203gr. Brown Bear ok in a PSL?

[10mm Mike]

I recently bought a PSL, and I'm thinking I might want to take it deer hunting some later this fall. I've read that shooting 180gr surplus is bad for it because the gas system isn't adjustable and the 180's would batter the rifle.

So my question is, would 203gr. Brown Bear be ok since its a relatively light load @ only 2330 fps? (not to mention very reasonably priced!)

I realize that 150gr would be better and I wouldnt have to worry about damaging the rifle, but its not easy finding 150gr. soft points for 7.62x54R.

 

[FMJMIKE]

I wouldn't do it !!!!

 

[jpwilly]

Definately not. Light ball 147gr and up to 172gr I believe.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

It's much cheaper in the long run to hunt down some -/+ 150 gr. ammo for your PSL.

 

[rangerruck]

I disagree, i say yes. it is a killer round, it is a very accurate round through the russian stuff, and I don't think it will batter your semi auto, afterall, it is not a
delicate flower. The prob with them is, the bullet drop on them is pretty dramatic, even just at 100 yds, the diff between the 150, and the 203's are about 5 or more inches, depending on your rig. it is about a 7 inch diff
through my mosin...

 

[DMK]

I disagree, i say yes. it is a killer round, it is a very accurate round through the russian stuff, and I don't think it will batter your semi auto, afterall, it is not a
delicate flower.

The problem is, the general consensus among PSL owners is heavy ball ammo will damage the rifle. They were designed for light ball only (less than 150gr or so).

If you want to shoot heavy ball in your PSL, that is your business. But you have to ask yourself... do you feel lucky?

 

[10mm Mike]

Thanks for the input guys.

Can anyone point me in the direction of some good 150gr soft points available online?

 

[rangerruck]

try wolf or monarchs; I think they are 148's.