Range Report psl and bulgarian 7.62x54r

[blackfog]

I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with bulgarian 7.62x54r surplus ammo (stamped star 3/10/53). Is this ammo any good? light or heavy? There is a picture of it at 7.62x54r.net, but no eval or description.

The story is I have a century arms psl, and after about 60 rounds, the rivets on the back of the receiver cracked. It was under warranty, so I sent it back, and century repaired it. Ive read that you are only supposed to fire light ball ammo through it, and not sure what this ammo is. Basically, knowing cai's somewhat poor reputation, Im trying to find out if it was weak rivets, or this ammo before I fire the ammo through it again.

I apologize if this is in the wrong forum, this looked like the most appropriate.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[blackfog]

Re: psl and bulgarian 7.62x54r

anyone have experience with this ammo?

 

[prinjm6]

Re: psl and bulgarian 7.62x54r

I have a M39 mosin that I have modernized, I shoot the surplus 148gr other than having to clean the rifle after every time I shoot due to it being corrosive its great only had one dud out the 200+ I've shot so far. I've shot this ammo out to 450yds and hit every squeeze of the trigger.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: psl and bulgarian 7.62x54r

The PSL cannot handle bullets heavier than 150 gr, the extra carrier speed will at least damage the rear trunion, the barrel twist will not stabilize the heavier bullets either.
Only use SP marked spam can of 54R ammo, it will be between 146 and 150 gr and safe in your PSL.
hope this helps.

 

[kraigWY]

Re: psl and bulgarian 7.62x54r

I wont shoot any Soviet block surplus ammo in my guns.

I'm as CMP GSM Master Instructor and put on GSM Clinics and Matches so I've seen a lot of questionable surplus ammo.

I've seen guys shooting surplus ammo doing weird stuff, Out of the same box the shooter sounds like he's shooting everything from 22s to magnums. Nothing that resembles consistancey.

No sir, if a rifle is worth shooting, it deserves quality ammo. Not expensive, you can reload good ammo tailered to your gun at reasonable prices.

Cheap ammo isn't cheap if it wont go where the rifle is pointed.

 

[prinjm6]

Re: psl and bulgarian 7.62x54r

I don't think he is going to use this ammunition in competition, there is nothing wrong with ammo that is cheap and fires when you squeeze the trigger. No it is not "accurate" I get 1.5"-2" groups and 100yds compared to .75" with PPU 182gr match. But to get go out and and shoot 100 rounds not being critical on grouping it will do the job just fine.

 

[Twitch2120]

Re: psl and bulgarian 7.62x54r

pull a bullet and weight it. i have 1982 bulgy light ball. my understanding is the heavy ball was either silver or yellow tipped but that might not apply to 50's production. my best advice would be sacrifice a round and weigh it. take the bullet to a jeweler and have it weighed if need be.

 

[prinjm6]

Re: psl and bulgarian 7.62x54r

Silver tipped is light ball, the yellow was the heavy ball which I have never been able to come by. Seems the heavy ball stockpile has dried up.