7.62x39 reloading with WC-735

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macsailer

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Hey guys, I am thinking about tossing some 123gr fmj heads into some brass, as was wondering what starting grainage should I use for some plinking loads with 7.62x39?

Thanks!
 
I've found it's a little too slow for this application - the cases are compressed before max velocities and full operating pressure is reached.

I've since switched to using RL-7
 
Stuff as much in there as you can fit, and give 'er. I found that if I was liberal in how much 'crunch' I would accept during bullet seating, I could get close to a 'max' load, but I never could fit enough in there to break anything.
 
I agree with prosper, use R7. I get my best accuracy in 7.62x39mm loaded in Lapua cases, Federal LRP, Sierra 125 grain .311 SP and 25.5 grains of R7. Also had good results with the Hornady V-max 123 grain bullets over a max charge of 26.5 grains of R7. 27.0 grains worked not bad but the groups were slightly larger than the 26.5 grain loads. These loads are used in a CZ527 bolt action rifle. I would reduce a bit for a semi auto and work up to max checking for pressure signs.
 
I shoot cast boolits out of my SKS and use WC 735 with very good results. Using the Lee 312-155 boolits over 26 gr of WC735 gives me 1908 avg Velocity. I have never tried the powder using jacketed bullets.

Take Care

Bob
 
DAR 701 said:
I agree with prosper, use R7. I get my best accuracy in 7.62x39mm loaded in Lapua cases, Federal LRP, Sierra 125 grain .311 SP and 25.5 grains of R7. Also had good results with the Hornady V-max 123 grain bullets over a max charge of 26.5 grains of R7. 27.0 grains worked not bad but the groups were slightly larger than the 26.5 grain loads. These loads are used in a CZ527 bolt action rifle. I would reduce a bit for a semi auto and work up to max checking for pressure signs.
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Have you ever tried using H4198 powder?
 
I haven't - 27 grains of RL-7 in my bolt-action Savage consistently produces one-hole 5-shot groups (it's probably my most accurate rifle) with 110Gr 308 VMAX bullets.
 
RL7 is the only one I find that will produce real velocity. 4198 makes a real good linker laod at about 80% velicty.

735 is a bit slow and dirty for this case. If it is all you have, it will make good gravel pit plinker ammo.
 
Ganderite said:
RL7 is the only one I find that will produce real velocity. 4198 makes a real good linker laod at about 80% velicty.

735 is a bit slow and dirty for this case. If it is all you have, it will make good gravel pit plinker ammo.
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prosper said:
I haven't chronied it at different temps, but it maintains its 1-200 yard accuracy well year-round
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Thanks!

If RL-7 is as clean burning as whatever Alliant powders Federal uses in its cartridges, then it must be easy cleaning the bore too.
 
prosper said:
cleaner than WC-735, that's for sure
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Who makes that stuff?

All I know is that for .30-06 or .303 British, I always got the best accuracy and cleanest bore with 180gr Federal blue box ammo.

Comparing a fired Federal case to a Winchester one was night and day. The Federal case would look clean inside with maybe a small bit of white residue, while a fired Winchester case looked like the inside of a chimney pipe all blackened with soot.
 
DAR 701 said:
Nope. My R7 and .311 Sierra combo shoots right around the half inch mark at 100 yards for 5 shots. Saw no need to mess around developing loads with another powder. :)
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Why try to fix what isn't broken, eh?:)

I have two pounds of H4198 to try when I finally get a bench built to set up my equipment on. I'll have to see if I can't find a few canisters of RL-7 to compare it with.

Cheers!:cheers:
 
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