Accurate 7.62x39?

[MuzzleBlast]

That's not an oxymoron, is it?
My SKS patterns like a shotgun at 50 yards. What factory ammo is there that might be better than the Russian stuff, at no more than, say, twice the price?

 

[fletcher]

I understand the Wolf softpoints aren't too bad (being the best of the Wolf brand 7.62x39), but I haven't used many different kinds. Winchester seemed to work fine with me too.

 

[MrMurphy]

In my AK Wolf shot patterns. But Sellier & Bellot (Czech made to milspec) always shot very accurately. Generally from 100 yards prone groups inside 2" or so. Maybe 3".

 

[Lt 401]

What kind of SKS do you have? I have a Chinese that loves Chinese ball, but hates Wolf HP. On the other hand, I have a Yugo that loves both of those, but doesn't like Russian FMJ or Silver Bear. They both shoot cast lead well. Another Yugo I have doesn't like Silver Bear. What's a mother to do, with such picky children?
I'd recommend you to try a box of lots several different types, then stock up accordingly. I do for each of my "kids."
Just be careful with US commercial 7.62x39. They have softer primers, so your SKS may slamfire with them at the most embarrassing times. The firing pins in SKS's rattle free inside the bolt, and when the bolt slams forward upon returning to battery, the pin can set off sensitive primers. Milspec primers are designed to withstand this force, but US commercial are not.

 

[MuzzleBlast]

Mine's a rather old Chinese Type 56. I have had it for about ten years now, but haven't shot it all that much until recently. It used to have the problem of not lighting off Russian ammo on the first try. I replaced the hammer spring, and now it will eat anything. Clearly, it does not like Barnaul, because it throws it around so casually.

 

[mainmech48]

My Chinese SKS shoots into 2.5" at 100 yds with Norinco ball - iron sights, middleaged eyes, improvised rest and all.

With Russian surplus or Wolf, I can't get much under 6" with the same rifle.

All I can tell you is to try as many different types as you can find or afford, and buy a case of it. It's a pity that we can't get Norinco anymore, but since the reason we can't is that the PLA group that runs it sold missile parts and expertise to the Iranis, I'll live with it.

 

[Rebeldon]

I get about 4" groups at 100 yards with my Yugo SKS, and about 3" groups with my VEPR II. That's not too bad. Both rifles are scoped.

 

[Foster]

With my Chinese SKS I can shoot Wolf HP and keep my groups down to about 3.5"-4" at 100yds. That's with iron sights too! I love my little girl!

 

[Harve Curry]

I have shot 1.5" 3 shot group at 100yards with Russain or Chinese SKS and Chinese ball ammo from a sand bagged rest. The triggers really are bad, takes all kinds of concentration to keep the sight picture and get a round off. I couldn't do that with an AK the same day and same ammo.

 

[Foster]

I agree Harve. They could have done a bit better on the triggers. I took alot of info from "The Ultimate Sniper"by Maj. John L. Plaster, USAR (Ret.), so I learned alot about breathing and trigger exercises. You really should check it out.