5.45x39 as a varmint/predator round

Dust

New member
Seems that the 5.45x39 is cheaper than the HMR. My father is looking at another AR, and the price of ammo and ballistics are closer to a .223 than an HMR. There doesn't seem to be anything being said about the caliber here, and I was wondering if anyone had used one for hunting. only problem I see is that it is corrosive and for the most part unreloadable.
 
and as far as I know it's all FMJ, which would limit it's use as a varmit round I would think. I have considered buying one for a plinker though as it's less than 1/2 what 223 is going for right now.
 
I have seen HP, and I think I even saw some softpoints somewhere, for this caliber, but they are harder to find. If you were to use these, I would not see a problem with this beeing a very good choice over the HMR. Don't know how the good the accuracy for these rounds are though.
 
I did a little project about a year ago, I had the same thought. I have a Romanian Wasr2 in 5.45x39 and a PSL in 7.62x54r. The scope rail is the same, so I mounted the 4x scope on the AK. I found some Wolf 60gr hollow points and found that a .223 AK74 mag fits and functions with 4 rounds of ammo. Accuracy is not to bad. Makes for a good calling gun in low light out to 75 yards. Rip's them up pretty bad. Wish there was a better platform. JP

PS I use the PSL out to 400 yards to dispatch vermin. They kind of fold in half w/ a 150gr SP.
 
Dad is looking at an AR-15 in the platform. Jpatterson, I would love to have an PSL in 54R.

Why do you say on 75 yards?
 
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With the short 16" barrel and sloppy action about 75 yards is the best it will do w/ any accuracy, hunting accuracy on smaller targets. Great rifle for saturating a 4' area w/ a 30 round mag at 100 to 150 yards. The cartridge is way better then the rifle. Be real careful w/ surplus ammo, it is all corrosive. It is real cheap, or was. $108.00 per 1080 round tins. I see it now for $169.00 for the same tins. Still cheap enough. Glad I have 5. If you like the PSL, you"ll like its' buddies.
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Jpatterson, any recommendations on PSL stuff, what to look for and what to avoid.

Dad talked to Model 1 Sales about the 5.45 and they said it was dirty ammo, so he is kinda turned off.
 
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