Don't forget that the .223 VEPRs took mags (East German, IIRC) that had the follower replaced with a modified Robinson Armament follower in order for them to work well. I've never owned a .223 VEPR but from what I remember, the mag lips and opening were an issue; they had to be the correct size. The E. German ones with the modified follower were the most reliable and recommended by Rob Arms. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Neither of my 7.62x39 VEPRs have ever FTF or FTE on any combo of mags or ammo.
Last week, a .223 VEPR IIk came up for sale in the Austin newspaper. The guy only wanted like $550, with a PSOP scope. I could have bought it but I turned him down once I learned it was .223 because of the mag issue. I would rather have a Tromix Saiga in .223 that I know will feed reliably from Bulgarian waffle mags, rather than have to get mags modified to work with a .223 VEPR. I could have bought it and resold it for a profit, but I just did him a favor and told him that he should reconsider the selling price since they are selling for close to twice that amount now and he could get some more money if he put it on Gunbroker.