5.6 x 70 R Load Data

Caliber Overview

The 5.6 x 70 R cartridge is a lesser-known, yet highly respected rimmed rifle cartridge originating from Germany in the early 20th century. Developed for use in combination guns, such as drillings and double rifles, the 5.6 x 70 R traces its roots back to a period where versatility and adaptability were essential requirements for European hunters. The design is based on scaling down the popular 6.5 x 70 R cartridge, meeting the demand for a small-caliber, high-velocity round capable of precise shots at moderate to long distances. Its introduction offered hunters an alternative to the .22 caliber rimfire rounds, giving them more power and range for specific applications while retaining compatibility with break-action rifles so popular in the region.

Known for its flat trajectory and impressive downrange performance, the 5.6 x 70 R became a staple for European stalkers and varmint hunters. Its primary application is in single-shot and double rifles—often combined with shotgun barrels for ultimate field versatility. Combination and drilling guns chambered in 5.6 x 70 R allow for seamless transition between different types of game during the same hunt, making the cartridge exceptionally popular among traditional hunters who favor these classic firearms. Thanks to its mild recoil and high speed, the 5.6 x 70 R is also appreciated by reloaders seeking accuracy and efficiency for field shooting.

In terms of target species, the 5.6 x 70 R is ideally suited for small and medium game. This includes fox, hare, roe deer, and other similar-sized animals frequently encountered in European forests and farmlands. Its high velocity ensures reliable expansion and penetration, making it ethical for clean kills within reasonable distances, generally up to 200–250 meters. The cartridge’s design makes it less suited to heavier game but ideal for controlling pests and predators or harvesting lightweight ungulates where rules permit. The rimmed case provides reliable extraction in break-action rifles, an essential feature for combination guns often used in rugged terrain.

Typical bullet weights for the 5.6 x 70 R range from about 60 to 74 grains, accommodating both varmint and small deer loads. The most common bullet diameters measure around .228 inch (5.6 mm), distinguishing it from other .22 centerfire cartridges that use .224-inch bullets. Muzzle velocities can vary depending on the bullet and rifle used, but reloaded cartridges often reach between 900 to 1,000 meters per second (approximately 2,950–3,280 feet per second). The cartridge case itself has a long neck, offering excellent support for elongated bullets, and the rimmed case ensures compatibility and smooth extraction in traditional European break-action hunting rifles. These qualities combine to make the 5.6 x 70 R a beloved choice among reloaders who value tradition, versatility, and authoritative performance for specialized hunting situations.