Firing spring for Yugo 8mm

[ChronoCube]

1950s Yugo 8mm ammo has a reputation for FTFs, and the solution I see a lot of people propose is to replace the Mauser's 19-pound factory spring with a 22-pound spring so it will strike the primer harder. I see some 22- and 26-lb springs online, same price. I assume a 26-lb spring would work even better than the 22-lb. But the downside might be that it is harder to cycle the action. Does anyone have experience with these springs, and whether one is a better choice than the other?

 

[rcmodel]

I think a lot of the problem is old surplus ammo.

The heavy striker springs make opening the bolt very difficult on a 98.

Also increases the risk of firing pin damage when dry fired.

If anything, I would only go one step heavier at most.

But better yet, shoot better ammo.

rc

 

[Lovesbeer99]

Shoot better ammo. This is the reason I started reloading, plus you don't have to worry about corrosive primer cleaning.

 

[nicholst55]

Going to a 26-pound striker spring will increase the force required to cock the bolt significantly. It will also make your trigger pull much heavier. AMHIK.

I'd stick with the 22-pound spring.

Cleaning after firing corrosive-primed ammo in a bolt gun is a snap - just use water or a water-based solvent like Ballistol to flush the bore (and wipe down the bolt face, extractor, and muzzle. Then clean and oil as normal.

I have a good quantity of Yugo 8mm ammo set back, awaiting my return to the States; there's certainly no reason not to shoot it, especially given current ammo prices and lack of availability.

 

[dakotasin]

i shoved a tubbs lightweight pin and spring in one of my mausers and am happy with that arrangement. i went that route because the mausers lock time is so painfully slow and the lightweight pin helps speed that up noticeably. i didn't have trouble igniting primers before the switch, however - and still don't, but my guns run on handloads exclusively. may be an option for you.