5.6 x 70 R

The 5.6 x 70 R cartridge traces its origins back to Germany in the early 20th century, developed to meet the demands of European hunters who sought a flat-shooting, small-caliber round suited for sensitive game management and longer-range shooting. First introduced around 1930, the 5.6 x 70 R quickly found favor with hunters and marksmen who used combination guns and break-action rifles, particularly in the forests and fields where flexible firearms reign. Its “R” designation stands for “Rand” (rimmed), optimized for reliable extraction in single- and double-barrel firearms that were highly popular among European shooters of the era. Despite remaining a specialist round with limited international exposure, the 5.6 x 70 R has maintained a loyal following among enthusiasts who value its unique balance of velocity, trajectory, and stopping power for its intended uses.

In terms of application, the 5.6 x 70 R is ideally tailored to hunting and target shooting with a particular emphasis on European varmint and small game management. The round excels in combination guns (Drillings and Bockbüchsflinte) used for stalking and managing populations of fox, hare, and similar pests. Its high velocity and flat trajectory allow shooters to maintain accuracy at distances beyond 200 meters, making it suitable for open land where quick follow-up shots may be necessary. While not typically used for large game, the round’s precision and energy retention make it the cartridge of choice for situations that demand humane, quick kills on wary, fast-moving small mammals.

When it comes to target species, the 5.6 x 70 R is primarily selected for hunting foxes, hares, rabbits, and various small predators such as martens or crows. Its bullet weight and velocity are specifically tuned to ensure the correct balance between penetration and expansion, minimizing pelt damage while delivering sufficient terminal effect for ethical kills. In some regions, skilled marksmen have also utilized the cartridge for controlled culling of roe deer, particularly when using heavy-for-caliber soft-point bullets at moderate range. However, for most reloaders and hunters, its main utility remains with smaller quarry where precision and minimal meat loss are paramount.

Reloaders will appreciate the typical bullet weights available for the 5.6 x 70 R, which generally range from 60 to 77 grains. Loads are optimized for velocities in the region of 1,000 to 1,050 m/s (3,280–3,445 fps) depending on bullet and powder choice, ensuring a characteristically flat ballistic arc. The case length (approximately 70 mm) and rimmed design facilitate reliable extraction in break-action firearms, which is one of the key appeals for those who hunt with traditional European double rifles and combination guns. Reloaders benefit from the relatively robust brass, but should take care to use suitable powders and primers, as the case capacity is considerable for its caliber, and pressures must be kept within recommended limits. The 5.6 x 70 R’s intrinsic accuracy, moderate recoil, and commanding velocity continue to maintain its place as a specialist tool for enthusiasts drawn to the heritage and technical challenge of this classic European cartridge.