Posted on 02/24/2015 8:46:08 AM PST by Perseverando
Each round has it’s purpose. One has close-quarter knock-down and penetrating power (7.62) and the other has better accuracy & range (5.45). There’s no such thing as an all-purpose round.
The problem with 7.62x39 is that its a heavy round, too heavy to carry the proper amount of ammo that an assault rifle user should carry. Its also a bit slow, but it penetrates barriers better. The 5.45 is faster, has less barrier penetration ability but creates nasty wounds on soft targets. The 5.45 is really what the AKM should have been made for in the first place, its a true assault rifle cartridge. The whole “knock down power” of certain cartidges is a small arms myth, its shot placement that matters most.
The .300 Blackout was developed as an ideal round to fire out of suppressed/short barrel AR platform rifles. Its not intended as a general service cartridge, but it shows promise as a bodyguard/private security, home-defense, and truck-gun cartridge.
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