Handloading and the accurate AK

[Dave R]

Yeah, I know I'm crazy. Nobody reloads for the AK, cuz the surplus ammo is so cheap.

Except a buddy gave me the .223 dies and a bunch of bullets. And the only .223 I have is the SAR-3 (Romanian AK). So I had to do it.

For a long time, I have been able to get 1.5-2" groups from the SAR-3 using PMP "Gazelle" ammo, on the first group of the day. Subsequent groups opened up to 4-6"pretty quick.

Today, I tried 7 loads. From a warm barrel, I had 2 loads that gave 1.4 groups at 100 yards:

-24.2gr of H335 pushing a Nosler 55gr ballistic tip.
-22 gr. of 4198 pushing a Sierra 45gr soft point. This was a 4-shot group.

Sorry, no chrono, so I don't know how fast these are going. In both cases, though, they were the hottest loads I tried for those powders. No signs of over-pressure at all.

I'll see if I can replicate this. Its not Prarie Dog good, but its fine for Coyote, or "Iraqui Chucks" as a bud calls 'em, at reasonable ranges.

This is getting fun.

 

[Gewehr98]

Not crazy, accuracy can increase substantially...

There are a couple threads on this subject here at THR already, here's one:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6504&highlight=AA1680


Suffice it to say, I reload for my Bulgarian SLR-95, and am rewarded with 2" groups at 100 yards on a regular basis. Accurate Arms 1680 is my favorite powder for the job.

 

[Dave R]

Good thread, Gewehr. Thanks.

 

[SodaPop]

The people that reload the for commie guns are the most daring people you'll ever know.

Have fun!

 

[Clark]

I have an SLR-95 in storage with a FAC side mount bolted on.
It has produced some great 6" groups with cheapo ammo and 4X Star scope fired prone.

That is actually better than many of my rifles shoot from a benchrest with careful handloads.

I would not be suprised if benchrest dies, Berger Bullets, a 40X scope, some glass bed, and firing from the bench might get a 2 or 3 inch group for me.