5.45*39

[blarby]

So, does anyone know of a source of loadable 5.45*39 cases out there that I am missing ?

It looks like you can form them using 222 rem, but it looks to be quite the process, and it would seem the cases don't last long.

While we're at it.... .221 bullets ?

I'm assuming as well that you'd have to get the dies made by redding, or someone similar ?


Anyone loading 5.45*39 who could offer up some advice, I'd be happy to hear it.

the Mrs. is considering an ak-74, and I'd rather not have a weapon I cant load for !

 

[MarshallDodge]

Why not get one in. 223? Brass and bullets are plentiful.

You could get a converted Saiga or convert one yourself. I have one and left it stock. So far I have only put 100 rounds of mixed steel and brass cased ammo through it but have had zero issues.

 

[blarby]

Awesome !

Can you explain that to my wife ?????????????

 

[blarby]

-deleted duplicate.

 

[Ken70]

5.45 reloading; not gonna happen in the next couple of years. When you can buy 2180 rounds for $234 plus $30 shipping to most of flyover country, whom is gonna reload? I'm just waiting until the boat comes in and buy a couple of crates...

 

[thecarfarmer]

My buddy just bought a barrel, bolt, and mag for his AR so he can shoot this round. He buys it cheaper than he can load .223... but I think it's steel case.

-Bill

 

[angus6]

My buddy just bought a barrel, bolt, and mag for his AR so he can shoot this round. He buys it cheaper than he can load .223... but I think it's steel case.

I'd like to know where to find some priced that low , best I'm finding is 16¢ a round shipped

 

[JShirley]

I bought an upper in 5.45mm, because the ammo was so cheap. If you already load a lot, converting a 5.56 Saiga back into standard AK configuration is probably the way to go.

 

[Kyle M.]

I'd like to know where to find some priced that low , best I'm finding is 16¢ a round shipped

Right now the absolute cheapest I could load 1,000 rds. of .223 for is about $160 using the cheapest 55gr bullets I can find, and minimum charges of powder bought in bulk. I can buy 1080 rds. of 5.45x39 for $164.95 from aim surplus. So it's pretty darn close personally I'd go with the .223.

1,000 55gr FMJ's from everglades ammo $88.00 free shipping.

18.0 grs IMR4198 130.00 otd from my lgs per 8lbs so $41.78 in powder

1,000 primers $26.00 also at lgs

155.78 total

 

[blarby]

Absolute cheapest is one way.

Absolute best is completely another.

Hard to find "absolute best" in steel cased import ammo ...

 

[Kyle M.]

Absolute cheapest is one way.

Absolute best is completely another.

Hard to find "absolute best" in steel cased import ammo ...

I just plink so cheap is fine for me as long as it works.

 

[sellersm]

Ken70: When you can buy 2180 rounds for $234 plus $30 shipping to most of flyover country, whom is gonna reload?

Ummm, have you bought any 5.45 lately? Not gonna find it at that price anymore. All the newly imported stuff has gone up quite a bit.

As to the OP's original question, the only way I know how is what you stated originally: reforming other cases. Not sure about a bullet source, though.

 

[blarby]

For bullets, it seems like everyone is just sizing down .224.