Loaded my 1st 7.62x39 rounds this eve.

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My son found 30 casings on a brass hunt. So i loaded them. I don't have a rifle yet to shoot them in. Still deciding between a Ruger American or CZ . Did them on my little RCBS press.
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I have a CZ 527 in 7.62x39mm and a Ruger American .223Rem. Between the two I have to say the Ruger was more economical and a sweet shooter but the CZ just feels better, handles better, and feels smoother. But… the CZ has a.308” bore, not a.311” so Eastern bloc surplus is a little tight for the bore. It shoots surplus fine - real nice for 200 yard plinking at steels - but it’s something to keep in mind for reloading. I say get both, shoot them sidexside and sell the one you don’t like.
 
I have a CZ 527 in 7.62x39mm and a Ruger American .223Rem. Between the two I have to say the Ruger was more economical and a sweet shooter but the CZ just feels better, handles better, and feels smoother. But… the CZ has a.308” bore, not a.311” so Eastern bloc surplus is a little tight for the bore. It shoots surplus fine - real nice for 200 yard plinking at steels - but it’s something to keep in mind for reloading. I say get both, shoot them sidexside and sell the one you don’t like.
I like the idea of a accurate CZ bolt gun in small military calibers
 
+1for the CZ. I got a 527 in 7.62x39 and liked it so much I got the .223 as well. Shot them both or his afternoon, both are fantastic - i put Vortex Crossfires (3-9 on the 223, 2-7 on the 7.62). I get sub-MOA groups with both of them, and they look great - get asked about them every time I’m at the range. If you get one, look up “Steel Rain Provisions” - guy up in Wisconsin that makes custom leather stock wraps for the 527 with two magazine pouches. I have one in each of mine, great looking and really well made. They may be my two favorite rifles…although my 1895 Guide Gun is a contender.
 
But… the CZ has a.308” bore, not a.311” so Eastern bloc surplus is a little tight for the bore. It shoots surplus fine - real nice for 200 yard plinking at steels - but it’s something to keep in mind for reloading.

Have you slugged your 527? Mine slugs to .311, and actually shoots the Russian steel (Red Army, Tula, Barnaul, etc) better than domestic (Winchester, Hornady, etc.). I cast .312 GC 160-2Rs and buy .303 125gr Sierras, and they shoot like lasers (slow lasers on the 160s…but accurate).
 
Have you slugged your 527? Mine slugs to .311, and actually shoots the Russian steel (Red Army, Tula, Barnaul, etc) better than domestic (Winchester, Hornady, etc.). I cast .312 GC 160-2Rs and buy .303 125gr Sierras, and they shoot like lasers (slow lasers on the 160s…but accurate).
Yup. Slugged when I got it in’’00. Reason being it was a new thing for me to shoot that little Russian round. Slugged right at .308”. Early import. It’s also the nicest grade Turkish walnut I’ve seen on one.
 
No AK or SKS in the conversation? I think Russian designed ammo deserves a Russian designed gun. I'm not saying dont get one of the other two but an AK can be a heck of a lot of fun to shoot. You'll need more that 30 cases though.
 
Im not sure if i would enjoy an AK or SKS. I had 4 AR'S and sold them all. The novelty wore off. I sighted in a new AR this summer for a friend. When i was done. I shot my .223 bolt rifle for awhile. I do like semi-auto rifles. I love my Ruger 10/22 and my Marlin 60's and my Savage A22 target. Skeptic your 100% on target with Russian ammo and a Russian guns. My Mosin 91/30 is a tack driver with Tulla ammo. It's ok with my loads and PPU.
 
Where do you get .308 for the CZ 527? Here is a quote right off of the CZ web page. "Built to CIP specifications, our 7.62×39 chambers are ideal for shooting steel-cased surplus ammo. Designed to shoot .311 bullets..."
 
The CZ is what im leaning towards. Im very impressed with my 457.
I have the Ruger. It is very fun, surprisingly accurate and has reinvented my perception of 7.62x39.

If you are buying anytime soon, you'll probably get the Ruger. Not sure what is going on with CZ, but I have been looking for one for awhile, and have not seen them. I want one with iron sights, and Ruger doesn't offer that.
 
Not sure I’d go that far into loading for a specific caliber until I had a platform to test them on. But, that’s your choice.

For my AR I’m using brass cases, Hornady 123 FMJ and Reloader 7. Tried other powders but that seems to work best. The AKs and SKS’s get the commie steel stuff.
 
It will probably be after the holidays. Unless a used one comes in at a good deal. I watched WHO_TEE_WHO . And his Rurger grouped much tighter than the CZ. Aggh... decisions decisions.:D
 
I have never seen a CZ 527M chambered for .308 diameter bullets, that is a new one. Might be something odd, but that rarity factor would be enormous.
I still have a bag of primed 7.62x39mm brass laying about waiting for me to buy another one. Cast lead NOE .314 129 gr bullets sized down to .311 and powder coated were great in that little CZ carbine.
 
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