Subsonic 7.62x39 loads

[rokoro]

Anyone out there have any experience with subsonic loads in a bolt action 7.62x39 ? The 300 Blackout which is a smaller case than the x39 lists some loads with 220 gr bullets at sub sonic speeds. Subsonic loads would not cycle the action on a AK47 but no issues on a bolt action. Would appreciate any info you can share

 

[PGW Steve]

I've played with SS loads in a 6.5 Grendel using Trailboss and 144 FMJ. Trailboss makes it easy to do SS loads without danger of blowing up your rifle.

 

[Ganderite]

I have done it, using 2400. Start with 10 gr and go down from there. If your barrel is a 1:10, you can go up to 220 gr. I would use a round nose, flat base, for max stability. If the rifle is canned, there is a danger of a long bullet have too much initial yaw and hitting something and blowing accuracy. If accuracy is gross, try a shorter bullet.

If you don't need power, a 180 gr RN would be a better choice.

 

[Bubba Yugga]

...

 

[rokoro]

I have done it, using 2400. Start with 10 gr and go down from there.
Why 2400 ?

 

[wasa]

I have used Trailboss in 7.62x39 with 123gr projectiles. As per IMR/Hodgedon's published info, start with 70% volume (after bullet seating depth taken into account) and go up from there (but NEVER compress Trailboss).

Did not cycle my SKS but pretty much no recoil and hit the paper at 25 yards.

 

[Andy]

I used a 247 gr cast bullet (The NOE "Whisper") over 4.0 grs of Red Dot for 725 fps.

That's as slow as I'd go to avoid a bullet failing to exit the barrel. It did not tumble in my gun (a single shot Baikal with a twist rate of 1:9.5"), but if your barrel twist rate is too slow you run that risk.

 

[Ganderite]

I have done it, using 2400. Start with 10 gr and go down from there.
Why 2400 ?

It worked well at moderate pressure.

I may have tried other powders. Too lazy to look at the log book. But 2400 is what we decided to use for a canned rifle. I think 7 gr, but that is a hazy recollection.

Quote of the Day: "Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance." George Bernard Shaw - Dramatist (1856 - 1950)

 

[bearhunter]

It worked well at moderate pressure.

I may have tied other powders. Too lazy to look at the log book. But 2400 is what we decided to use for a canned rifle. I think 7 gr, but that is a hazy recollection.

Quote of the Day: "Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance." George Bernard Shaw - Dramatist (1856 - 1950)

Is that the same George Bernard Shaw that gave up ### at 25 years of age and ran around naked on London rooftops?????

 

[Ganderite]

Is that the same George Bernard Shaw that gave up ### at 25 years of age and ran around naked on London rooftops?????

George and I did not share the same views on ### and 9mm vs 45ACP.

 

[rokoro]

Thanks for all the comments. I have used Red Dot and cast bullets to fireform a number of cases. 375-06 AI among them. Andy thanks that is the type of info I am looking for. Red dot is very fast burning and burns cleanly at relatively low pressure. slower powders like 2400 need higher pressures to burn cleanly.

 

[J.Hancock]

Is that the same George Bernard Shaw that gave up ### at 25 years of age and ran around naked on London rooftops?????

Sounds like real visionary.