Re: 7.62x39 bolt gun
Way back when, I did some load development work on a Century Arms converted K-98 chambered in 7.62x39. I was never able to overcome the basic inherent inaccuracy of the platform. I was convinced that the 7.62x39 was capable of stellar accuracy when built on a reliable platform. Aside from that, I was primarily disappointed with the bastard bolt face diameter.
I have a .30 barrel blank and am considering a small/medium capacity chambering; but I'm insisting the bolt face diameter correspond to the common .473" spec, or .378". I've given considerable thought to the .30RAR, .300 Savage, and .30BR. The .30RAR appears to have been bastardized by having the bolt face diameter increased for liability reasons (I'm convinced Remington is hell bent on suicide-by-lawyer...), so its out. The .300 Savage is very tempting, but the case capacity seems a tad larger than what I really want. The .30BR seems to be overly complicated by its wildcat status. The .300Whisper seems to have disappointing velocities.
At this point, I barely favor a .300 Savage, loaded down somewhat for 200yd comp purposes.
This post got me interested in the Rem 799, a 20" Mauser-like rifle built by Zastava in Serbia, and generally believed to be quite well made. I could be interested in one myself, chambered in 7.62x39.
Greg