Is 7.62x39 ever a better choice than .308?

**grizzman** · 02-24-24, 13:53

The type of rifle and how it will be used can't be ignored in this decision.....so I can't give an answer.

**Ron3** · 02-24-24, 15:48

Originally Posted by grizzman

The type of rifle and how it will be used can't be ignored in this decision.....so I can't give an answer.

I basically changed the original topic, though.

Now considering a .300 blk.

**czgunner** · 02-24-24, 14:14

Better for what? If I was only going to shoot brass case, I wouldn't own a 7.62x39.

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**caporider** · 02-24-24, 14:40

Because ironic guns are interesting...

Like this XM177 in 7.62x39 I just put together.

**Ron3** · 03-21-24, 07:22

Originally Posted by caporider

Because ironic guns are interesting...

Like this XM177 in 7.62x39 I just put together.

I tried a few types of AR 7.62x39. They never ran well for long. No good magazines. And that could be because of the standard AR magwell shape. Just doesn't work with the X39 case.

**Krazykarl** · 02-24-24, 19:28

My experience with 90's issue mini 30 was abysmal. Horrible precision even with my best reloads. Do these rifles still run .311 throats with .308 bores? Did they every improve the hammer energy? Out of 30 rounds in a magazine, atleast 5 fail to fire with harder comm bloc primers. I felt lucky to break even when I sold the package set of rifle, magazines, optic, reloading components.

**Ron3** · 02-24-24, 19:47

Originally Posted by Krazykarl

My experience with 90's issue mini 30 was abysmal. Horrible precision even with my best reloads. Do these rifles still run .311 throats with .308 bores? Did they every improve the hammer energy? Out of 30 rounds in a magazine, atleast 5 fail to fire with harder comm bloc primers. I felt lucky to break even when I sold the package set of rifle, magazines, optic, reloading components.

They do not have .308 bores now. They are .310, 1/10 twist.

The problem with most Russian ammo isn't that the hammer system isn't sufficient. The problem is the primers are set deep and firing pin isn't quite long enough for them.

The Russian ammo is also very low quality in every way.

With quality ammo and now common, affordable Ruger made 20 rd mags, reliability is good.

Mini accuracy is decent now. 2-3 moa. Better with handloads. But as it gets hot the POI changes. So, treated as the light-duty rifle it is, it's fine. Run it hard and you get 7.62 AK-like patterns.