Backing up the truck for 5.45x39 - suggestions needed

[HighRoad]

Hi,

I found myself at the fun store today looking over some items. I asked if there were any new gun mags and was handed a flyer. Now I've seen it often before, but it struck a chord this time for whatever reason, it was Bulgarian 5.45x39 for $118 (sealed surplus tin of 1080rnds).

I know this is not ground breaking news but damn, if this is decent ammo it's got to be a great deal. A quick internet search after I arrive home reveals it's also steel core. I don't have anything chambered in 5.45x39, but it looks like theres some good inexpensive rifles in this caliber. I wouldn't mind picking up a tantal.

Anyway, does anyone have experience with this ammo? I find it odd that one vender lists it as non-corrosive, and another says its corrosive. Which is it? Is there another flavor of 5.45 that I should be looking at instead? Anyone have a better deal on this, maybe with free or reduced shipping (ie; 20 cases from AIM costs $245 to ship)? I was thinking about "backing up the truck" ... unless there are any reasons not to?? Smells like a bargain to me. Im looking forward to your replies.

 

[Kurt_D]

All the surplus 5.45 is corrosive, period. The vendor is just wrong on that part.

The Bulgarian 5.45 has done fine in the Romy 5.45 AKs.

Century had the best deal at $120 per tin with flat 12.88 shipping up to $500, then it was free shipping. BUT unfortunatly that deal isn't listed again, yet.

http://www.gun-deals.com/ammo.php as you search for ammo deals you can put in your zip and they'll include shipping.

 

[dfariswheel]

There is commercial 5.45x39 ammo that's non-corrosive, but all the military surplus IS.
This is no big deal, all that's required is that you flush the gun out with hot water before normal cleaning.

While the military surplus 5.45x39 is steel core, it's NOT considered armor piercing.
This is the infamous Russian "tumbling bullet" as used in Afghanistan and Chechnya.
The Afghans called it the "Poison bullet" or the "Devil's Bullet" for the wounding effects.

This is the best surplus ammo deal in MANY years, and the AK-74 rifles typically shoot flatter, more accurately, and with a LOT less recoil, while maintaining the effectiveness needed.

 

[nalioth]

This stuff isn't even "steel cored". It's mostly lead with a steel sliver in it. There is an air pocket at the tip.

Let's not get all excited.

 

[HighRoad]

Thanks for all the info! I will call century on monday to see if they honor that deal.

 

[Sam1911]

This stuff isn't even "steel cored". It's mostly lead with a steel sliver in it. There is an air pocket at the tip.
Let's not get all excited.

Uh...maybe my reading is off...or your picture is mis-labeled. That sure looks like a mostly STEEL core with a lead sliver in it...doesn't it? I can confirm that I see an air pocket, though!

-Sam

 

[chris in va]

Interesting. Wolf 7.62x39 is steel jacketed with a lead core. I would think 5.45 is the same, maybe not.

 

[nalioth]

Uh...maybe my reading is off...or your picture is mis-labeled. That sure looks like a mostly STEEL core with a lead sliver in it...doesn't it? I can confirm that I see an air pocket, though!

The confusion lies in the way the picture is shown.

If you were to imagine the bullet cut in half, you'd see the steel sliver does not make up much of the total.

 

[jimbob1911]

its good stuff, buy it

 

[buck00]

Bulgarian 5.45x39 for $118 (sealed surplus tin of 1080rnds).

Yes 5.45 is at a very good price currently. I would caution you to research the Tantal ahead of time. They seem like nice rifles, but provide no cheek weld. From what I have read from some reviews you "just have to get use to pushing your nose against the receiver."

While I am not saying you should rule out a Tantal, you should check out some Ohio Rapid Fire clones (to consider all your options):

http://rapidfire.targetweb.net/cgi-...mplete_AK_Rifles&cart_id=5218410.24610*ou8Xr6

Anyway, does anyone have experience with this ammo?

I love the way it shoots. Light recoil, flat shooting round, and accurate. I actually prefer this round over 7.62 x 39 (and not just the price either).

I find it odd that one vender lists it as non-corrosive, and another says its corrosive.

Yes it is corrosive. If you want non-corrosive you would have to pay more and get Wolf. But the Bulgarian surplus is corrosive. However, this means nothing if you simply clean your rifle that night. I dont think is any cause for concern if you take care of your rifle.

Thanks for all the info! I will call century on monday to see if they honor that deal.

This is an issue. You may have got an old flyer. The Century deal ended last month and when I called I was told "the sale on 5.45 is gone and its never coming back." The reason? Word is Century knows there is a good demand for 5.45 and is raising the price prior to the election to see if they can max out some profits. You can still get 5.45 at a cheap price from rguns:

http://www.rguns.net/008_3.html

$105 for a tin when you buy two. With shipping (to PA for example) its about $250 for two tins. This is actually cheaper than Century. However, Century was cheaper if you bought a big order due to the free-shipping over $500 deal. But this is what you have to work with.

Here is the current Century price: $160 per tin.

http://www.centuryarms.biz/proddetail.asp?prod=AM1352


You can't go wrong with a 5.45 rifle. Some people have questioned the strength of the caliber (just like 5.56) but keep in mind this round conquered Chechnya- no small feat. I would recommend one.

 

[nalioth]

While I am not saying you should rule out a Tantal, you should check out some Ohio Rapid Fire clones (to consider all your options):

I suggest you do your research on ORF before looking at anything they make or assemble.

 

[nathan]

The recoil is like a plus P .22 magnum. Very nice for new shooters , young kids and women into the sport. Much milder than a .223.

 

[dfariswheel]

If you were to imagine the bullet cut in half, you'd see the steel sliver does not make up much of the total.

Here's a sectioned 5.45x39 bullet.
The steel core is larger than you'd think and it's no "sliver"
The Russian military specified that when the change to the 5.45 was being considered, that it must be NO LESS effective than the 7.62.
Results from Afghanistan and Chechnya indicate that it is.



Ohio Rapid Fire builds good quality rifles. Like every other gun ever made, some people had problems and damn all of them.

Here's the one I bought last Fall.
Top quality, and a very good build.