Searched all know headstamp sites...

[Blackthorn370]

Originally Posted by Don T.

I've got him on the phone now. He's wondering where you got it. He would like to get some in his hand to look at it in 3-D. The fact that the recoil is that violent in a semi concerns him. Also, the 10 year shelf life is odd. He's wondering about the powder that's being used. At this point, I think he wants to do some disassembly and see what they're actually made of.

I got it from Century, but I can send him a sample box or two as soon as I get an address. That would be a damn sight quicker than waiting for Century to get it to him.

I have to agree...I thought that stamp was VERY strange...I've never seen anything like it on any ammo, anywhere.

I wouldn't exactly call the recoil "violent", not like it slammed the bolt back harder than the spring could deal with...I guess my description was based on a "felt recoil" subjective assessment based my own experiences. It just felt "hot".

[Blackthorn370]

An update: I went to the range today and A: figured out which gun has the headspace/chamber problem (the SAIGA "in excellent condition") and B: that it is the gun and NOT the ammo that is the issue. I fired rounds from 4 different manufacturers, including two different flavors of Wolf, Yugo and Russian surplus, and the Egyptian again from the "offending" rifle. All had the same bulging at the neck and cratering in the primer as can be seen in the pictures of the the Egyptian ammo I uploaded in the earlier post. That being the case, I doubt seriously it is an excess pressure problem as none of the same signs appeared when these round were fired from the SKS or the WASR-10.

[Blackthorn370]

An update:

I've spent a considerable amount of the last day or so doing research into the bulging neck issue and discovered that this "mark" is actually a step that was designed into 7.62x39 Saigas destined for the Russian market and is normal. It is in order to comply with a Russian law that allows LE destinquish between rounds fired from stolen military AKs and the Saiga. Around 2003, a large batch of US weapons were inadvertantly fitted with barrels that had this "step" in the receiver. It is normal, safe and doesn't effect performance.

Regarding the Egyptian ammo. After firing several hundred rounds through numerous AK & SKS types without ANY issues and some pretty surprising accuracy, I have come to the conclusion that THIS batch of Egyptian surplus is NOT the same as what was going around a year or two ago. Based on my research, this batch of surplus ammo has not exhibited any of the issues that were associated with the other batch.

Thanks for the help! It is greatly appreciated!

[Don T.]

Well, that's interesting. I was trying to work things out with him, but couldn't get a definitive answer.

I'm glad that that's all it was. While not much fun for the reloader, it probably doesn't matter much for people firing steel casings. AKs can be pretty tough on the things on a good day!

I'm glad you got things figured out. Now enjoy it!

Don

[Blackthorn370]

Originally Posted by Don T.

Well, that's interesting. I was trying to work things out with him, but couldn't get a definitive answer.

I'm glad that that's all it was. While not much fun for the reloader, it probably doesn't matter much for people firing steel casings. AKs can be pretty tough on the things on a good day!

I'm glad you got things figured out. Now enjoy it!

Don

I can tell you finding that info was a definate load off my mind!

Regarding reloading, within the same reference articles were several on relaoding. It seems that the brass reforms back into the correct configuration easily and with no apparent ill-effects.

Thanks!

[Don T.]

You're welcome, and thank YOU for the education!