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

Published on April 11, 2023
Duration: 6:38

This video from Banana Ballistics provides an expert-level comparison of 5.45x39 and 7.62x39 cartridges, focusing on their mild steel penetration capabilities. The host, an independent ammunition tester, uses a chronograph and digital calipers to gather precise data, demonstrating that while both calibers can penetrate 1/4 inch steel, neither standard FMJ nor steel core variants fully penetrate 3/8 inch mild steel under the tested conditions. The 5.45x39 with 7N6 ammunition previously tested showed superior penetration.

Quick Summary

In tests comparing 5.45x39 and 7.62x39 on mild steel, both calibers easily penetrated 1/4 inch plates. Against 3/8 inch steel, neither standard FMJ nor steel core variants fully penetrated. The 5.45x39 7N6 ammunition previously tested showed the best penetration at 0.202 inches into the 3/8 inch plate.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Cartridge Comparison
  2. 00:22Test Setup and Velocity Check
  3. 01:011/4 Inch Mild Steel Test
  4. 02:223/8 Inch Mild Steel Test
  5. 03:45Steel Core 7.62x39 Testing
  6. 04:59Final Measurements and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How do 5.45x39 and 7.62x39 cartridges compare in mild steel penetration?

In tests on 1/4 inch mild steel, both 5.45x39 and 7.62x39 FMJ rounds penetrated easily. However, against 3/8 inch mild steel, neither standard FMJ nor steel core variants of either caliber fully penetrated the plate, indicating similar performance at that thickness.

What were the key ballistics findings for 5.45x39 and 7.62x39 in the mild steel test?

The 5.45x39 60 gr FMJ achieved 2885 fps and 1109 ft/lbs. The 7.62x39 122 gr FMJ had box data of 2396 fps and 1555 ft/lbs. Previous testing showed 5.45x39 7N6 ammunition penetrated 3/8" steel the deepest at 0.202 inches.

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

No, the steel core 7.62x39 ammunition tested did not fully penetrate the 3/8 inch mild steel plate. It left a significant dent and bulge, measuring 0.174 inches of penetration, similar to the standard FMJ rounds which also failed to penetrate.

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