7.62x39 or 5.45x39 ?

[selector67]

I have in my collection a Romanian AK and a Yugo M70AB2 underfolder as far as AK rifles, and I was thinking of buying another AK in 5.45x39 like the AK-74 My question is would I be better off staying with a 7.62x39 AK or should I go ahead and get a 5.45x39.( that means I will have to buy another caibre of ammunition!!:banghead: Ballisticly how do these two calibres compare. I remember not to long ago on History Channel the tales of the gun episode about the AK-47 that Kalashnikov was against the 5.45x39 because he said the 7.62x39 was superior, it also said that the 5.45 produced terrible wounds when it struck the body.

 

[JShirley]

If your "mission" for the rifle is defense, either will work. The 5.45 was designed with an air pocket in the tip that is supposed to make the bullet yaw in flesh.

Some folks really love shooting the little .22 AKs.

John

 

[MTMilitiaman]

You can find 7.62x39 with the air pocket in the tip, and it yaws very nicely. Both rounds have their advantages, though I personally prefer the 7.62mm variety. Since you already have this round covered, I say there is absolutely no reason you couldn't like a 5.45mm, except that ammo for it is even harder to find than the 7.62x39.

 

[Rube]

Interesting question

I thought your question was interesting and set out to find an answer (thanks to google). When you compare ballistics, it is fairly easy to compare flight trajectory; however, from what I read, wound ballistics are much more subjective. Personally, I'd stick with the 7.62 x 39 from a financial standpoint and avoid purchasing another type of ammo.

 

[possum]

I thought your question was interesting and set out to find an answer (thanks to google). When you compare ballistics, it is fairly easy to compare flight trajectory; however, from what I read, wound ballistics are much more subjective. Personally, I'd stick with the 7.62 x 39 from a financial standpoint and avoid purchasing another type of ammo.

and different magazines as well! i like to keep it simple you know?

 

[MechAg94]

The 5.45 is lower recoil with a flatter trajectory similar to .223. People say it is more accurate than 7.62 AK's. My WASR is actually pretty accurate, but it has other problems.

 

[MAUSER88]

I was a fan of the 7.62 x 39mm till I tried the 5.45. Now it's the 5.45 for me.

 

[MechAg94]

I am in a similar boat. I don't like my WASR, but it has got me real interested in getting another gun. I am contemplating an Arsenal.