Non-magnetic 5.45x39?

[Eisengratz]

Hey folks,

Gonna be taking the Saiga to Front Sight in Feb, and they require no steel core/jacketed ammo, and possibly a magnet test. I can find a decent supply of good 'ol FMJ, but I'm having a hell of time finding anything not steel cased - not even sure if it exists. Last thing I want is to drive my fat butt out to Nevada, only to be thrown out on said posterior because I bring steel case ammo. They seem willing to work with me, but I'd rather not take the chance.

tl;dr - I need non-magnetic 5.45x39. Any suggestions? Also, if this is the incorrect forum, I apologize.

[meaty-btz]

As far as I know there are no manufacturers of brass cased 5.45x39. The non-surplus is all Steel, the surplus is all steel. Non-magnetic just means non-steel core. Steel Case is not magnetic ammo, it is steel cased ammo.

Wolf, PPU, etc, the usual eastern block ammo makers all make non-magnetic ammo for 5.45 but stock has been super lean for a long time.

I am having trouble figuring out why the ban on magnetic ammo in NV, there is no plant matter there to burn.

[0351USMC]

http://sgammo.com/product/hornady/50-rd-box-545x39-hornady-v-max-60-grain-steel-case-ammo-8124

[the86d]

Magnets are magnetic. I believe you can shoot magnets even if steel is discouraged. A shotgun might be the best thing to shoot them from.


Apparently by MANY people's definition of magnetic here, this too would qualify...
Magnetic ammo holder:

[Eisengratz]

I am having trouble figuring out why the ban on magnetic ammo in NV, there is no plant matter there to burn.

Well, the Russian bulk 7n6 rounds could damage the steel plates at Front Sight, so I can see their reasoning. Just a pain in the *** to have to buy a second set of ammo just to go. Been eyeballing some Wolf FMJ, but my experiences with Wolf have been mixed, so I'm kind of antsy.

[tujungatoes]

The only commercially available 5.45 that is non magnetic is made by hornady. Beyond that you'll have to load your own....also I think I remember reading that frontsight doesn't allow reloads. You might want to pick a different gun.

[Eisengratz]

The only commercially available 5.45 that is non magnetic is made by hornady. Beyond that you'll have to load your own....also I think I remember reading that frontsight doesn't allow reloads. You might want to pick a different gun.

Hrm. Been hearing that the Golden Tiger ammo isn't magnetic, aside from the steel case, but I've never used the stuff - and it sold out about an hour after I found out it was back in stock.

Dat Hornady ammo is costly, ugh. It's the only rifle I have, besides a nugget, which is in the same boat anyways.

[Swagman00]

I can find a decent supply of good 'ol FMJ, but I'm having a hell of time finding anything not steel cased - not even sure if it exists.

The only way you can get brass for 5.45x39 is to source .222 Remington and have it cut/fireformed to the barrel. Options are very limited for this round.

You wouldn't believe the cost of the dies too...

[Eisengratz]

So I asked some folks over at AKfiles, and the general consensus seems to be that the Hornady V-max is my only real recourse. My worry is a bi-metal jacket - I know nothing about ammunition, is the hornady bi-metal? Probably a dumb question, but I gotta ask - the stuff is too pricey to buy on a whim.

[cfm117]

I didnt see anything on their list about steel cased.

Front Sight requires factory-new ammunition with full-metal jacket bullets. Hollow points are acceptable. Blaser brand aluminum cased ammunition is acceptable.

Not permitted are:

Hand reloads
Factory reloads
"Remanufactured" ammunition
Lead bullets
Copper "washed" bullets (as opposed to copper jacketed bullets)
Steel jacketed bullets
Armor-piercing bullets (core of steel or other hardened material)
Tracers or other incendiary ammunition

Your ammunition will be checked with a magnet before use. If the magnet is attracted to the bullet, it has either a steel jacket or steel core and will damage the metal targets. Check your ammunition with a magnet before you leave home to ensure that it is suitable.

[cfm117]

http://sgammo.com/product/hornady/50...case-ammo-8124

Yup, cheapest non steel or bi-metal ammo out there at 41.9 cents per round before shipping.

[meaty-btz]

They should just use AR500 targets. The 7n6 penetrator is great against mild steel, light and medium body armors, human flesh.. but against any kind of really hard surface, be it AR500 steel or cinder-block it will not penetrate. Which is why it gets sold here. Russia has a far more advanced bullet profile these days for the 5.45

"washed" means bi-metal (annealed steel jacket with copper plating).

The over priced hornady is pretty much the only game in town. Which is interesting considering the explosive popularity growth of the AK platform and the 74 platform specifically in the last few years.

[Eisengratz]

Well, looks like Hornady it is. Hurts my pocket book, but at least that means I get to take slavtech to the sea of AR-15's at Front Sight. Took the CZ-82 out this year, and that was hilarious, so this should be fun. Thanks folks.

[courteousgavin]

Hrm. Been hearing that the Golden Tiger ammo isn't magnetic, aside from the steel case

All Golden Tiger ammo I have encountered has had steel jacketed projectiles in addition to steel cartridge cases.