7.62x51 Norinco questions..

[manbearpig]

Now that M1As and their clones are deemed evil what do I do with this commie stuff?

How safe is it to shoot out of a modern .308 bolt-action?

Is it steel cased? If so will it cause extra chamber wear?

cheers

 

[M&P 40]

Yep

 

[MRCLARK]

I have a bunch of the same stuff. Haven't tried it yet.

 

[kjohn]

It is safe to shoot. Copper washed steel case. I think you would have to shoot an awful pile to wear a chamber, but what do I know. I shoot the stuff in my Israeli Mausers.

 

[manbearpig]

Hmm.. I'm reading conflicting info on these. The retailer they were purchased from and a few CGNers stated they were copper-jacketed FMJ.
..but how does that explain this?

There's an in-depth article online -- "Brass vs. Steel Cased Ammo – An Epic Torture Test" -- on testing brass vs steel cased/jacketed rounds and the results aren't encouraging.
The conclusion after 10,000 rounds is that steel cased ammo may cause some extraction issues in semi-autos, but does not cause additional chamber wear (which is great).
Copper/steel bi-metal jacketed ammo does, however, cause a dramatically higher amount of throat and barrel wear.

 

[Light Infantry]

I assume that is a magnet. It does not invalidate that it is copper jacketed fmj. The core could be steel instead of lead.

 

[Farmerwithguns]

It is steel core. Makes lots of sparks on steel in low light. I shoot it through my bolts no problem for plinking at the gong.

 

[manbearpig]

Thanks for the info.
Just to be sure I'll pull one bullet, section it and have a look. I probably should have done it before posting.

Any first-hand experiences on how non-corrosive this stuff is?

 

[Light Infantry]

Thanks for the info.
Just to be sure I'll pull one bullet, section it and have a look. I probably should have done it before posting.

Any first-hand experiences on how non-corrosive this stuff is?

This is confusing. Your op was about wear in the chamber from steel cased ammo. Whether the core of the bullet is steel or lead has zero bearing on wear. No need to section it.

 

[Northern Shooter]

Ive shot it through my Ruger American, Winchester Model 70 and plan to shoot it in my future CZ600.

 

[manbearpig]

This is confusing. Your op was about wear in the chamber from steel cased ammo. Whether the core of the bullet is steel or lead has zero bearing on wear. No need to section it.

Maybe I did phrase it confusingly, sorry.
Since I can't use this ammo for it's intended purpose (firing through an M1A/M305), I'm wondering whether or not it's a good idea to fire it through a decent bolt action for plinking - especially with ammo prices the way they are now.

I just sectioned it and there's definitely no steel core, just solid lead.
The jacket is a very thick ferrous metal with a copper coating/wash that is so thin you can almost scratch it off with a fingernail.

 

[Craig0ry]

It's regular run of the mill copper washed steel jacket, hence why the magnet sticks to it, And as you discovered lead core. the case is also copper washed steel.

Iam surprised someone suggested it was steel core. You don't see it often on 7.62x51, but you see it lots on 7.62x39.

 

[B]

It's decent enough, lots of split necks and shoulders when fired. I often hear guys say it's "hot" but it's really just run-of-the-mill. It will likely fire fine from a bolt gun but don't expect great accuracy.

 

[cement head]

Hmm.. I'm reading conflicting info on these. The retailer they were purchased from and a few CGNers stated they were copper-jacketed FMJ.
..but how does that explain this?

There's an in-depth article online -- "Brass vs. Steel Cased Ammo – An Epic Torture Test" -- on testing brass vs steel cased/jacketed rounds and the results aren't encouraging.
The conclusion after 10,000 rounds is that steel cased ammo may cause some extraction issues in semi-autos, but does not cause additional chamber wear (which is great).
Copper/steel bi-metal jacketed ammo does, however, cause a dramatically higher amount of throat and barrel wear.

Dam lady bugs ruining the day again . I shot all kinds of the stuff without any problems at all . shoot the stuff . good luck finding something to replace it .

 

[manbearpig]

I think I'll just put it on the EE and put the money towards a minimalist reloading setup.

 

[Light Infantry]

Interesting. Thanks.

Maybe I did phrase it confusingly, sorry.
Since I can't use this ammo for it's intended purpose (firing through an M1A/M305), I'm wondering whether or not it's a good idea to fire it through a decent bolt action for plinking - especially with ammo prices the way they are now.

I just sectioned it and there's definitely no steel core, just solid lead.
The jacket is a very thick ferrous metal with a copper coating/wash that is so thin you can almost scratch it off with a fingernail.

 

[cosmic]

I think the Hertenberger ammo that was floating around has similar bullet construction. The steel jackets are definitely harder on the bore than guilding metal. I wouldnt bother using it in a decent bolt action, particularly if you are seeking accuracy. Alternatively, you could pull the bullets and replace with a known decent bullet - a la " Mexican Match".

 

[powerbaitron]

It wouldn’t be overly accurate and would cause way more barrel wear. If you are okay with those concerns than fire away. Also hard military primers may not fire on many bolt actions.

 

[can14]

What about 7.62 m1 Garand rifles?