7.62X39 Bore size
I just wanted to start a new thread in reference to the true bore size of the 7.62X39. I did a lot of research on this because I have a Ruger bolt action and a SKS. This is what Ruger told me about their gun. They said the bore on it is .309 so it can shoot the American version of the 7.62X39 which uses a .308 AND the Russian rounds which are generally .310. I was concerned that shooting the Russian .310 bullets would wear my barrel out quicker and Ruger said not so. I know it is a tack driver using the cheap Wolf ammo. Oddly enough, one of my military friends said his Ruger mini-30 has a .308 bore and he does not like to shoot the Russian ammo fearing it will prematurely wear the barrel. To sum it up, I guess every 7.62X39 is or should be in the ballpark of .308 to .311 and according to most people I have talked to, it is not enough of a difference to really matter.[:D]
"They call me Don. Dr. Jason Donald Dalinger."
"They call me Don. Dr. Jason Donald Dalinger."
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I agree that the difference is not enough to worry about. 
81st FA BN WWII...Thanks Dad
U!S!A! ALL THE WAY!!0 -
I think your conclusion is correct. If bullets are .308" or .311" there will be no harm to your rifle, but accuracy may suffer.
Standard groove diameter of foreign military rifles in 7.62 x 39mm is .311", and most factory ammunition is loaded with bullets near that diameter. The Speer Manual #13 lists only .311" diameter bullets.
I am not aware of any component manufacturers who offer .308" bullets for the 7.62x39 cartridge. I suspect when the 7.62x39 cartridge first became poplular in this country, none of the component companies were manufacturing the correct diameter bullets for reloaders. As a result, .308" bullets were plentiful and were substituted in place. I would think that the .308" bulllet in the .311" bore would not be the most accurate.
The Ruger Mini-30, the first U.S. commercial rifle to be produced in this caliber, has a groove diameter of .308". The design of it's chamber throat enables it to handle bullets of .308" and .311" diameters.
If you are a handloader, you would need to experiment to see which diameter bullet gives the best accuracy from your rifle. Factory 7.62x39 is manufactured by almost all of the major ammunition companies now, however, this ammo would not be loaded with the .311" bullet. It would be necessary to reload to use the .308" bullet.
Regards,
"If I don't see you nomore on this world, I'll meet you on the next one, and don't be late!" - Jimi Hendrix0 -
I loaded some 130 gr hornady .308 diameter bullets for the 7.62X39. They shoot no different than any other ammo. About 2-3 inch groups at 100 yards with the iron sights. I checked some of the military bullets I had pulled and they measure .3095.
I don't think you will see any difference in barrel wear. You will burn the throat out long before bullet friction takes its toll.0 -
I miked a recovered FMJ from a SK. .311 and the bullet hadn't filled the grooves so groove diameter was more than that.
Active old guy who lives with two dobermans.0 -
At one time USA offered 7.62X39 ammunition w/ .308 bullets. The boxes were specifically marked this way. 0
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