5.45x39mm

Elvis · Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2016 12:58 am Post subject: 5.45x39mm

ok whats the go with this wee number?????
Im guessing its a 7.62x39mm case necked down but what does it go like????
.22PPC type performance or closer to .223?????
no particular reason other than an advert for one keeps popping up on another site I visit and it has me curious.

Aloysius · Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2016 2:16 am Post subject: Re: 5.45x39mm

I guess the .223:

guns.wikia.com/wiki/5.45x39mm

PaulS · Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2016 9:32 pm Post subject: Re: 5.45x39mm

It is actually a smaller diameter case than the 223 with a slightly larger bullet diameter. It was originally designed as a pistol cartridge and then the carbine came along.
It was intended to replace the NATO 9mm but I don't think it was widely accepted. The military loads are supposed to penetrate body armor, even from the pistol.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2016 3:05 pm Post subject: Re: 5.45x39mm

Its a replacement for the 7.62x39mm cartridge in AKs.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...%C3%9739mm

PaulS · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2016 1:26 am Post subject: Re: 5.45x39mm

I was thinking of something else - sorry, my mistake.

I guess I ought to read what is written instead of what I was thinking.

This round is so close to the 223/5,56 but with a slightly lower? velocity. The powder charge is more "square" which normally leads to better accuracy although in an AK variant it probably isn't due to the firearm.
I guess in an accurate semi-auto or bolt action it would make a great prairie dog shooter and probably would work well on coyotes too. It might even work on small deer if the right bullets were used.
I wonder if it will catch on in the USA.

Vince · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2016 6:41 am Post subject: Re: 5.45x39mm

Looking at the specs and a couple of pics of the round, I reckon it wouldn't be a bad pistol round in say a TC Contender, either a 10" or 14" barrel.

Elvis · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2016 1:47 am Post subject: Re: 5.45x39mm

looking at wiki it seems to be LESS than a .223 speed wise...but I guess if 50% of group is withing 3" at 300 yards it must be reasonably accurate, I was curious to see if anyone had built rifle with it and how they got on performance wise....I guess not yet.