Is the CZ-52 even worth loading for?

[Snowdog]

I like the idea of reloading for the 7.62x25 despite all the "affordable" FMJ fodder available. However, I suspect the CZ52 (or mine, anyway) probably isn't much of a target pistol. I've tried several manufactures including S&B, a manufacturer of which I hold in high regard, with none allowing even decent accuracy from my CZ-52 with any consistancy. I believe the best groups I've seen to date was with Winchester (S&B in drag, I believe) that printed a 4" group at 15 yards.
I obtained somewhat respectable groups initially the first few times I took the pistol out, but it seems it must have been a fluke.

Is this caliber even worth loading for if the pistol, while loads of fun to shoot, lacks the ability to be accurate? I was wondering if loading this cartridge down a notch or two might make a difference.


BTW, is there any tricks anyone here knows to tighten a CZ52's groups? The barrel and crown seem fine. The sights don't seem to be the problem as I do quite well with my RIA which has similar GI sights. If not, I'll just keep using military blaster fodder for disposal of naughty printers, dvd players and the like; they all make the same size hole.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Before you do anything you need to slug the bore, A lot of times including my CZ and tok the handgun will have a .311 ish bore with verry shallow rifling. With your commercal and milsurp ammo running .308 ish in the bullet dpt. This alone can result in mediocre accuracy.

I've been loading fer this cartrige for awhile and yes it is worthwild but there are a lot of subtles involved in the process.

My pet load uses a 71gr magtech .312 fmj loaded over 6.5grs of unique for a velocity of 1550fps. 6.0grs of unique for an 85gr .312 jhp @ 1500fps.

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

Mine shoots S&B fodder plenty well (let's just say the accuracy limitations lie not with the gun!) I can get S&B ammo pretty cheaply (Cheaper Than Dirt is local), so I don't reload for it yet.

However, my chamber is ever so slightly off center to the bore, and if the S&B bullet is not seated straight enough, and the bullet is chambered with just the wrong orientation, the bullet jams against the lead, and the primer pops out when it fires! In fact, this is how I got started with my reloading setup, straightening out my 7.62x25 ammo! I now reload 45 colt, but not 7.62x25.

BTW, my hornady seater die in 30 Lugar (they don't make a 7.62x25 or 30 mauser die) does the best job of straightening the ammo. It works really well on 7.62x25. Lee (7.62x25/30 mauser) was almost useless, and RCBS (30 mauser) was a little better

Andy