Converting an SKS to 5.56 or 5.45?

[lawn gnome]

I still think that a conversion to 5.45x39 would be an easier choice.
Given the closeness in cartidge length and case diameters, it should simply be a barrel change.
The gas pressure issues would be far less problematic than 5.56 while the 5.45 would give all the accuracy benefits that would come with 5.56.

 

[bearhunter]

It's a toss up. At least 5.56/223 ammo is readily available. Can't say the same for the 5.45x39

The bullet diameter is slightly smaller and may be difficult to find for reloading.

The ammo is available, but horrendously expensive.

Difference in overall length isn't enough to cause any concerns.

 

[KDW__]

I still think that a conversion to 5.45x39 would be an easier choice.
Given the closeness in cartidge length and case diameters, it should simply be a barrel change.
The gas pressure issues would be far less problematic than 5.56 while the 5.45 would give all the accuracy benefits that would come with 5.56.

The 5.45 case diameter is much closer to the 5.56 than it is to the 7.62 so you will have to do more than switch out the barrel. The bolt face will require modification if you want to reliably extract the 5.45 or 5.56.

 

[Ian Robertson]

I think I mentioned cheap. I have barrels and reamers etal. Barrel work is obvious, gas will start with a small hole and get bigger as needed, bolt face may work and if not I will mod the extractor as needed and as a last resort I will put a ring to make the face smaller. Easy stuff and I am trying to do as little as possible. We will see.

 

[Ian Robertson]

Ian, did you make sure that your Chinese SKS had a threaded barrel tenon??? That could really cause some problems.

Threaded or pinned, it's all good. Threading is obvious and to do the pinned, turn the shank to fit and then glue it in with loctite or similar and pin. Let it cure with the headspace gauge in place.

 

[DaveGP]

I tried the 5.56 conversion 10 years back - from what I remember rounds feeding into the chamber reliably was the major hurdle that never was resolved.

 

[bearhunter]

I tried the 5.56 conversion 10 years back - from what I remember rounds feeding into the chamber reliably was the major hurdle that never was resolved.

Did you adapt your rifle to feed from a dedicated 223 magazine? That's apparently what I remember the Chinese doing.

 

[DaveGP]

Did you adapt your rifle to feed from a dedicated 223 magazine? That's apparently what I remember the Chinese doing.

That I did - I believe the feed ramp was the issue, needing extensive modifications. I silver-soldered a ring on the bolt face to accommodate the 5.56 round, modified the extractor and also did the necessary work to use Galil mags but all to no avail.

 

[Battlerifleelitist]

I was thinking about this the other day, but for 6 BR (or any 6mm "x39" or "220 Russian") derivative for the T81 SR. I'm sorry, but 7.62x39 is such a dog.
New barrel, cut and thread the shank for SKS receiver threads, whatever the heck they do for non-nut headspacing (maybe convert to savage style barrel nut?), drilled hole for gas block and the pin at the bottom.
Perhaps a custom gas block with a micrometer screw valve for adjusting gas. Big jesus vent holes right after piston fwd position to dump gas anyways to prevent overgassing.

The SKS really wakes up accuracy wise with a handload, and when the shooter stops smoking his socks before approaching the firing line. I've gotten sub 2 moa groups with Hornyady factory ammo alone.

 

[bearhunter]

That I did - I believe the feed ramp was the issue, needing extensive modifications. I silver-soldered a ring on the bolt face to accommodate the 5.56 round, modified the extractor and also did the necessary work to use Galil mags but all to no avail.

Interesting.

The Chinese used AK type magazines. Thanx for this

What did you do with the rifle?

 

[DaveGP]

Interesting.

The Chinese used AK type magazines. Thanx for this

What did you do with the rifle?

I'm aware - that's why I went with the 223 Galil mags.
Parted the rifle out - and the pressed-in barrel on the SKS is a bit** to remove even with a 20 ton press!

 

[Ian Robertson]

The way to remove the barrel is to cut it off and turn out the stub on the lathe.
Just got a Chinese SKS. Unfired and as smooth as any match grade barrel and chamber.




. Unfired with a very smooth

 

[bearhunter]

Are you saying you got a Chinese 5.56 SKS barrel??

The way to remove the barrel is to cut it off and turn out the stub on the lathe.
Just got a Chinese SKS. Unfired and as smooth as any match grade barrel and chamber.




. Unfired with a very smooth

 

[Ian Robertson]

No, I already have the barrel. The rifle is still 7.62x39. We will shoot it to see if it's too good to cut up.

 

[bearhunter]

No, I already have the barrel. The rifle is still 7.62x39. We will shoot it to see if it's too good to cut up.

I fully understand, I finally ended up purchasing barreled receiver that was for sale on the EE.

The SKS rifles I have on hand, that I've shot, will shoot better than I can hold in the field, with loads they like. Surplus ammo is always a toss up

The fellow that sold it to me didn't exaggerate on its condition, which appears to be unfired since leaving the factory. Thankfully it has a threaded receiver, as I am not set up for pressing in a new barrel.

 

[Ian Robertson]

I would love to find a beater to mod, what you found is perfect. You don't need to press in the barrel. Turn it to fit and then glue it in with cold weld. With a hs gauge in the chamber push it all together. When cured deal with a new pin. You MUST prep it properly for the epoxy.