Reloading for the VZ61 Skorpion .32 ACP

I picked this up earlier this week. Always wanted one, for no real reason. I took it out today for the first time. It's used but has a very low round count. Firstly, it was shooting 12" low at 15 yards. Fixed that with my Leatherman. The only .32 ammo I had was my regular load of the Lyman 85 gr RN, powder coated, over 2.5 gr of W-321. All my other .32's love it.

I ran about 150 rds through it. I had numerous malfunctions. Nearly every time the bolt hanging up midway on the case body of the upcoming round. My first thought is it may like hotter loads. However, I don't want to beat it to pieces. Or worse case, it doesnt like cast pills. Have any of you played with this platform and found a reliable load?

Attachment 304661

Never shot the semi. The squirtgun was adjusted to cycle 1200 rpm with 73-grain steel core FMJRN at 1200 fps from the longer SMG barrel.

Try Accurate 31-081H with 2.2 grains of Bullseye or TiteGroup or 3 grains of Autocomp

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Originally Posted by Outpost75

Never shot the semi. The squirtgun was adjusted to cycle 1200 rpm with 73-grain steel core FMJRN at 1200 fps from the longer SMG barrel.

Try Accurate 31-081H with 2.2 grains of Bullseye or TiteGroup or 3 grains of Autocomp

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Thanks. I have TG on hand. What longer barrel are you referring to? This model is a near exact clone of the military sub gun, minus the full auto trigger pack.

12 cm

That is the same…I’ve got a FA one that’s super fun and quick!!

I also always wanted one. Also for no real reason. Since the 80’s. Together with an Uzi, a MAC-10, a Sterling, a Dragunov... the list goes on. Got one when the semi auto version from Czech Small Arms became available. Initially started with the 74 RF (MP Mold 312 69 HP) set to an OAL of 0.91”. Had frequent problems with rim lock. Then switched to a 100gr RN (Lee 311-100-2R) loaded to an OAL of 0.98”. No problems with rim lock anymore. Load is either 2.0gr Unique or 1.5gr N310. Both feed and cycle very reliably and are precise enough for me. I currently PC the Lee bullet and then calibrate to .309. Pictures of my Vz61 and loads with 73gr FMJ, 74gr RF, 100gr RN and 100gr RN powder coated are attached.

Attachment 305172 Attachment 305173

Wonderful picture! I shot a magazine full near the AuSable River in Michigan years ago full auto.....was not too impressed and bought an MP-40 instead.

Is there any chance you might have a slower-burning propellant than W231? Your 2.5/W231/85 gr. LRN sounds like it is a max load, which is probably necessary for the heavy bolt in the CZ61. I wonder if a load developing similar or higher velocities with the 85 gr. bullet, but using a slower-burning propellant might impart a higher amplitude "push", over a longer interval, to the bolt, sending it all the way rearward. If you feel quite certain that it would be safe to do so, you might try increasing the powder charge by 0.1 gr., or switching to a slightly slower-burning propellant.
The other possibility is to increase the taper crimp on the loaded cases. If your loaded rounds will freely "plunk" into the 61's chamber at its current setting, then increasing it probably won't help matters.