n27963829/ The Russians are coming! The Russians are coming! Or maybe the Polish by Holt Bodinson, Guns Magazine / Sept, 2008]</ref>
-Military 5.45×39mm ammunition was produced in the former Soviet Union, [[East Germany|GDR]] and Yugoslavia, and is produced in Bulgaria, Poland and Romania. In the former Soviet Union this ammunition is produced in [[Russia]], [[Kyrgyzstan]], [[Uzbekistan]] and [[Ukraine]].
 ==Design==
 The Russian military issue 5N7-specification 5.45 mm bullets are a somewhat complex [[Full metal jacket bullet|full metal jacket]] design.  The bullet's core consists mainly of a length of soft steel rod, cut to length during the manufacturing process to give the correct weight. There is a hollow air space ahead of the steel rod behind the bullet tip. The base of the bullet is tapered to reduce drag (a boat-tail bullet) and there is a small lead plug crimped in place in the base of the bullet. The lead plug, in combination with the air space at the point of the bullet, has the effect of moving the bullet's center of gravity to the rear; the hollow air space also makes the bullet's point prone to deformation when the bullet strikes anything solid, inducing yaw.
-===Specifications===
-The 5.45×39mm has 1.75 ml (27 [[grains]] H<sub>2</sub>O cartridge case capacity.
-[[Image:5.45x39 specs.jpg|400px]]
-'''5.45×39mm maximum C.I.P. cartridge dimensions'''.<ref name="multiref1">[http://www.cip-bobp.org/homologation/uploads/tdcc/tab-i/5.pdf C.I.P. TDCC sheet 5,45 x 39]</ref>
-Americans would define the shoulder angle at <sup>α</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub> ≈ 20.3°. The common [[rifling]] [[twist rate]] for this cartridge is 255&nbsp;mm (1 in 10&nbsp;inches), 4 grooves, Ø lands = 5.40&nbsp;mm, Ø grooves = 5.60&nbsp;mm, land width = 2.60&nbsp;mm and the [[Percussion cap|primer type]] is either berdan or small rifle.
-According to the official [[C.I.P.]] (Commission Internationale Permanente pour l'Epreuve des Armes à Feu Portatives) rulings the 5.45×39mm can handle up to 380.00 MPa (55,114 psi) P<sub>max</sub> piezo pressure. In C.I.P. regulated countries every rifle cartridge combo has to be [[Proof|proofed]] at 125% of this maximum C.I.P. pressure to certify for sale to consumers.This means that 5.45×39mm chambered arms in C.I.P. regulated countries are currently (2014) proof tested at 475.00 MPa (68,893 psi) PE piezo pressure.<ref name="multiref1"/>
 ==Wounding effects==
@@ Line 98: / Line 74: @@
 As body armor saw increasing use in Western military forces, bullet construction was changed several times to keep it up with improving means of ballistic protection. In 1987 a steel rod of original design 7N6 bullets was hardened to 60 HRC. In 1992 size of the steel penetrator was increased, and lead plug in front of it discarded (still there was some empty space under the jacket in the bullet's nose), this bullet designated as 7N10 "improved penetration". In 1994 the 7N10 design was improved by filling nasal empty space with lead again. At the impact at hard target soft lead is pressed sideways by following steel penetrator, its hydrostatic pressure tearing the jacket, so the penetrator goes in clear of jacket, being able to penetrate more. In 1998 a new design was introduced - a 7N22 armour-piercing bullet with sharp-pointed steel penetrator made of special steel, still with soft lead plug in the nose for jacket discarding. <ref>[http://grigorew.narod.ru/raznoe/kal545.htm Evolution of the 5,45 mm bullet]</ref> A newest known design is 7N24 "super-armor-piercing" bullet with penetrator made of tungsten carbide, but due to higher cost it's doubtful that 7N24 would be fielded in large scale.
+==Specifications==
+[[Image:5.45x39 specs.jpg|thumb|left|Dimensions for the Soviet M74 [[rifle]] [[cartridge]]]]
+(See also the table in the top right of the article)
+*Bullet weight: 3.43 g (7N6), 3,61 g (7N10), 3,69 g (7N22), about 4 g (7N24), 5,15 g (7U1 subsonic for use with silencer)
+*Muzzle velocity: 915 m/s (7N6?)
+*Muzzle energy: 1,316 J (7N6?)
 ==5.45×39mm cartridge variants==