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Convert 5.45 to .223?


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Yes but it depends on what type of 5.45 AK you have.

 

Bulgarian & Polish 5.56 mags are direct compatible with AK-74 magwell & trunnion, as are the cheap Promag .223 mags. Tapco Galil mags will NOT work without significant trimming of the mag - not worth your time.

 

The biggest obstacle is getting/modifying a barrel. AKBuilder did some Bulgarian AK-74 pattern 5.56 barrels a couple years back that are a straight swap into any true AK-74 parts kit, but they're gone as far as I know. I have one and it's a very nice chromoly 4140 button-rifled barrel, probably on par with an entry level AR barrel, e.g. S&W M&P-15

 

E. German Wieger barrels sometimes pop up, as do Romanian 5.56 barrels. Both of these barrels are unique and will require lathe work, potentially gas port redrilling, etc. due to the incompatibilities in the trunnion/locking lug diameters and lengths.

 

The recoil spring, bolt assy, muzzle device, etc. do not need to be changed. Gas port size is even the same AFAIK since 5.45 and 5.56 have similar operating pressure.

 

Frankly it's more trouble than it's worth to demill a complete AK rifle just to change calibers.

Edited by mancat
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  • 3 weeks later...

K-Var has the AK-174B. Brand new 5.56x45mm caliber, (NATO .223) Bulgarian (16" hammer forged chrome lined, 22mm, Take off from new unfired rifle) barrel assembly. Complete with Front Sight Block Assembly, Includes: bayonet lug, Gas Block with accessory lug, Lower Handguard Retainer, and Rear Sight Block. All components are pressed and pinned.

 

It cost about $300.00. They also have barrel only in 1/7 twist for about $200.00, and an RPK bipod barrel assembly for $500.00.

 

If you want to put together something special, this might be the way to go. Otherwise it might be best to sell the 5.45 and buy a Saiga or Vepr in .223 if you decide you don't want the 5.45 anymore.

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but why I would never change a 5.45 to a .223.

 

 

 

 

just a guess on my part, but he's probably thinking like me, import of 5.45 ammo could be stopped, then where would that leave you, after you shoot up all the 5.45 you have stocked up? It will make a nice wall hanger that you can look and reminisce

 

5.56 isn't imported, it's made here.

Edited by Matthew Hopkins
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K-Var has the AK-174B. Brand new 5.56x45mm caliber, (NATO .223) Bulgarian (16" hammer forged chrome lined, 22mm, Take off from new unfired rifle) barrel assembly. Complete with Front Sight Block Assembly, Includes: bayonet lug, Gas Block with accessory lug, Lower Handguard Retainer, and Rear Sight Block. All components are pressed and pinned.

 

It cost about $300.00. They also have barrel only in 1/7 twist for about $200.00, and an RPK bipod barrel assembly for $500.00.

 

If you want to put together something special, this might be the way to go. Otherwise it might be best to sell the 5.45 and buy a Saiga or Vepr in .223 if you decide you don't want the 5.45 anymore.

 

That is basically the only barrel that is useful for conversion of AK-74 rifles or kits, as it is a 22mm diameter, long-lug chamber that is compatible with an AK-74 trunnion and bolt.

 

The other Bulgarian barrels require a lot of extra work to install in an AK-74 trunnion, and would be better off replacing even the front trunnion and bolt on the rifle with an AKM trunnion. They have a 23mm diameter chamber, and are designed to work with an AKM spec trunnion and bolt. To get these to work with an AK-74 trunnion & bolt, some lathe work is required, and the gas port and location of some of the barrel components will have to be re-set.

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