Post by wfa on Jan 14, 2017 10:07:56 GMT -8
I've pretty much "spread the joy" over my three uppers (again, none are BHW - yet). This is what I've learned in my approximately six months of "playing":
1) I've only used ASC mags simply because they work. The 20 rd mags seem to require some "break in" before they perform flawlessly. First loading, expect 30% misfeeds, but 5 magazine loads and they're 100% reliable. A benefit is that they also work fine in the 264LBC/Grendel. I'm not sure why ASC sells a 17 round Grendel, but a 20 round 7.62x39. The only differences I can see is the color of the follower, and the "hump" on the 20 round x39 is on the left with a squared off rear, others are on the right with a tapered rear.
2) .308 bullets shoot/feed "just fine" in my (nominal) .310 uppers. Added benefit: .310 bullets shoot just fine in my 300AAC uppers.
3) For the moment I've settled on RL-7 for the majority of my x39 reloading. It seems to give the best combination of speed and accuracy in my uppers. AA1680 gives higher velocity. This is a "work in progress.
4) Yes, I broke an extractor. Having said that, the piece was clearly "mis-machined". I have macro pictures to support my assertion. Other than that, no issues.
5) "Russian" steel case ammo: Depending on the upper, accuracy is between 1.5 MOA and 5.0 MOA, and that changes depending on the brand. None of the uppers shoot all brands the same, and one that is great with Tulammo can be terrible with Wolf or Golden Dragon... and that sometimes changes with bullet style as well. If you find something that shoots in your upper, buy as much of the same lot as you can because it's not consistently accurate. Velocity, OTOH, is consistent, with SD in the "teens" and very close to "advertised".
When the upper is clean, mil-spec, "Rise", and "Velocity" FCGs work just fine; RRA "National Match" is "iffy" at best, total failures at worse (depending on ammo brand).
6) Cleaning/function: I've had no issues until about the 300 to 500 round mark. Russian steel case IS dirty and has similar issues to Vietnam era powders - it builds up HARD carbon on the tail of the bolt AND in the firing pin channel. I've not noticed any gas tube issues. When the upper gets dirty expect to have failure to feed and failure to fire (carbon restricting firing pin strike) issues.
7) An "enhanced" firing pin seems to extend the time between cleaning somewhat, but I'm not positive about that.
8) IF you are pushing the time between cleaning, a HD hammer spring (mil-spec type FCG) also seems to extend the trouble free time.
There are other forums with a lot of good info, but the "AK/SKS" crowd are very protective of their favorite rifles and really don't want to hear about alternatives. I hope someone finds this post of use.
Walt
1) I've only used ASC mags simply because they work. The 20 rd mags seem to require some "break in" before they perform flawlessly. First loading, expect 30% misfeeds, but 5 magazine loads and they're 100% reliable. A benefit is that they also work fine in the 264LBC/Grendel. I'm not sure why ASC sells a 17 round Grendel, but a 20 round 7.62x39. The only differences I can see is the color of the follower, and the "hump" on the 20 round x39 is on the left with a squared off rear, others are on the right with a tapered rear.
2) .308 bullets shoot/feed "just fine" in my (nominal) .310 uppers. Added benefit: .310 bullets shoot just fine in my 300AAC uppers.
3) For the moment I've settled on RL-7 for the majority of my x39 reloading. It seems to give the best combination of speed and accuracy in my uppers. AA1680 gives higher velocity. This is a "work in progress.
4) Yes, I broke an extractor. Having said that, the piece was clearly "mis-machined". I have macro pictures to support my assertion. Other than that, no issues.
5) "Russian" steel case ammo: Depending on the upper, accuracy is between 1.5 MOA and 5.0 MOA, and that changes depending on the brand. None of the uppers shoot all brands the same, and one that is great with Tulammo can be terrible with Wolf or Golden Dragon... and that sometimes changes with bullet style as well. If you find something that shoots in your upper, buy as much of the same lot as you can because it's not consistently accurate. Velocity, OTOH, is consistent, with SD in the "teens" and very close to "advertised".
When the upper is clean, mil-spec, "Rise", and "Velocity" FCGs work just fine; RRA "National Match" is "iffy" at best, total failures at worse (depending on ammo brand).
6) Cleaning/function: I've had no issues until about the 300 to 500 round mark. Russian steel case IS dirty and has similar issues to Vietnam era powders - it builds up HARD carbon on the tail of the bolt AND in the firing pin channel. I've not noticed any gas tube issues. When the upper gets dirty expect to have failure to feed and failure to fire (carbon restricting firing pin strike) issues.
7) An "enhanced" firing pin seems to extend the time between cleaning somewhat, but I'm not positive about that.
8) IF you are pushing the time between cleaning, a HD hammer spring (mil-spec type FCG) also seems to extend the trouble free time.
There are other forums with a lot of good info, but the "AK/SKS" crowd are very protective of their favorite rifles and really don't want to hear about alternatives. I hope someone finds this post of use.
Walt
I've shot a number of 7-10 shot MOA groups with the AR and handloads (even after "ruining" the barrel with "steel" ammo).