Semi-Auto-Competition

[Brandy]

I am preparing for a semi-auto-competition with a Dragunov Sniper Rifle in cal. 7,62 x 54 R at 300 and 600 meters.
This rifle is brand new, and I have no experience what kind of ammo and especially what bullet weight would be the best for this rifle. Has anybody experience about this one. I would really appreciate some useful feedback.

 

[M700]

Interesting. I've seen the Dragunov when I was in the Marines, but never at a competition or since I've been out of the service. I understand that they were/are a reasonably accurate sniper weapon out to 800 yards or so. If nobody else pops up here, I'd recommend contacting Sierra Bullets and asking them about their recommended match load for the 7.62x54R. Their "tech line" advice has been spot on for me when I was starting out with a new cartridge a few times in the past.

For what it's worth here is an "accuracy load" recommended in my Sierra manual:

Sierra 168 gr HPBT Matchking, 47.7 gr IMR-4320 @ 2600 fps

They used Norma brass, and Remington 9 1/2 primers.

That load is about 1.5 grains under their maximum recommended charge, and delivers a muzzle velocity comparable to many .308 Winchester match loads I've used in competition, so I believe that it is likely to work well to 600 yards. I don't know how well it will work in the semi-auto Dragunov. In your shoes, I'd call or e-mail Sierra.

Best of luck, Guy