The name doesn't mean anything. I could invent a new cartridge with a 6.8mm bullet and call it a "7.62 Smith" or some such because it is the 'nominal diameter' of something or other.

I'm going to be looking into this more because I don't think it's a matter of quality control, but of bullet selection. Note that both sizes of bullets are standard and sold here.

I did physically measure the 7.62 x 39 round and it is .310" The reloading bullets I use for the Mosin Nagant and Arisaka are .312", also suitable for loading .303 Endfields

As far as worn barrels and such go, slugging is the only way to determine what they are and I'm going to do it today, or very soon. Neither of the rifles appear to have been used heavily but that doesn't show in the barrel.

PS: I shot the new SKS yesterday with the Tula Ammo and shot just fine with the .310" bullets.

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