CZ527 in .223 or 7.62x39?

[Littledog]

Hi all.
I walked into my local gun store the other day and saw the lil carbine so asked to have a look at it, now im sold on it!

My issue is what calibre to get? Any of you with either calibre what are your thoughts. What is accuracy like in both the .223 and the 7.62x39? Also will 52-55gr work well in the .223 with the 1-12 twist?

It will mainly be a range work/fun gun and intro for new shooters but a bit of varminting may come in now n then but will be rarely. Wish I had the cash for both, Help me decide!

Cheers.
Craig.

[painter]

I have a 527 FS in .223.

This is what I can do with factory AE 55gr ammo at 100 yds...sorry about the fliers.


targets 006 by nh_painter, on Flickr

[rut3556]

>>What is accuracy like in both the .223 and the 7.62x39?<<

Accuracy in either caliber will be just fine for general range use, hunting, or plinking. Remember, it was never designed for "bullseye" shooting per se.

[buddy.223]

id go with the .223 , but as i have two (varmint & american) im a bit biast - youl have a better selection of ammo and yes i think the .223 is more accurate, with very little recoil as well as being a great varmint round it is very easy to reload for.   it will shoot anything from 40g-55g well with the 50g-53g the real sweet spot.  both these rifles are real word accurate and fun to shoot-- dont be expecting one hole groups at 200yrds.

[Littledog]

Most of the range will be limited to 200 or less. I would be happy with 2moa at 200. But would like 1moa at 100 when needed.

Im still torn between the two calibres. I prefer smaller mag scopes and compacts but as its for shorter range thats no issue.

Is there much I would need to do to get to 1moa at 100yds eg bedding or shimming? The one we have for sale here is the walnut stock.

Painter that's very nice groups you showed there-thanks.

Thanks for all the replies so far.

Craig.

[btm]

I suggest you look up the trajectory tables for both rounds. I don't have the data handy, but pretty sure the 7.62x39 will look like a rainbow compared to the .223 out around 200 yards.

If you really want to shoot varmints at that range, the difference in drop is a big deal. Without a rangefinder it is really hard to tell if the target is at 175 or 225. That's probably around 5" of drop with the 7.62, half that or less with the .223. Could be the difference between a hit and a miss on something small.

On the other hand, if you want to shoot a deer get the bigger bullet.

Hell, get both.

[truckjohn]

I think if you are looking for a good intro gun for new shooters - you won't go wrong with either choice....

I think the 223 has a slight edge for high quality/accurate ammo commonly available locally at decent prices.... but the 7.62x39 has the slight edge for the absolute cheapest rifle ammo around....

Either will be great choices for all but the absolute most recoil adverse shooters out there... (Aka the ones who complain about 22lr's kick)

I think where the platform really shines, though is as a walking woods hunting rifle - where you are carrying it around all day...  Longer guns snag on everything.. Heavier guns wear you out...  Carry it out hunting that 1st time and its hard to put it down for a 10+ lb rifle package...

Thanks

[DGNY]

Mine is the .223, as I have a small inventory of such ammo, AE 55 gr FMJ.  At the range, mine likes the 55 gr Fiocchi best, it seems.  Out of the box, my bolt was somewhat gritty after initial good cleaning, but maybe 1000 cycles watching some movie helped considerably.  Have not adjusted the trigger, but that is next.  I do like the set trigger.

Note that due to the bolt handle configuration, high rings are the answer to scope mounting; with the carbine model, rings are not included from the factory.  For a scope, I put on a 2-7, but now would have made it a 3-9, for the slight extra power.

Good luck to you.

[Postie Bike]

I'm still deciding how to scope my new 7.62 but with iron sights I'm keeping all rounds on a paper plate at 200m with Yugo M67 all day long, so I fully expect easy sub MOA. The trajectory differences (depending on where you zero) between the two at close to medium ranges are similar enough that if you can't compensate for the drop of 7.62 your not going to be able to compensate for 223 so IMO that point is moot. I primarily chose 7.62 because I have tens of thousands of rounds of it (I mostly shoot AKs), because it is less expensive, and also due to 7.62s far better terminal and barrier performance.

[armoredman]

I have the 7.62x39mm 527M, and it is flat out awesome. I chose that caliber because I already handloaded for it, and it does quite well for me. I am no great shakes as a rifle shot, but this was good enough to make me smile.

[ZG47]

The .223 is prone to feeding issues and especially so in the 527. This is the main reason why I sold my 527. It is also why, when I get around to buying another 527, it will be in 7.62x39 which was my original preference or possibly in .222 which  was designed to feed and extract reliably.

The 7.62 will feed better, the other users will get more satisfaction through being able to see their bullet holes without scopes in pretty much all conditions and the cases will be easier to process than .223 (no lube-crumpled shoulders).

The 7.62 will also be quieter and it easier to check the larger bore for dirt (or lint from patches) before you put the rifle away.

[Littledog]

I wish you hadnt posted those pics amoredman-as 30mins ago I just ordered the .223 carbine. This has been the hardest decision for me to make as both calibres seem so good in that lil carbine.

Thanks all for your replies and I may just have to save hard again and get the 7.62 aswell:)
ZG47 I missed your reply by seconds lol. Never mind ordered and on its way up. I dont mind a bit of tinkering-any idea of what causes the .223 feeding issues?

Will post a report when I have scoped and sighted.

Thanks all.
Craig.

[painter]

I have had no...zero...none... feeding issues in my 527. 

[ZG47]

Thanks all for your replies and I may just have to save hard again and get the 7.62 aswell:)
ZG47 I missed your reply by seconds lol. Never mind ordered and on its way up. I dont mind a bit of tinkering-any idea of what causes the .223 feeding issues?

The case is too straight. It was actually an experimental cartridge that was not intended for adoption. The Winchester case (based on the .30 Remington) was considered to be a better base for development but deliberate procrastination and the USAF's urgent need for a new rifle forced the Army's hand. The relatively high maximum working pressure for the military ammo does not help. NB I cannot find the appropriate reference but it is my understanding that the 5.56x45 has the smallest safety margin between average pressure and maximum working pressure of any service rifle cartridge.

P.S. I ran a Range for 14 years and also wore the green on a part-time basis for 12 years. Most of the centrefire extraction (and feeding) issues related to the .223, .243, .308, 7mm-08, etc. I like the .223 accuracy and mild recoil but the .222 is easier to feed and extract, quieter and just as good at downing goats and smaller creatures. The 7.62x39 feeds and extracts even more reliably, is better for goats and the larger holes on the target save on spotting scope use when the sun is shining directly on the target. That said, choose what you wish.

[DGNY]

Glad to say - no feeding issues with my particular .223.

Please do give us a range report after your rifle arrives and the weather permits.

Regards,

Dyson