5.45x39 vs 7.62x39: ANY Difference On Mild Steel?

Published on April 11, 2023
Duration: 6:38

This test compares the mild steel penetration capabilities of 5.45x39 and 7.62x39 cartridges. While both easily penetrated 1/4 inch mild steel, neither standard FMJ round could penetrate 3/8 inch mild steel. A steel core 7.62x39 round also failed to penetrate the thicker plate, indicating limited effectiveness against hardened steel targets with these specific loads.

Quick Summary

In a test comparing 5.45x39 and 7.62x39 against mild steel, both calibers easily penetrated 1/4 inch steel. However, neither standard FMJ round, nor a 7.62x39 steel core round, could penetrate 3/8 inch mild steel, leaving only dents.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 5.45x39 vs 7.62x39 Cartridge Comparison
  2. 00:22Test Setup & Velocity Check
  3. 01:011/4 Inch Mild Steel Penetration Test
  4. 02:223/8 Inch Mild Steel Penetration Test
  5. 03:457.62x39 Steel Core Round Test
  6. 04:59Final Measurements & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 5.45x39 or 7.62x39 penetrate 1/4 inch mild steel?

Yes, both 5.45x39 and 7.62x39 FMJ rounds easily penetrated a 1/4 inch mild steel plate during this test. The 7.62x39 left a slightly cleaner hole, but both demonstrated sufficient power for this thickness.

Which caliber, 5.45x39 or 7.62x39, is better for shooting steel targets?

For standard FMJ rounds tested, neither 5.45x39 nor 7.62x39 could penetrate 3/8 inch mild steel. The 5.45x39 7N6 round showed the best penetration at 0.202 inches, suggesting specialized ammo might be needed for thicker steel.

Did the 7.62x39 steel core round penetrate 3/8 inch mild steel?

No, the 7.62x39 steel core round tested did not penetrate the 3/8 inch mild steel plate. It caused a significant dent on the front and a bulge on the back, similar to the FMJ rounds, indicating it was not designed for heavy steel penetration.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Banana Ballistics

View all →