Chinese vs. Bulgarian 7.62x54R, which is better

[PaulTT-33]

we chronographed some late 1950's (1955 or 1958 iirc) Chinese 7.62x54r from a sealed "sardine tin" and found the average velocity spread to be under 5 fps.

That's outstanding for some old surplus. Really good for anything else. Thanks for that. My fears have been put to rest.

[PaulTT-33]

It was +12C at my range in the foothills last Friday. Was using my '43 PU which really seems to like the two different vintages of Chinese that I have.

Well Mr. Ridolpho we were having a bit of a Chinook effect as well. The warm temps came and went quickly, but not before nature dumped 30-50 ml of rain on top of the frozen ground. So most of that ended up in my basement. Uggh. I imagine the road to the range is quite a mess as well.

Unfortunately the promised update isn't as in depth as I was hoping. However I did manage to test fire a few rounds (25) thru my M-44 with encouraging results. (I left my SVT-40 at home. I didn't want to confuse myself or the results too badly.) Once I got to the range I couldn't gain access to the 25 yard sight-in range, meaning I did not get a chance to compare zero results or the longer follow up shots. But I did sit in with some guys at the 50, and knowing my rifle and its zero with the Soviet factory 10 surplus, I was surprised to see the first volley of 61/57 shoot a fair bit lower. . . after a quick n dirty rear sight adjustment we got on the 2 inch target as best my 58 year old eyes will allow. Anecdotal side note: both the 61/57 and 61/66 stuff didn't want to feed off my stripper clips ?? I've not had that happen with the Soviet. No biggie, I like to fondle the copper washed jewelry anyway. Its part of the fun. The good news was both years of Chinese went....B O O M...ha ha ha, that M-44 is such a hoot...and they even grouped a bit tighter. Color me surprised. It even smelled "normal" no big dirty sulphur plumes. I do however find it a bit dirtier. Seems to take longer to clean out my barrels after shooting the Chinese. So in conclusion, so far, so good, or as youtubes Sootch00 likes to say, two thumbs, way up!
Anyway that's it for now...gotta go man the pumps and the mops.