Hungarian HD-18 rifle in 7.62x54R

[U.S.SFC_RET]

For reference I bought a 150rd pack of PPU 182gr mil contract ammo:

150 Round Pack - 7.62X54R FMJ 182 Grain Ball Prvi Partizan Ammo - PP76254B | SGAmmo.com

150 Round Pack of 7.62X54R FMJ 182 Grain Ball Prvi Partizan Ammo For SaleBerdan Primer, Non-corrosive, 100% non-magnetic ammo. Limited supply available from a canceled military contract. Made in 2019SKU# PP76254B50 x 15 round boxes per 750 Round Case

www.sgammo.com

For shits and giggles I just pulled 5 of the cartridges apart:

All the bullets mic'd at .311. Powder was some stick powder. Charges and bullet weights.
1. 48.2gr and 183.2gr
2. 47.9gr and 183.4gr
3. 49.2gr and 182.5gr
4. 49.4gr and 182.6gr
5. 50.2gr and 182.6gr

I plan to get some new production PPU cases and bullets .311 in 150gr and 174gr to make pet loads.

Suffice to say my wallet is pretty damn light after this purchase. So I'm going to see how far I can get by making the powder charges consistent using CFE223 ball powder.

Some members have chimed in offering a box of match ammo to help me along. I really do appreciate it, but I will hold off until I get a new optic to make it easier on my eyes, I would want to do the ammo some sort of justice. Unless anyone here is a dead-eye at 100yds with a PSO-1 scope.

That is 2 gr deeviance. Hmmm...