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Message: <blockquote data-quote="aestus" data-source="post: 2350342" data-attributes="member: 2989">On "human" targets, the 5.45x39 is devastating, especially considering that it's a FMJ round.  Unlike the 5.56, it doesn't rely on high velocity to fragment or tumble.  It's really what the 5.56 should have been, imo especially now that short barrels are en vogue.  I can only imagine the type of destruction 5.45x39 could do if the same bullet technology was applied to that round like it has with 5.56x45.When comparing 7.62x39 vs 5.45x39, it would depend on the application.  For hunting deer, your choice may only be 7.62x39 if laws require you to hunt with a .30 caliber round minimum.  For home defense, I would give 5.45x39 an edge because it tumble far better than 7.62x39.   In soft targets, 7.62x39 FMJ's go right through like ice picks.  The only edge I see with 7.62x39 is that there is far more aftermarket bullets with soft points and hollow points for hunting, which could make the 7.62x39 better than 5.45x39 when considering non FMJ rounds. There isn't a a lot of support for 5.45x39 by US bullet makers and you're pretty much stuck with FMJ milsurp or Wolf/Tula.I think 7.62x39 would have far greater potential if they applied some of the same thought and bullet technology into it like they're doing with .300 Blackout.  The two calibers should be about the same, but I see .300 Blackout surpassing 7.62x39 in terms of ballistics and effectiveness just due to the sheer amount of attention it's given by bullet manufacturers in progressing that round.  For target shooting and plinking, 5.45x39 has a flatter trajectory and would be "more accurate."   It shoots a bit like 5.56x45/.223.   If I remember correctly, I read a new story of a guy defending himself against a black bear and taking it down with 5.45x39.  It's also really cheap as long as there's a steady import of 5.45x39 milsurp rounds.  For pure fun, the 5.45x39 is really fun.  It's cheap and accurate and fun to put lots of rounds down range that is still hard hitting.One thing to consider in terms of availability, there was a shortage of 5.45x39 for about 6 months and there was no ammo to be found last year.  I sold my 5.45x39 chambered AK74 because of that.  Due to the lack of US manufacturers and very limited support even from Wolf and Tula, all I had was an expensive paper weight.  5.45x39 magazines also shot up by 200% in price due to the same shortages.   When ammo started to come back in right before Sandy Hook, it was at the same price as 7.62x39.Post Sandy Hook, 5.45x39 was no where to be found (all ammo was hard to find) yet, I could still find 7.62x39 if I really wanted it domestically.   Now that everything has settled down, I see prices coming back to pre-Sandy Hook prices and availability, but I've learned my lesson.  If you're going to go with 5.45x39, I would buy 4 or 5 1080 round tins of the stuff and put it away.   Until US manufacturers start supporting it, a single tragedy or a new import law or ban and you can kiss that round goodbye or prices will shoot up to .223/5.56 levels.   7.62x39 will always be available domestically.</blockquote>

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