I am seriously considering getting myself an svt-40 but am not sure what ammo to use. I would like to avoid corrosive at least until i get used to the rifle and how to take it apart. I see MFS 185gr FMJ is fairly inexpensive but I have read that heavy ammo is hard on them. Anybody have any advice?
What ammo to use in an SVT-40?
- Thread starter Deerassassin
- Start date
Don't use anything with brass cases if you want to reload. SVT 40's have fluted chambers which severely screws up the brass.
Sorry this may seem like a dumb question but i haven't started reloading yet and i want to, but i thought steel cases cant be used for reloading? So reloading for this rifle doesn't work or what?
alphawolf29
Member
- Location
- Nanaimo B.C.
You can't reload rounds out of an SVT because the ejection method leaves a big dent in the cartridge, regardless of steel or brass. Also, don't use heavier bullets (more than 148 grain) because there is a small chance they'll wreck the barrel. Clean soon after firing with boiling water, solvent and gun oil and it will never rust.
Brass from a SVT can be reloaded, just dont expect very long brass life. You must adjust the gas so the ejection will not be too violent. Dented cases and mark from the fluted chamber are not always a problem, all depend of the load. Just try and see.
Joce
Joce
I did.I reloaded 150 grain and 125 grain bullets over various charges. I don't think it's worth reloading for an SVT 40.
Currently, true, its not really worth since 7.62x54R ammo are available in various form but having the tools to reload is always good just in case
Joce
I agree that it's not worth it with brass cases but if you'd like to use the rifle for hunting and don't wanna sacrifice good brass swap the bullets from your surplus steel cases with hunting bullets and you're good to go.
- Location
- Georgetown Ontario
i was in a local dealer the other day and they had 3 cases of x54 880rounds corrosive. They did not know it's origin nor bullet weight and they wanted $300.00 for it! they also told me that x54 is not very popular (ya right!) and that no more is available nor is any more coming and that I better buy what they had now!
Think I'll be looking at some free shipping deals or some of the specials instead thanks. I do have brass and dies for reloading x54 but still like to stock up on surplus when available for cheap high volume shooting, I have 2 Mosin's and a new SVT-40 to feed. the Mosins I'll shoot anything but for lots of shooting in the SVT I'd like to stick with light ball and save the heavy softpoint and reloads for hunting.
Think I'll be looking at some free shipping deals or some of the specials instead thanks. I do have brass and dies for reloading x54 but still like to stock up on surplus when available for cheap high volume shooting, I have 2 Mosin's and a new SVT-40 to feed. the Mosins I'll shoot anything but for lots of shooting in the SVT I'd like to stick with light ball and save the heavy softpoint and reloads for hunting.
"...Don't use anything with brass cases if..." What else would you use? Steel cases are not reloadable. Most steel cased ammo is berdan primed to start with. Dented cases aren't a big deal anyway. The dents do not mean weakened cases and will come out on the next firing.
That's exactly my point. Taylor load by all means, just don't expect to be able to reload the brass.
