hornady steel match 155gr JHPBT in M305 Norinco

[blitz2377]

Any one tried this ammo in their Norinco M305? or am I stupid enough to use lacquered steel case cartridge in who knows what head space of norinco? It shoot ok with surplus 7.62 NATO. I dont reload, so I don't know about the head space and stuff. But is brass softer and more malleable than steel. My norinco is early CAI import of the 90s (which ever company from St Abans, VT). Any info is appreciated.

I mean I've shot dodgier Mosin with who knows what copper washed steel case chinese surplus ammo and had some with ruptured shoulder and ok with it, but somehow the 308 vs 7.62 nato debate made me feeling uneasy...

 

[notsorichguy]

There is only one way to find out.......

I suspect, based upon my experience with large headspace'd M-305's, M-14S's and Polys, that you will have ammo that functions just fine in you rifle.

Worst case, you have a tight chamber and you could get a move vigorous push on the oprod, which could damage it.....

or;

You have an overly large chamber, and you will get split necks in the steel cases..... Which I wouldn't even worry about!

Being that it is an early 90's rifle, I would get the chamber headspace checked, and then measure every 3-500 rounds to ensure you don't have bolt set-back. In truth I have no direct experience with soft bolts, but I have been told many stories about soft bolts from the early 90's......

Based on the info from Hornady; http://www.hornady.com/store/308-Win-155-GR-BTHP-STEEL-MATCH/

I wouldn't hesitate. Shoot it see how it groups!

 

[dahs]

It'll be fine. No worries.

 

[redshooter]

308 vs 7.62 nato debate

Unlike the 5.56 vs. 223 business, the 308 vs. 7.62 relates to powder burn rate/bullet weight and the long term health of the M-14. Slower powders and heavier bullets are reported to cause parts to fail prematurely.

155 A-Max projectiles are excellent for this rifle, and the 2610 fps from a 24" barrel for the loaded ammo means it should be perfect for the M-14 gas system.

 

[RememberTheSomme]

I put 60 rounds down range over irons in mine to trial it from the bench. Can't remember if it was actually better than Nork ball in the accuracy department at the 100 yard line, probably wasn't in my rifle,as it wasn't too bad a price a few years back so I would have bought more. No split cases or pierced primers IIRC if this is your concern, and my rifle can pierce primers on S&B ammo, and I've seen a few MFS steel cases with the bikini line cracks on the electro-plating itself, no neck splits however. Your chamber may be more generous than mine, or tighter,...that is a crap shoot with the Norinco.

 

[blitz2377]

I shot some hornady steel match jbthp and it worked well. No sign of funky chamber or powder burn. Primer is not pierced, so I'm happy with where it sits of now. Thanks for the info.