Chinese vs. Bulgarian 7.62x54R, which is better

[big bear]

I want to buy a case of milsurp 7.62x54R ammo, which is better? The Bulgarian is about $30 cheaper per 880rds. Thanks. The ammo is for my PU sniper.

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[fernleaf]

Your rifle might prefer one over the other, both or neither. All 7.62x54r ball SHOULD be made to the same specs, so it is a matter of finding what your rifle prefers.

Personally, I'd take the Chinese over the Bulgarian as Chinese has worked great in all my Mosins I've run it through and I have no experience with Bulgarian ammo.

Try a little of each before you buy a crate perhaps?

[big bear]

Your rifle might prefer one over the other, both or neither. All 7.62x54r ball SHOULD be made to the same specs, so it is a matter of finding what your rifle prefers.

Personally, I'd take the Chinese over the Bulgarian as Chinese has worked great in all my Mosins I've run it through and I have no experience with Bulgarian ammo.

Try a little of each before you buy a crate perhaps?

Unfortunately can't do that, it comes by the case only, I' pretty happy with the Bulgarian and $30 is $30, but I keep reading good things about the Chinese ammo.

[jmoore]

7,62x54r is sort of like .22 rimfire ammo. In that what shoots well in one rifle won't do well in another. Even lot changes may skew results. So when you find something your rifle likes, buy as much as you can stand!

[mike radford]

The Chinese is some of the best milsurp available, no longer available in the US. Mine is coded 66/71. I pulled down 5 rounds each of 5 different milsurp loads, including 7N1, and overall consistency was best with the chinese and next was 7N1, then bxn 86. I checked bullet weights, OAL, powder weight, etc..

The best ammo available for accuracy is Extra Match. Retailers sold out fast. It is rated between about 7.0 and 8.9 cm extreme spread at 300 meters for 20 shot groups. Amazing stuff and sub-MOA capable obviously. Many of us that shoot lots of PU had shot sub-MOA with it frequently. First outing with it, my first 6 five shot groups average 1.12 inches and three groups were sub 1 inch. Bullet weight is 200 and box is yellow.

Next best is Target, also 188 coded, as is Extra, 7N1 and 714N. It is rated between 9 and 12 cm, 182 or 185 grain(forgot which). AIM had some and may still. Often sold as Match but generally in a blue or bluish cardboard box, cans are 240 rds.

Handloads with 311 SMK HPBTM and 312 Hornady match in 174 grain generally give the best accuracy.

[big bear]

Ordered a case of Chinese 7.62x54R yesterday. when it gets here I will be forced to open can and test it,will report back.

[big bear]

This stuff is great! 5 shots, 3 touching, 1.25" group at 100 yds with Molot PU on a grey, rainy, raining day. Gotta get some more.Didn't have a Mosin a few years ago, warning!!! don't buy one, they multiply and need feeding! You have been warned.

[arado]

I have found Chinese issue guns and ammunition the best there is, my issue is a Type 54 using 7.62x25. I need no other in my sovereign bunker. I am the King.....

[WarPig1976]

Wait..!! Mosin Nagants shoot bullets..?? Here I thought they were extra long bayonet holders that can also be used as a club.... Who knew ?

[PaulTT-33]

Sorry about going all Lazarus on this thread, but I was Google searching and bumped into it.

So is there any consensus here on what is the better of the two surplus 7.62x54r, Chinese or Soviet?

I have some Factory 10 Soviet/Bulgarian and it shoots pretty well out of my M-44 and SVT-40. (Yes, my M-44 is more accurate than the SVT-40) So I'm contemplating some Chinese that's on deal.

Any one prefer one over the other? And why so?