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Orion-

I've gone with 7.62x39 over 5.45x39 with the AK platform (I have 3 SAS M7s, 2 SA M7Rs and one SA M7A1 as made by Arsenal) for the simple fact that there were/are no current domestic manufacturers at the time producing 5.45 ammo meaning that all 5.45 ammo is imported.

Until we see one or more of the domestic ammo manufacturers commence production of the 5.45 round, that makes for a very weak point (IMO) in supplying such a rifle and given the tenor of liberal furor in Washington these days after the passage of Obumblecare, I wouldn't put it past them (our legislators) and him (the Big Zero) to see this as some sort of "mandate" for more restrictive measures (not just guns but other unrelated things) across the board.

While the 7.62x39 is also heavily imported as surplus, there are several domestic sources (Winchester, Remington, Federal, FiocchiUSA, etc) of production that could serve to feed your AK's dietic demands.

The 5.45 is neat round without a doubt, but until we see a domestic source of fresh 5.45 ammo, I'll pass and stick with the big lump of full metal jacketed Russian lead @ 2330 fps.

I've heard that Hornady might be tooling up for 5.45x39 production, too. I sure hope that it comes to be.

Just my "take" on the state of things as they are now. You have to decide what you wanna do for yourself.

Good luck.

 

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7.62 ammo is everywhere. 7.62x39 is good for hunting also. You can take deer and hogs. Most of the 5.45 ammo is corrosive which is a pain in the rear.... in my opinion. If you want a small cartidge, get an AR-15 .

I agree.

Hadn't even thought to mention that. Not a big fan of corrosive stuff either. The salts formed (KCl, potassium chloride) are very hygroscopic (draw and hold water) and will cause all sorts of damage to a rifle left unattended for even a few days especially in the right climate.

Hornady is already manufacturing the 7.62x39 in steel cases using the VMAX bullet and is rumored to be commencin' production of 5.45x39 in the same format. (with the VMAX bullet) This would alleviate the corrosion issue, but expect to pay dearly (lotsa $$$$ :shocked: ) for the convenience.

The 7.62x39 is every bit as good as the .30-30 for medium-light game (Eastern whitetails, feral hogs, javelina) and two legged trouble, too. The 5.45, once it enters domestic production and we see some good non-corrosive ammo with better bullet selection might fill the bill, but 'til then I'm a 7.62 guy if only for its outstanding penetration against intervening barriers.