It's kind of interesting how this round compares with the previous 7.62x39 round in wound profile. The ballistic geletin wound profile of this round, (shown by Dr. Martin Fackler), is identical to the 7.62x39 except that the bullet begins to yaw about 15 cm sooner than the 7.62x39 and the penetration is about 22 cm less. Other than penetration ability, I would argue that the 5.45x39 round is superior to both the 5.56x45 and 7.62x39. Gbeecher 16:22, May 12, 2012 (UTC)
- Only if you are referring to 5.56 in its FMJ iteration. Otherwise, it is an apples to oranges comparison and 5.56 would be superior (as 5.45 only yaws; certain 5.56 rounds expand and fragment). SmokeSound off! 19:51, May 12, 2012 (UTC)
However, the 5.56x45 round, when it reliably fragments, does create a permanent wound channel over 2-3 times larger than either the 5.45x39 or 7.62x39. The 5.56x45 is devastating when it fragments! My admiration of the 5.45x39 is that the temporary cavity and permanent wound channel begin sooner at around 7-8 cm and the overall penetration is greater than the M193 or M855. Gbeecher 19:22, May 21, 2012 (UTC)