7.63X39........First Loads for This Cartridge.

[c-fbmi]

So I finally got the right shell holder, you'd think with the number of shell holders I have I'd have one close enough, but no chance. Anyway I ordered one from a shop over in Trail, which they had, along with some more bullets for my 204 R. Now I have it, I loaded up some 123 gn Privi 311 bullets with RL 7 and some with H4198 in PPU cases using WLRP. The interesting part here though and the question I have for you gentlemen, is..........as I was perusing my bullet shelves I spied several hundred 100 gn Horn XTP 312 bullets for my 32-20s. Which immediately made me ask "WHY NOT" (and I don't mean Ted). So the question is has any body tried these in the X39? I thought these might make a cool load for plinking with the bolt gun and I have no doubt they would probably be quite accurate. I also noticed last time I was in WSS that they still had many boxes of this stuff on the shelf.........not a lot of 32-20 shooters and reloaders out there I would assume.
And before any one posts shooting a 312 bullet in a 311 bore is dangerous and I might blow up my little full stock Zastava.......don't bother, cause you don't know what you're talking about !!!!!!!!

I also have the correct scope mount bases for it thanks to my buddy 'Looky, who rounded up a set for me and mailed them right out.

 

[supernova]

I loaded the 85 gr xtp in X54r and had some fun at the range. They can be tough to load being so short and flat based. My roll crimp die was useless for the job so I ended up pulling the seating plug out and setting up the FCD so that at full stroke the fingers simply held the case mouth rather than crimping. Then I set a bullet in place and started it into the case mouth with the seating plug and a brass hammer. Once I had them all started, I reassembled the seating die and adjusted for seating depth to finish the job. Other dies may be able to get them started and a flare wouldn't hurt.

 

[jongun]

Not the xtp but I've had a bit of fun making up plinking loads in x39 and x54 using Lee 93gn 312 cast. Have loaded up some with my regular rifles powders I load in these cartridges but mostly have used clays powder for nice light loads. Shooting these in the M44 at 25m is good fun and accurate enough that if I had the chance I wouldn't mind using it as a small game getter.

 

[kamlooky]

Looks like the starrrrs are starting to align fer yah Douglas.
Maybe a dear deer will hold still long 'nuff fer the X ............uhm.... +
to focus and kerpow........ vittles......

 

[c-fbmi]

Well the Zastava was an abysmal failure today, keeping a nice 4-6" group at 100 mtrs with 123 gn Privi bullets and RL 7 powder. I would have expected initial groups in the 2-2 1/2" range but I guess my expectations were a little high. Not sure playing with powders and seating depths are going to improve this performance..........Looks like maybe another bedding job coming up soon............

Maybe the 100 gn XTPs are the answer.............

 

[Ganderite]

Well the Zastava was an abysmal failure today, keeping a nice 4-6" group at 100 mtrs with 123 gn Privi bullets and RL 7 powder. I would have expected initial groups in the 2-2 1/2" range but I guess my expectations were a little high. Not sure playing with powders and seating depths are going to improve this performance..........Looks like maybe another bedding job coming up soon............

Maybe the 100 gn XTPs are the answer.............

Yes, bed the action.

Did you start at the Start load? And try hotter loads?

I bet the barrel got real hot.

 

[c-fbmi]

Mr "G".......I started mid range of the 2 manuals I have that show loads and worked in 1/2 gn increments up to a grain or so above book. No pressure signs but bullets all over my 8X11 targets............barrel never did get above luke warm, but only shooting 4 rounds at a time.

 

[Kevan]

I'm watching this thread with a great deal of interest.
Quite a while ago I bought a Czech VZ 52 / 57 in 7.62 X 39 and it shoots amazingly well with American Eagle ammo.
Off the bags with the factory irons it will keep 3-shot groups under 3 " @ 100 yds. with several different shooters and best of all the fired brass looks almost as clean and scratch-free as if it were fired from a bolt gun.
As soon as I can find a bullet source, loading will commence...

 

[Hitzy]

Well I can add a little to this as I have an M85 as well that shoots factory S&B like crap, along with my .311 bullets in neck sized brass.....
I've had much better results with .308 bullets from 110vmax, 125sst, and 150 round nose, which will print around 2" groups.

 

[mbogo3]

Try 25gr of IMR 4198 and the Privi 123gr SP Getting 1/2" in my CZ527..........tried the H4198 but IMR's version grouped better...killed two WT deer with it last year...Harold

 

[c-fbmi]

I'm watching this thread with a great deal of interest.
Quite a while ago I bought a Czech VZ 52 / 57 in 7.62 X 39 and it shoots amazingly well with American Eagle ammo.
Off the bags with the factory irons it will keep 3-shot groups under 3 " @ 100 yds. with several different shooters and best of all the fired brass looks almost as clean and scratch-free as if it were fired from a bolt gun.
As soon as I can find a bullet source, loading will commence...

Hey Kevan, I have 460 of these Privi 123 gn SP, if they don't work out for me I'll have 400 or so for ya. I also am going to try the 100 gn XTP 32-20 bullets and I have 500 150 gn SP 311 bullets I shall try.

 

[kamlooky]

I'm watching this thread with a great deal of interest.
Quite a while ago I bought a Czech VZ 52 / 57 in 7.62 X 39 and it shoots amazingly well with American Eagle ammo.
Off the bags with the factory irons it will keep 3-shot groups under 3 " @ 100 yds. with several different shooters and best of all the fired brass looks almost as clean and scratch-free as if it were fired from a bolt gun.
As soon as I can find a bullet source, loading will commence...

 

[Ik0m]

Gotta say the zastava has been quite accurate for me using either Ukrainian LCw aka dominion surplus, and hornady. Won't ay sub moa but about 1-2" groups at 100 yards
I'd be interested in a lighter load to stretch the distance of this round, but I'm new to reloading at all, but very interested

 

[dthunter]

I have been shooting the Sierra .308, 150 grain (2130) pro hunter bullets out of my Ruger hawkeye compact for years. They cluster under 2" normally, and often under 1-1/2". H335 for powder and Privi cases. I have taken black bears and deer with this combo, and it works just fine.

 

[c-fbmi]

I have been shooting the Sierra .308, 150 grain (2130) pro hunter bullets out of my Ruger hawkeye compact for years. They cluster under 2" normally, and often under 1-1/2". H335 for powder and Privi cases. I have taken black bears and deer with this combo, and it works just fine.

I believe you, because the Ruger is a 308 bore and not a 311 bore like the Zastava.

 

[Hitzy]

I believe you, because the Ruger is a 308 bore and not a 311 bore like the Zastava.

I'm not so sure the zastava is truly a .310 bore either... Like I said, factory S&B x39, and reloads with Hornady .310 123gr sp, 123fmj, and 123gr speer my rifle "patterns" about 6" at 100m. Loaded with .308 pills from 110-150gr it drops to 2".

 

[c-fbmi]

I'm not so sure the zastava is truly a .310 bore either... Like I said, factory S&B x39, and reloads with Hornady .310 123gr sp, 123fmj, and 123gr speer my rifle "patterns" about 6" at 100m. Loaded with .308 pills from 110-150gr it drops to 2".

Well it's certainly worth a try, can't possibly be worse than it is now..............I don't think I have any lightweight 30 cal bullets, I'll have to pick some up somewhere.