Brass damage with SKS

[I0sens]

Hi,

just took my "new" Russian Tula SKS out to the range for the first time.
(Actually it was the second time - the first time I had to find out that the (outdoor!) range does not allow steel core ammo).

So I go back with good old brass\lead ammo that I plan to reload.

The rifle shoots OK, but it is very abrasive to the brass: There is a good notch in the base/side of the rim, possibly from the extractor and the case itself has a good nick on the side where it possibly hits the receiver when being extracted.
(This gun throws the cases well over 15 feet away).

I do not like this.

Has somebody seen this effect and is there some way to reduce the violent action - is there some way to regulate the gas\piston?
I am even considering to turn off the gas piston and shoot in "bolt-action mode".

Thanks for your input

 

[mshootnit]

i have seen this before with other russian rifles. I have reloaded such brass 3 times with no problems.

 

[Maverick223]

Welcome to THR!

Shoot steel cased non-steel core ammo. I believe that Bear (brown, silver, golden) ammo does not have the steel core like Wolf. Your other option would be Wolf Military Classic which is also a non-steel core bullet.

 

[84B20]

I have a Norinco MAK 90 in 5.56 that does about the same thing with any ammo I put through it. I understand that it is somewhat typical of this type of firearm. They don't have the same tolerances as AR's.

 

[briansmithwins]

The Sov didn't consider brass to be a precious resource to be cherished. First there is the mangled brass, then there is finding the brass.

I think their design philosophy was more along the lines of 'Did the cartridge case hold the bullet, powder and primer together until ignition? Did the cartridge case seal the breech? If it did those tasks correctly GET RID OF IT!. The next county would be fine, thank you very much.

BSW

 

[Maverick223]

I think their design philosophy was more along the lines of 'Did the cartridge case hold the bullet, powder and primer together until ignition? Did the cartridge case seal the breech? If it did those tasks correctly GET RID OF IT!. The next county would be fine, thank you very much.

I concur...and will add: what is brass?

 

[mljdeckard]

I've never shot brass in mine.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Has somebody seen this effect and is there some way to reduce the violent action - is there some way to regulate the gas\piston?
I am even considering to turn off the gas piston and shoot in "bolt-action mode".

Just remove the gas piston, this turns a SKS in to a straight pull repeater

it won't cause the rifle any harm, your precious brass is protected and doesn't fly all over the county

 

[gotmine]

The lone SKS and all of the AK's I have send the dented cases far away, however those that I track are not in all that bad of condition. My cetme's on the other hand mangle it quite a bit more....I agree with the opinion that once its discharged the idea is to clear the chamber for the next round...Russian rifles do this almost to perfection being designed to use non-reloadable soft steel cases.

 

[I0sens]

Thanks for all the input,

In case I will remove the gas pistol, will I not get a "huge" pile of crap residue into the action.
Should I try to cover the hole after removing the piston??

 

[Maverick223]

Should I try to cover the hole after removing the piston??

I don't know if it will direct gases and fouling into the chamber, but it makes since that it would, but I would NOT recommend covering the hole because what you cover it with may (and probably will) act like a piston itself and can jam the rifle.

 

[mljdeckard]

Yugos have a cutoff switch.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Thanks for all the input,

In case I will remove the gas pistol, will I not get a "huge" pile of crap residue into the action.
Should I try to cover the hole after removing the piston??

Ever hear of a rifle called the ar15?

You'll be fine, you worry too much. Besides the intermediate rod blocks gas from dumping in the action and the unused gas will simply vent out the port on the side of the gas tube like it's supposed to.

 

[stubbicatt]

Be sure to decoke the inside of the gas cylinder if you remove the piston. That thing will be seriously crusty.