Saiga 7.62 vs 5.45

[fredflinstone]

I am looking into buying a 5.45 as well. Did anyone have any success in buying range safe ammo? Just curious did you try 7.62 before gettign 5.45? I want to know fun wise and accuracy wise is it that different. I read online about this and heard 5.45 is more accurate but the ammo is not accepted widely in all ranges. If I have to go the other way and get a 7.62, would I loose lot in accuracy?

[jimmykan]

Here's something that sucks about 5.45 ammunition...

If you are located in Southern California, there is pretty much NO WHERE (with the exception of private property located pretty much in the middle NO WHERE) that allows steel core or bi-metal jacketed projectiles. Not even on BLM land apparently...

Check out this Fire Restrictions Order:

http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/ca/pdf/cdd/fire_page.Par.89273.File.dat/2011FireRestrictions.pdf

That means no Russian surplus 5.45 7N6 ammo because it has a steel penetrator core, similar to 5.56 NATO M855.

That also means no Wolf/Tula 60 grain FMJ or HP, because while the core may be lead, the jacket is bi-metal.

So your only choice for acceptable ammo in Southern California is $22/box Hornady loads.

In Northern California, most outdoor ranges have no problem with steel core and bi-metal ammunition, but there are some exceptions, such as San Leandro shooting range.

At least with 7.62, there is that Yugoslavian stuff that has a copper jacket and lead core.

[NSR500]

Jimmykan is correct about the 5.45x39 ammo issue for SoCal. Otherwise, it's a great shooting gun. I'm fixing to buy another 5.45x39 Saiga.

[jeep7081]

Jimmykan is correct about the 5.45x39 ammo issue for SoCal. Otherwise, it's a great shooting gun. I'm fixing to buy another 5.45x39 Saiga.

Can't beat the price of a Saiga .223

[fredflinstone]

Is there no place to shoot standard 5.45 bullets? If I have to go with 223 or 7.62 caliber are the accuracy and fun factor remain the same? Also about the ammo cost which one is cheaper or comparable to 5.45 caliber?

[fredflinstone]

Another question guys. Is Hornady ammo less accurate than the original 5.45? I would agree with jeep7081 if nothing else works and go with 223 caliber.
This would be my first gun. Let me know what you guys think?