SVT cycling issues- poor ammunition or rifle problem?

[TV-PressPass]

Corwin Arms has the gas adjustment tools as well as replacement stainless gas Pistons. If you end up with the gas setting cranked and still aren't getting a full cycle it could be your piston and cup seal are worn down bleeding off too much gases to function properly.

I noticed I could run at a lower gas setting with their stainless piston installed, and their tool helped a ton:

 

[jakester]

I have a friend with 4 SVT's, they all run great on the 1.3 setting. He uses Russian light ball (silver painted tip) and Czech ball ammo.

 

[wojnar]

Had that problem till I really cleaned the chamber with wire brush after that no more problems.