Best PSL/Romak-3/Dragunov Surplus Ammo?

[doubs43]

What surplus 7.62x54R cartridges have been the most accurate in your semi-auto Soviet/Eastern Bloc "sniper" rifles such as the PSL/Romak-3 or Dragunov/Tiger?

So far I've only shot 182 grain steel core heavy ball cartridges in my rifles and accuracy has been OK, but not great. I'm thinking that the 147~150 grain light ball ammo may be a better match.

So far I've found Soviet (Russian), Bulgarian and Czech light ball offered by on-line sellers. What has been your experience when shooting this ammo?

 

[wnycollector]

bulgarian light ball is what a range buddy uses in his PSL with very good results.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

IIRC, the PSL, et al, were designed for use with light ball only.

As for what's most accurate, you'll likely have to try some different stuff yourself. Light ball will likely give better performance, however.

 

[doubs43]

Thanks to both of you for the replies. After some thought I've decided to buy 800 rounds - a case - of Czech light ball cartridges from AIM. Czech quality in general seems to be very good so I'm taking a chance on it.

 

[PurdueRifleman2008]

If you can find some 7N1, that might be something to try out.

 

[doubs43]

It's not too difficult to find 7.62x54R ammo but something as special as the 7N1 cartridges would likely cost quite a bit more than what I've ordered. Maybe in a few months the buying frenzy will subside and as sales go down, so will prices. Probably not but it's a nice thought.

 

[yippeya]

Hi,
new to the board, just bought a PSL, but have been shooting a Mosin Nagant. Here is a web site with evaluations of diffrent 7.62 ammo.
http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinAmmo.htm

 

[yippeya]

Guess I didn't really say anthing in the above post. 7N1 sniper is great, and its around, but there getting $300 to $500 for a tin of 440 rounds. Russian 7.62 with the head stamp 60 or 188 seems to be the best, thats also the factory where the 7N1 sniper ammo is made. Another web site with lots of ammo distributers. Just picked of 880 rounds of the 188 head stamp for $207 delivered.
http://gun-deals.com/index.php?page=36

 

[Jeremy2171]

I'm using 80's Russian Ball in my SVD and it gets sub 2MOA groups all day long and I can take down the 800yd popup target about 8 out of 10 times.

Haven't bothered to try any 7N1 to see if its that much better....