The Great Betrayal (A 5.45 Love Story)

[ironhead7544]

For corrosive ammo you can use the black powder cleaners and dont worry about it. The BP cleaners have water and that will remove the salts. Just clean it and lube with CLP. I gave up the 223 when the milsurp brass went up so high. Brass cases for the 5.45x39 will be available for reloading. Buy the 5.45x39 milsurp cheap and stack it deep. Just my .02.

 

[Spec ops Grunt]

For a first time AK buyer, should I get 7.62x39 or 5.45?

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

For a first time AK buyer, should I get 7.62x39 or 5.45?

It's a choice of cheap ammo & cleaning 5.45, or a more standard caliber which you can use for hunting in some areas you cannot use the 5.45. Basically 6 and one half dozen. Either way, I would recommend that you purchase non-corrosive ammo in addition to the cheap stuff. That way you don't have to clean it if you only take a couple of shots.

 

[blackwalnut]

5.45 X 39 love story....

Its ok. There are some situations in life where its ok to try something different. Too often in the shooting sports, hobby or collecting persons for some reason or another get married to a design or a cartridge only because "everyone else" shoots it or says "you got to have one or your not a good American". We are not talking about cheating on wives just liking some other kind of firearm. Its ok. I myself in my earlier years was brainwashed by the wannabee commandos that you had to have a 1911 or a Garand. These guys even hated ARs cause they shot little bullets and they were made of plastic and aluminum and even M1 carbines. Well screw em and if you like the 5.45 and the Kalashnikov more power to you. I like em too and have also shot AK74s (semi auto) and like the 545 cartridge . I do wish American brass ammo was available. That smaller diameter probably gives a higher BC and SD. The Russians thought it through a little better I think. however Comrade Kalashnikov still felt the 762X39 was a better for his rifle and I would certainly give his opinion credence and respect. Have fun. Remember Hornady loads there bullets now in both Russian calibers. Sometimes ugly or not so attractive females have better personalities.

 

[Maverick223]

For a first time AK buyer, should I get 7.62x39 or 5.45?

It really depends upon what you want to do, but I would (and did) go with 7.62x39mm first. That said, if I end up buying another AK I will likely pick up a 5.45x39.5mm instead (just to have something different).

 

[mshootnit]

I have seen corrosive 5.45 rust an action in about 2 days time, so clean diligently. BTW the chamber and barrel were not rusted.

 

[jeepguy]

im having a love affair too, i left my sweetheart 5.56 for an even prettier all american girl miss 7.62 nato. now she is sleek, sexy, and a knockout. when she gets all dressed up in an m1a and oh boy lookout! don't get me wrong, although she's a looker she isn't a cheep date. so you better bring your wallet, if your going to take this little lass out.

 

[Rack Grade]

im having a love affair too, i left my sweetheart 5.56 for an even prettier all american girl miss 7.62 nato. now she is sleek, sexy, and a knockout. when she gets all dressed up in an m1a and oh boy lookout! don't get me wrong, although she's a looker she isn't a cheep date. so you better bring your wallet, if your going to take this little lass out.

7.62? She's a "wide girl"

 

[Rack Grade]

"Always use protection"

"Always use a lubricant"

CLP!

 

[Sheepdog1968]

For practicing, I've used 9 mm's instead of 45s (cost difference alone & rounds shot have made the 9 mm essentially free). I'd probably keep the 223 and either buy a dedicated 22 LR to practice or an 22 LR adaptor. Do you like your 223 rifle? If you answer is yes, I'd personally go the 22 route.