Want to know everything you can about 5.45×39 ammo and don’t feel like jumping all over the Internet? We’ve got you covered with this in-depth write-up all about the famous AK-74 caliber!
- Development of 5.45x39mm Ammo
- First 5.45x39mm Chambered Firearm
- Is 5.45×39 Ammo Popular in The US?
- What Wars Has 5.45×39 Ammo Been Used In?
- Is 5.45x39mm Good For Competition Shooting?
- Why is 5.45x39mm a Good Round?
- Why Not Use 5.45x39mm Ammo
- Conclusion on 5.45×39
The Origin of 5.45x39mm Ammo
The 5.45x39mm cartridge was developed in the Soviet Union in the early 1970s as a replacement for the 7.62x39mm cartridge used in the AK-47 and other Soviet-designed firearms. The new cartridge was designed to have better terminal ballistics and less recoil than the 7.62x39mm, which would allow for more accurate and controllable automatic fire.
The 5.45x39mm cartridge was based on the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge used by the United States and other Western countries. It used a smaller, lighter bullet than the 7.62x39mm, which allowed for a higher bullet velocity and better terminal ballistics. The cartridge was also designed to be cheaper and easier to manufacture than the 7.62x39mm.
The First 5.45x39mm Firearm
The first firearm to be chambered for the 5.45x39mm cartridge was the AK-74, which was developed in the early 1970s and adopted by the Soviet army in 1974. The AK-74 was a new design that used a rotating bolt and a long-stroke gas piston, which provided better accuracy and reliability than the AK-47.
The AK-74 quickly replaced the AK-47 as the standard infantry rifle of the Soviet Union and its satellite states. It was also exported to many other countries around the world, where both military and civilian shooters widely used it. The 5.45x39mm cartridge became the standard cartridge for the Soviet bloc countries, and it was used in many different firearms that were developed in the Soviet Union and its allies.
Is 5.45x39mm Popular in the US?
In the West, the 5.45x39mm cartridge was not as widely used, but it was still popular with civilian shooters and hunters. Many Western firearms manufacturers produced rifles and shotguns chambered for the 5.45x39mm cartridge, including Remington, Ruger, and Savage.
Today, the 5.45x39mm cartridge is still widely used by military and civilian shooters around the world. It is popular for hunting, self-defense, and target shooting, and it is still relatively affordable and widely available. It is also used in many different types of firearms, including semi-automatic rifles, bolt-action rifles, and shotguns.
What Wars Has 5.45×39 Ammo Been Used In?
The 5.45x39mm cartridge has also been used in a number of military conflicts around the world. It was used by Soviet and Russian forces in the Soviet-Afghan War, the First Chechen War, the Second Chechen War, and the War in Donbass. It was also used by Syrian government forces in the Syrian Civil War and by Taliban forces in Afghanistan.
Is 5.45x39mm Good For Competition Shooting?
In addition to its military use, the 5.45x39mm cartridge has also been used in a number of civilian shooting competitions and matches. It is popular in long-range precision shooting competitions, as well as in tactical shooting matches. It is also used in many different types of hunting, from small game hunting to big game hunting.
Why is 5.45x39mm a Good Round?
In terms of its design and performance, the 5.45x39mm cartridge is notable for its high velocity and good terminal ballistics. The bullet itself is a small, lightweight design, which allows it to achieve high velocities when fired from a rifle. This high velocity, combined with the bullet’s construction and shape, allows it to achieve good terminal ballistics, which means that it is effective at penetrating and damaging targets.
One of the key features of the 5.45x39mm cartridge is its accuracy. Because of its high velocity and good terminal ballistics, it is capable of delivering accurate shots at long ranges. This makes it a good choice for both military and civilian shooters who need to engage targets at longer distances.
Another important aspect of the 5.45x39mm cartridge is its low recoil. Because the cartridge is relatively light and the bullet is small, it produces less recoil when fired than other cartridges of similar size. This allows for more controllable automatic fire, which is important for military shooters who need to engage multiple targets quickly and accurately.
Why Not Use 5.45x39mm Ammo
Despite its many advantages, the 5.45x39mm cartridge has also faced some criticism. Some shooters have complained that the bullet is too small and lightweight, which can make it less effective at longer ranges. Others have pointed out that the cartridge’s low recoil can make it difficult to control in automatic fire, which can lead to accuracy problems.
Conclusion
Overall, the 5.45x39mm cartridge has had a significant impact on the world of firearms. It has been widely used by military and civilian shooters around the world, and it continues to be a popular choice for many different shooting applications. Its development and use have helped to shape the world of firearms and have made it a better, more effective tool for hunting, self-defense, and target shooting.
