Thoughts on the 5.45x39mm

[jagdpanzer347]

Greetings all. The recent release of very reasonably priced surplus ammunition in this caliber has gotten to me thinking about picking up an AK74 variant. Plus, those Polish Tantals are just drop dead sexy, for a firearm anyway. However, that means one more caliber to keep in stock, in addition to magazines to feed it with.

So, to my fellow shooters, I pose two questions. How do you like the 5.45x39mm round itself, especially compared to 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm? Also, what do you think the future holds for the availability of this round? Not long ago this round was very hard to come by, right now it's super cheap. Like 1080 rounds for 118.00 cheap. Corrosive I know, but to me that's not a big deal. On the other hand, it's not like I can walk into Walmart and buy a few boxes of it. I doubt the size of the 5.45x39mm market is large enough for a domestic manufactuer to produce it.

-jagd

 

[GRIZ22]

I doubt the size of the 5.45x39mm market is large enough for a domestic manufactuer to produce it.

I think you've answered your own question. If you want a small bore semi rifle I'd get something that shoots 5.56.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I also worry about the future ammo supply for that.

 

[MechAg94]

I got it solely for collector's value. If you go that route, it only makes sense to budget a couple extra cases of ammo. .223 is about the same price for Wolf and has lots of other options. Might be best to get an AK in that caliber. Mags will be more though.

Wolf ammo is available in that caliber as well (non-corrosive).

 

[pipboy]

are the balistics any better than 7.62 39 or 5.56?? i went with a 7.62 39 because it was cheaper and the mags were cheaper, with the shortage now im kindof regretting it, but it remains convient to me as i own an sks as well

 

[El Tejon]

When the government shuts down ammo imports, it will just not be in specific calibers, it will be everything.

I own weapons chambered in this caliber. I buy ammo for them the same way I do for every caliber--one to shoot, one to store. Buy lots and lots of ammo now while you can.

FYI, right now my friends at R Guns are having a deal on small Russian. If you buy a case (2160 rounds) at $280, that's $.13 a round, they will ship it to you for free! Since I live next door, no big deal, but some of you guys live way, way out, jump on it.

Here's R Guns in Illinois: http://www.rguns.net/008_3.html

 

[Comander Hightower]

5.45 is a great round. low recoil, high velocity. You can find ammo in 53, 60, and 70 grains. With the amount of 5.45 rifles in the US, I am sure that at least one domestic manufacturer will be producing this ammo in the future.