Why 5.45x39 is the best SHTF cartridge

[Rock_Islander]

Realistically (in this fantasy scenario lol) it's 5.56 (M855 SS109) for me. I think it's a proven manstopping caliber.

Just don't expect it to have that "one shot stop" type of luck beyond 120 yards or so. You may have to follow up with two or three shots, but like someone mentioned earlier, you can carry a lot without getting weighed down too hard and most of all it will "DO the job".

Free float your barrel like many do, train properly with it, stock up on ammo, stay fit and stay fast and alert both mentally and physically, and you will send them bullets to where your mind tells them to.

That's what should prevent you from becoming the dead guy on the ground getting his equipment ransacked after a hot lead exchange.

[pyro3k2]

I like my 74 more than my AR, but my Saiga 12 ownes them both.

[FNH5-7]

When SHTF hit's and you run out of 5.45, good luck finding another batch. Remember, if SHTF there will be no internet orders. The internet might still be up, you can place your order but no one to receive and ship your order.

For SHTF go with the more popular rounds. No matter how powerful or innovative a foreign or new recent cartridge is, remember, you will eventually run out of it and it will be difficult to replenish.

[imarangemaster]

I have 3 5.56x45mm weapons. I use Israeli or Lake City M-193 ball ammo. 315ofps from my two 16" barrels and 3300 fps from my 20" 603/Xm16E1 clone. Accurate, comes apart in soft tissue past 2600 FPS in soft tissue. I save my brass, and plan to reload. I have several thousand rounds on hand.

[pyro3k2]

I have 3 5.56x45mm weapons. I use Israeli or Lake City M-193 ball ammo. 315ofps from my two 16" barrels and 3300 fps from my 20" 603/Xm16E1 clone. Accurate, comes apart in soft tissue past 2600 FPS in soft tissue. I save my brass, and plan to reload. I have several thousand rounds on hand.

but can it do the same out of an 8 inch barrel like the 5.45x39 can?