5.56 and 5.45 Ballistics info?

[SlimShady]

Like the title says, I'm looking for ballistics info on these two calibers out of a 16in barrel from 100 - 300 yards. I googled but either I'm stupid or nothing came up.

Anyone have any hidden resources?

[PA Rifleman]

Like the title says, I'm looking for ballistics info on these two calibers out of a 16in barrel from 100 - 300 yards. I googled but either I'm stupid or nothing came up.

Anyone have any hidden resources?

Internal, external or terminal?

[Brick]

For external ballistics go here
http://www.norma.cc/default.asp?Lang=2#
choose ballistics US and it will take you to a data input screen where you have the option of defining your own cartridge. Input the variables, muzzle velocity, bullet weight, ballistic coeff of the bullet, height of sights above bore centerline and the program will generate a graph that shows the path of the bullet.

Have fun, experiment.

[SlimShady]

I'm mostly looking for bullet drop and drift assuming a zero at 300 yards.

Thanks for the Norma link, unfortunately I don't know what the "height above centerline is on the AR platform. The main reason I am looking for this info is that I'd like to know if an EOTECH will zero properly with 5.45 and hold a zero out to 300 yards so I figured if the ballistics paths were similar I'd be okay.

I know jack about ballistics so I might be barking up the wrong tree here.

[Brick]

I'm mostly looking for bullet drop and drift assuming a zero at 300 yards.

Thanks for the Norma link, unfortunately I don't know what the "height above centerline is on the AR platform. The main reason I am looking for this info is that I'd like to know if an EOTECH will zero properly with 5.45 and hold a zero out to 300 yards so I figured if the ballistics paths were similar I'd be okay.

I know jack about ballistics so I might be barking up the wrong tree here.

Then it's time to start learning a little. Got an AR-15? Just measure the distance from the approximate centerline of the bore to the center of the rear sight. The site I gave you will make adjustments for wind speed and direction. The red bars are adjustable "sliders". Ballistic coefficients and approximate muzzle velocities can be obtained from reloading data. Most reloading manuals will include information on the type firearm used in testing. If the test rifle used is a standard 20" barrel M16A2 type, muzzle velocity from a 16" M4 will be roughly 10% lower. In any event you can try various combinations and "play" with the graph to see how bullet weights, ballistic coefficients and muzzle velocities cause changes to the system.

FWIW, the Army zeros the M16 for 250 meters, soldiers are then taught hold under/over for various ranges out to the rifles maximum effective. Zeroing is usually done on a 25 meter zero range.

[PA Rifleman]

Here's some information, although it's mostly ancillary to what you want:

Re-Loading data and dimensions for 5.45 x 39mm calibre
http://davecushman.net/545x39_cartridge.html

Some images of terminal ballistics, all images will enlarge with a click:

Impact damage from a 5.45mmx39


Impact damage from a 5.56mmx45, M193 (55 gn FMJ)


Impact damage from a 5.56mmx45, M855 (62 gn FMJ)


Impact damage from a 7.62mmx39 M43

[mpett1]

Anyone have any info on muzzel energy on a 5.45?

[Brick]

Anyone have any info on muzzel energy on a 5.45?

The basic equation for muzzle energy is the classic equation for kinetic energy;

e = 1/2 mV(squared) {I hate not being able to use superscript!}
where m= mass
v = velocity

in our system mass is expressed in slugs (pounds/accel. of gravity) and velocity is in feet per second. The resulting energy will be in foot-pounds.

Converting the weight in grains is a pia so here's a shortcut for you that will give results that are close enough.

Velocity (fps) X Velocity(fps) X Bullet weight (grains)/450240 = Energy (fps)

Just plug in your bullet weight and muzzle velocity and crank it out on your calculator. Save the equations because it works for any bullet or caliber as long as you know weight and velocity.