caliber question
How does the 5.45x39 as a general purpose and defense round compare to the 5.56. My principal concerne would be a defensive round. I understand that this round was designed as a military caliber, but would like to know if it has applications for varmint use as well. I see that S&W is fielding a M&P Ar style rifle in this caliber, and was curious as to it's comparison overall to the 5.56. I know that this is a vague question, I apologize, but any information on this caliber would be appreciated (ie): strengths and weaknesses, accuracy, stopping power and effective ranges.
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can someone explain the suffix on calibers like 30-06, 30-30. 0 -
Depending on the configuration and accuracy of the rifle shot from, it could certainly be a decent midrange varmint round, just like the 223/556 which it was designed to keep up with. But, IMHO, none of these are real defense cartridges as they are design to wound and maim human size target rather then to kill quickly. The theory going back to WWII where it was thought that a wounded man needed many to get him off the field and hopefully back to health. The dead can just be burried by a few when time allowed. If you want a real defense cartridge get a large capacity, short barreled, 12 gage shotgun. One shot at close range with a 12gage and they are down. Another thought is that if international importation is stopped then the source for 5.45x39 may well dry up as there is only minimal demand for it here in the States.
PS: I'm not suggesting that lots of clean kills don't occur with these cartridges, they certainly do. It's just that they are better suited to offence then defence, especially home defence.....0 -
If you are determined to use a long gun for home defense, get a short bbl 12 gauge loaded with buckshot. Neither of these rifle calibers are good for home defense( as ern98 mentioned.) The debate between these 2 calibers rages on daily! The 5.56 is better for varmit shooting dur to its lighter, faster bullet.Either of these calibers are documented man killers. 0 -
As mentioned, unless you are defending a castle or a farm against invasion, no centerfire rifle round is really well-suited for defensive use. (At least not personal or home defense). Shotgun or pistol are better as they have limited risk of overpenetration or collateral damage.
In terms of ballistics, you can debate the fine points, but on a first approximation, the 5.45x39 is roughly the same as .223. The 5.45 takes a slightly heavier bullet and spits it out a little slower.
Anything you can do with the latter, you can do with the former, only you're going to find far less of a variety of guns and loadings with the Commie-bloc round.0
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