Just how inaccurate is surplus ammo compared to factory... i mean obviously factory is better and hand loads better still...but by how much? I only ever shoot surplus 7.62x 39 through an sks and don't find it to bad to 300m with irons. Throw me some grouping numbers with both kinds of ammo at whatever distance... Doesn't have to be 7.62x39 or an sks.just looking for surplus ammo vs factory info.
Surplus Ammo Question...
- Thread starter Aero_Plane
- Start date
Avalonthas
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Toronto ON
Its really the SKS that is inaccurate in general compared to modern firearms, not so much the ammo when we are specifically talking SKS
Obviously specifically loaded ammo will shoot better, but in general SKS is not built for accuracy, it was built for simplicity and numbers.
Surplus ammo is factory ammo, its just older and quite numerous. So really you want to compare both to reloaded ammo
Obviously specifically loaded ammo will shoot better, but in general SKS is not built for accuracy, it was built for simplicity and numbers.
Surplus ammo is factory ammo, its just older and quite numerous. So really you want to compare both to reloaded ammo
How long is a piece of string???
This is a tough question overall. In my experience every firearm has its favourite recipe, whether factory or handloads. The amount of variables are boggling, from rate of twist in the rifling, to barrel lengths, temperatures, bullet weights, powders, primers, etc etc etc...
I found as I am sure many others have, that in keeping everything the same and just changing from one manufacturer to the other there can be a vast array of differences.
Even a rifle made by the same manufacturer may have a particular type that works great in mine and not in your very same rifle.
With regard to "surplus" ammo, we need to accept the fact that what is really deemed "surplus" in todays world are mil-spec calibers. Typically, military rifles are built to serve a purpose and not require sub MOA accuracy.
I know that some may jump in here and defend a particular rifle, caliber or design and thats fine but as a generality, a 2 or 3 inch group at 100yds will do just fine, considering the technology of the day, iron sights etc.
This is a tough question overall. In my experience every firearm has its favourite recipe, whether factory or handloads. The amount of variables are boggling, from rate of twist in the rifling, to barrel lengths, temperatures, bullet weights, powders, primers, etc etc etc...
I found as I am sure many others have, that in keeping everything the same and just changing from one manufacturer to the other there can be a vast array of differences.
Even a rifle made by the same manufacturer may have a particular type that works great in mine and not in your very same rifle.
With regard to "surplus" ammo, we need to accept the fact that what is really deemed "surplus" in todays world are mil-spec calibers. Typically, military rifles are built to serve a purpose and not require sub MOA accuracy.
I know that some may jump in here and defend a particular rifle, caliber or design and thats fine but as a generality, a 2 or 3 inch group at 100yds will do just fine, considering the technology of the day, iron sights etc.
ya i realize that surplus is made in a factory and there fore is factory ammo, i was more meaning the difference between "surplus" made 30 years ago in some ammo flinging factory vs a more modern newer made ammo. And as stated obviously hand loaded with that "magic" recipe to ones particular rifle will always be best.
Clearly an SKS is no rem.700 when it comes to accuracy, Its cheap and fun to shoot. But i guess you put it into perspective though.... the difference in accuracy will probably not even be noticed in an sks factory vs hand loads!
But what about say a mini 30? Maybe i'm more wondering if buying more modern ammo will make any difference..... excluding hand loads. Again not complaining about the sks it is what it is..... more wondering about the performance of the older stuff/ cheaper stuff!!! lol
Clearly an SKS is no rem.700 when it comes to accuracy, Its cheap and fun to shoot. But i guess you put it into perspective though.... the difference in accuracy will probably not even be noticed in an sks factory vs hand loads!
But what about say a mini 30? Maybe i'm more wondering if buying more modern ammo will make any difference..... excluding hand loads. Again not complaining about the sks it is what it is..... more wondering about the performance of the older stuff/ cheaper stuff!!! lol
My swedes in 6.5x55 shoot just as well, or in one case better with swede surplus compared to modern commercial, handloads tailored for the rifle shoot better in all cases.
I would suspect it may not have as much to do with the caliber, and more to do with how much the country valued its troops.
I would suspect it may not have as much to do with the caliber, and more to do with how much the country valued its troops.
