Originally Posted by ImportConvert

I'm pulling out what's in my magazines vs. anything I could possibly get loaded to a military quality spec (staked and sealed primers, sealed case necks) equivalent in 5.45x39. Since ammo makers for the military or LE have NOT seen fit to invest in the 5.45x39, it's a moot point. I'm interested in what I can and do have, not what is theoretically possible. When they do that for 5.45x39, I'll stand in line and buy one. As of now, I have around 3,000 rounds of good stuff, including the SOCOM 5.56 optomized, 64gr Gold Dot bonded LE, and MK318 SOST. There is nothing in 5.45x39 that can compare, currently, of which I am aware.

However...7.62x39, I have shot a ton of stuff with it. Cinderblock, cars, wood, etc. and it destroys a lot more material/stuff than does 5.56x45, even using the SOCOM solid copper stuff. Also, loading the 7.62x39 with a Barnes TSX makes it supremely nasty. 0.6" expansion, 20"+ penetration in gel. Wicked. I know you can't buy it RIGHT NOW, but it is available and currently loaded, as is Federal Fusion, which is the same thing as a Gold Dot bonded, so 7.62x39 made way more sense for me than 5.45x39, at this point in time.