5.45x39 New From Hornady

[msg.drew]

Its nothing new its been around since 1972 but I totally missed any press package or promotions about it... I am guessing I am not the only one. I have not seen many rifles chambered for it recently.

"Hornady is pleased to offer both the 7.62x39 and 5.45x39 cartridges for 2010. Both the 7.62x39 and the 5.45x39 feature high-quality, lacquer-coated steel cases with non-corrosive berdan primers. Each cartridge is loaded with Hornady V-MAX bullets and carefully chosen propellants, and all loading will be done at the Hornady factory.
Collectors and practical rifle enthusiasts will appreciate these high-quality, affordably-priced offerings from Hornady – two fantastic additions that will compliment new and traditional rifles chambered for these two storied cartridges.
Depending on the caliber, Custom ammo is loaded with Hornady SST, InterBond, InterLock or V-MAX bullets."

 

[mbogo3]

Not many AK74's around......................get them to make .303 Savage brass.......Harold

 

[msg.drew]

I was reading the write up and your right it was designed for AK74 and then phased out to the the 7.62x39. I was looking at its performance and its nothing special. 223 currently out performs it. I cant see it being very popular. Maybe thats why I haven't heard anything about it.

 

[mbogo3]

Yes Soldier of Fortune smuggled the first AK74 out of Afghanistan during the Russian invasion[80's] and passed it on to the CIA to look at.Because of the high velocity and hollow nosed bullets it tumbled on impact creating horrific wounds.........Harold

 

[greentips]

Yes Soldier of Fortune smuggled the first AK74 out of Afghanistan during the Russian invasion[80's] and passed it on to the CIA to look at.Because of the high velocity and hollow nosed bullets it tumbled on impact creating horrific wounds.........Harold

Ballistic testing shows the other wise - the bubble in the nose is caused by manufacturing process.

 

[mbogo3]

The Afghan wounded would, if alive claim otherwise.Limb hits resulted in amputations whether this "air pocket" and rifling twist was an accident ,well we all know how much human rights mean to the Soviets.From Cartridges of the World This bullet is 1" long .221-.222 dia. weighing 53-54grs ,a boat tail base.a mild steel core and a short lead filler on top and an airspace at the nose.The bullet is designed to be unstable in tissue producing a more severe wound.The British used the same concept in their MKVII .303 in WW2.Casualty reports from Afghanistan tend to confirm the lethality of of this bullet.Muzzle velocity is 2950fps......................Unquote..................Harold

 

[CanAm]

It is popular because it is the next batch of surplus to hit the market.

There was a thread ot two last year on both these when they were announced.

That is why S&W now produce an AR upper for it. I like it because it has more body taper than the 223, thus is more reliable and has no issues with steel cases.