5.45 x 39 or 7.62 x 54 russian handis?

[fullup3]

So my father in law came into a bunch of surplus ammo in both of these calibers.  We were toying around wtih the idea of getting a couple of rifles to shoot the stuff with, but I though it would be cool to have a handi barrel in each caliber....and cheaper.    Anybody have any experience or leads on a barrel in either? 
thanks

[keith44]

experience with these in a handi? no, but a 30-30 barrel and a reamer for 7.62x54R plus an extractor/ejector swap and massage (likely the original piece can be trimmed for the rim of the ruski )


as for the 5.45, no clue here

[handishooter]

I have a 7.62x54r handi, it started out as a 7.62x39 handi barrel that I re chambered. If you want to shoot mil surp ammo through it, then you will need to change or modify the hammer spring for reliable ignition with the hardened primers. I only shoot handloads through mine and it works great.

[fullup3]

cool.   thanks guys

[surehuntsalot]

I have a 7.62x39 and love it
looking at doing a 7.62x54R and a 303 British Handi

[knight0334]

With milsurp ammo you will likely experience light strikes on the primer.

Milsurp ammo uses harder primers to avoid unintended auto ignition because many military guns use floating firing pins.   Now, figure in that Handi's do have a reputation of having light strikes on even sporting ammo, especially when using a hammer extension.

There is the chance that you may have to replace your hammer spring with a stiffer unit.  Which could affect your trigger pull.