If you could have one caliber..5.45 vs 5.56 vs X39

[armymen0268]

Over the years I’ve started widening my collection..I’ve recently built a pretty nice AKM and the more I shoot it the more I enjoy it over my Bren 2 in 5.56. I just ended up with a Galil in 5.45 but it’s a rifle and I just hate long barrels. Being new to the caliber I’m not really sure about ballistics and what not anyways.

What’s your favorite caliber & why?

 

[Creedmoor]

Go and shoot them at 300 to 400 yards.
It will be self explanitory.
Out of those three? 5.56 Bren.

 

[armymen0268]

Go and shoot them at 300 to 400 yards.
It will be self explanitory.
Out of those three? 5.56 Bren.

I do pretty much zero shooting past 100. I don’t have the time, space or want to lol Mainly living in an urban environment I like CQC. I’m just asking as a general question, doesn’t have to be my three.

 

[55fairlane]

Go and shoot them at 300 to 400 yards.
It will be self explanitory.
Out of those three? 5.56 Bren.

This

 

[BravoOneFour]

Over the years I’ve started widening my collection..I’ve recently built a pretty nice AKM and the more I shoot it the more I enjoy it over my Bren 2 in 5.56. I just ended up with a Galil in 5.45 but it’s a rifle and I just hate long barrels. Being new to the caliber I’m not really sure about ballistics and what not anyways.

What’s your favorite caliber & why?

I can't wait to play with your new can at the pumpkin shoot this weekend dude.

 

[armymen0268]

I can't wait to play with your new can at the pumpkin shoot this weekend dude.

I’m really surprised with it especially adding the E-Brake on the end..Total over kill for x39 but every little thing makes a difference!! I’m really hoping for a big turn out this year

 

[Squid556]

Ballistics are fairly similar between 5.56x45mm and 5.45x39mm. Advantage to the 5.56. Biggest thing to look at is availability , cost, and options.


If you read the fine print , 5.56 has about 20% less drop at max effective range. As well as 10% more velocity.

5.45 is getting harder to get, less options, and more cost. As an American I don't see why you would want 5.45 other than just being a purist for whatever rifle it belongs in.

 

[armymen0268]

Ballistics are fairly similar between 5.56x45mm and 5.45x39mm. Advantage to the 5.56. Biggest thing to look at is availability , cost, and options.
View attachment 308843
View attachment 308844
If you read the fine print , 5.56 has about 20% less drop at max effective range. As well as 10% more velocity.

5.45 is getting harder to get, less options, and more cost. As an American I don't see why you would want 5.45 other than just being a purist for whatever rifle it belongs in.

Yeah that’s what I’m finding out. I’ve been stocking up on SMK 77’s but still just shoot 55’s into trash when training. I’m paying similar prices for the 77’s and basic steel 5.45 lol

 

[Squid556]

Here are two similar platforms firing the two different cartridges at distance. Again up close I don't think you'll notice a difference other than on your wallet.

First is the 5.56 AK out to 500 yds



Second is the 5.45 AK out to 500 yds.

 

[armymen0268]

Here are two similar platforms firing the two different cartridges at distance. Again up close I don't think you'll notice a difference other than on your wallet.

First is the 5.56 AK out to 500 yds



Second is the 5.45 AK out to 500 yds.

I just found this dude this year!! I definitely enjoy these videos. He’s had some wild guns on there that I’ve always wanted lol

 

[GasTube138]

I enjoy shooting 5.45 more. I just do. My 5.45 guns always shoot flatter and softer with less fuss (my 5.56 always need to be "tuned" and messed with just to get close). Sadly, it's just not as practical these days. It is what it is. I've shifted the bulk of my AK shooting to 5.56 models. My main 5.56 AK is actually really flat shooting, but I had to do a ton to get it there vs traditional 74's that just were perfect as is with 5.45.

 

[Basher]

I’ve always wanted a -74, but availability and price of 5.45x39 has always kept me away. Kind of a bummer, but it is what it is. Of those mentioned, I’d absolutely go 5.56 given the current ammo situation. It’s still gonna cost me and take some looking for find the good deals, but I’d wager it’ll be a lot more available than 5.45, and I’m just not a big 7.62x39 fan.

 

[armymen0268]

From what I’ve found, good quality 5.56 is the same price as fmj steel 5.45. It definitely does suck right now but it’s nice to have options. I’m honestly leaning more towards my AK right now.

 

[Methane Herder]

Built an AR. S&W upper in 5.45, lower Nodak Spud, CMT and Rock Island bits.
The somewhat recent production Russian ammo I have shot (Silver Bear?) in it was all over the place (lots of keyholes) at 100yds (ragged 6" at best). Hornady ammo, patterned like a similar built 5.56 AR with NATO ammo (all within 2.5" of POA).
As usual, garbage in, garbage out.

MH

 

[Tombs]

5.45 is an interesting cartridge, but at the end of the day it was the soviet's attempting to replicate our success with 5.56, with as few of changes to logistics as possible.

If we were only equipped to produce stamped AKs, and that's what we manufactured best, then the calculus might be different. Considering things as they are, it's going to be difficult to consider anything superior to an AR15 and the 5.56 cartridge just due to the soft factors alone.

I mean I do shamelessly love slavic stuff in general, and if I was to get an AK it would be in 5.45 or 9x39, just because it's "right."

 

[BigMoose]

I’d probably just go with 9x19 since you can get AR in that caliber. Or just a Cx-4 since it uses same mags as Beretta pistols

 

[Basher]

… or 9x39 …

I would do dirty, awful, terrible things for a Vintorez (or maybe a Val) with a lifetime supply of 9x39…

 

[BigMoose]

View attachment 309066

I would do dirty, awful, terrible things for a Vintorez (or maybe a Val) with a lifetime supply of 9x39…

They are available, just sign up to fight in Ukraine. Get all the freaky Russian weapons off the ground.

 

[ACC]

Get the best of all three and go with 300 BLK!

 

[armymen0268]

Get the best of all three and go with 300 BLK!

I just feel like 300 is only good for one thing..Kicking in doors and being sub sonic lol