5.45 x 39mm Tantal at East Side

[Urse]

I was in East Side Gun Shop today arranging a transfer when Rabbi(Bill) asked my opinion on a particularly well built Century Tantal clone(very nice rifle by the way). For those that do not know the Tantal is a AK variant chambered for the Russian 5.45 x 39mm round. I have always been of the opinion that whatever the 5.45 can do the 5.56 can do better. However, after doing some research the ballistics, inherent accuracy potential as well as the availability of cost effective 5.45 ammunition make it a very viable option to the 5.56. Opinions?

[molonlabetn]

If both calibers are using equal barrel lengths, their external ballistics are identical with the same weight bullets. Most tables show the .223 as superior because they use a 20" barrel to get their velocity for the .223, while the 5.45 is always a 16"-16.5" barrel.

www.brassfetcher.com has some good numbers on both cartridges, and notes the barrel lengths used during chronographing. Both cartridges push 60gr bullets to 2900-2950fps out of 16" tubes (actually, the 5.45 was slightly faster, but that will vary by load)

I have an Interarms built WZ.88 Polish Tantal, myself.... it's the nicest AK I've personally ever handled or fired. I still don't have a decent optic for it, so I'm not sure how accurate it is (since AK open sight suck). But it will hold a good group at 50yd with open sights, offhand.

The ammo is cheap... the surplus anyways. But you pay for that by having to clean it rigorously (it's corrosive).

[Urse]

I have an Interarms built WZ.88 Polish Tantal, myself.... it's the nicest AK I've personally ever handled or fired. I still don't have a decent optic for it, so I'm not sure how accurate it is (since AK open sight suck).

I am all about High end Kalashnikovs and the Tantal in Rabbi's shop is easily one of the nicest fit and finish Century guns I have ever seen. It is a polish kit built on a DCI receiver. Might have to pay more attention to Polish AK's. As far as an optic goes if you go top dollar get a Aimpoint H-1 Micro Reddot or for a great deal the Burris Fast Fire is pretty nice. Sidetrack over.......5.45....hmmm

[molonlabetn]

I'm pretty set on an EoTech 512... I haven't bought it for myself yet because I don't know if I'll get one for Christmas or not.

[Urse]

EoTech's are nice however they have shown malfunctions due to the heat transfer from the Ultimak. They also will not allow co-witnessing of the iron sights(both of the aforementioned sights will).

[The Rabbi]

Did I mention I have a scope mount to convert the side-mount rail to a weaver rail?

The Tantal is a very nice gun. I would about get one for myself. Unfortunately an AK is low on my want list right now.

[Guest DonRickles]

I am of the belief that the 5.56 and 5.45 are both underpowered rounds. AK's are meant to be a hard hitting intermediate range weapon ala 7.62 x 39. I have experimented with the EoTech and Aimpoint Micro on a AK. The EoTech has a better reticle but as previously stated does not allow a cowitness of the iron sights. I also had trouble getting a good cheek weld whether mounted to the Ultimak or the Side Rail. It just sat to high. The EoTech now lives on my AR(where it belongs). The Aimpoint Micro on the other hand is right at home on the Ultimak and cowitnesses easily. It is built like a tank an adds barely any weight to the usually front heavy AK. Do yourself a favor if you have an AR that needs an optic go with the EoTech. If it is for an AK then do it right the first time and splurge for the Aimpoint H-1. This is all my own biased opinion of course!..