Ammo Reco for Finn M39 Mosin?

[drannor]

From the research I've done the bullet diameter for the Finnish Mosin rifles varies from that of the Russian models. According to this site, the diameter for the M39 is particular varied:
7.62x54R Ammo

M39 & M91/30: .308 to .314 (seems like a wide range??)

Do any of the folks out there who own or shoot these fine rifles have an ammo recommendation that they could share? I know the rifle is capable of excellent accuracy and would like to find the ideal target round to exploit it's qualities. I have a 1943 VKT marked M39 in excellent condition, with a mint bore.

I've shot the Barnaul SP and S&B 7.62x54R loads with mixed results. My M38 Russian carbine hated the S&B, I had to literally kick the action open after the 4th shot in order to extract a round.

Any ideas and suggestions welcome! BTW, I am not a reloader, so custom making my own loads is not an option at this point. Somewhere down the road when I have more money and space I hope to take up that pursuit.

 

[DMK]

If you're looking for match ammo, Kiesler's has some Lapua and Black Hills.

It's expensive, but accurate.

http://www.kieslersonline.com/product/ko_RNDammospecials.asp?navback=index.asp

The Most accurate surplus I've found is Yugoslavian 180gr. CDNN used to have some, I don't know if they still do.

www.cdnninvestments.com (you have to call them about ammo)

 

[Cosmoline]

Slugging is SOP with the older Mosins, but in the case of a mint bore M-39 with a "D" stamp it should prefer bullets at .311", not .308" Only earlier Finns with no "D" stamp had the narrow bores. The site you reference groups M-39's in with 91/30's, which is apples and oranges. The M-39's are almost always going to be more consistent.

With the 91/30's it's the opposite problem, with bores sometimes getting re-bored so many times they approach 8mm.

THANK YOU for the link to these new bullets! I had some custom .313" for my Argie made two years ago but the fellow since closed up shop.

 

[Drue]

I have been shooting the Wolf 200gr FMJ in my M39 and it works fine.

Drue

 

[atek3]

For M39's, Spam Cans of Yugoslavian Heavy Ball, with a yellow tip.


atek3

 

[GD]

Sounds like you need to give the M38 a real good cleaning of the chamber. I have done very well with Albanian 7.62x54 in all my Mosins. However, the laquer cased ammo such as the Czech silvertip seems to stick more in actions where the chamber is rough or dirty.

 

[benEzra]

I use Wolf 148-gr FMJ in my 1942 VKT M39, and it loves it. Shoots right to point of aim, and best group so far is 1 3/8" at 100 yards (4 shots). And it's noncorrosive, so you can just send a couple of oiled patches down the bore after a shooting session if you're pressed for time, and no need to strip down the bolt.

 

[cwalker3]

Mosins can be pretty finicky when it comes to ammo. Some of my 39's love the Czech silvertip, but others don't perform well with it. I would advise purchasing small amounts of several types and trying them out in your riflles to see what they like best.