Optimal barrel length for 5.45x39?

[Greywolf]

Seriously considering a SBR 5.45x39 AR, and was wondering what the maximum length of the barrel should be before any extra length would be wasteful/counterproductive.

I have a 8.5" 9mm AR that works great, and is very accurate to 100+ yards. The addition of a suppressor still makes it less than 16" OAL for the barrel, and I like that.

So, what say you? What would the optimal barrel length be for the 5.45x39?

 

[suemarkp]

Much longer than what you'd want to carry. The puny 22 LR maxes out around an 18 to 24" barrel, assuming maximum velocity is your criteria for the barrel length limit. The 5.45x39 Remington has way more case capacity so would need a much longer barrel before reaching a max velocity. The 9mm one may max out under 30".

 

[MechAg94]

5.45x39 Remington

???

I assume it would be a greater barrel length than the standard AK, but I have no idea.

 

[Tyris]

The 5.45x39 Remington

OK you lost meon that one ... What is the relationship between 5.45x39 and Remington?

-T

 

[Deer Hunter]

None whatsoever.

The 5.45x39 round is, in it's original military sense, purposely designed to tumble when it hits a denser-than-air target. Thus, barrel lengh isn't a huge concern. Bullet structure is, though.

You'd be fine with a krink.

 

[Greywolf]

Range probably no more than 300 yards max. This will be mostly for practice, and for the wife's use in the event of a zombie invasion. We live in a tight suburb in central florida along the coast, so no far-reaching shots needed. I have a TON of 5.45 ammo and plans to get more, so no problems on ammo availability.

I like the shorter barrels for many reasons, and if I am not shooting past 250-300 yards then I wonder if a 10" barrel may work for my needs.

 

[slzy]

i have "heard" the soviets/russians did'nt really like krinks as the reliability as suspect. i would go with a standard length bbl. if it was for anything but plinking.

 

[Deer Hunter]

Greywolf,

If that's all you need it for, then go ahead. Plus I'm guessing you have a bunch of surplus? That's the best bullet design for the round.

 

[elmerfudd]

5.45x39 is a great caliber for zombies. The ammo's very cheap right now so you can set aside tens of thousands of rounds and easily have enough to wipe out the undead population of your suburb, as well as any migratory waves of brain eating ghouls that happen to pass your way. Try doing that with .308 and you'll need a second mortgage.