123gn FMJ/SP in 7.62x54R

[bluemike807]

I wont lie; Im pursuing this definitely out of the desire to make a poor man's varmint rifle - but the reality is my Mosin is surprisingly accurate, even with cast lead handloads - and I'd like to get some more mileage out of it.

Has anyone had any experience/success loading 123gn bullets (presumably FMJ, pulled from the ubiquitous 7.62x39) in this cartridge? The Hornady reloading manual shows that, with the right powder, you can get that bullet moving past 3,000fps. Sounds like an interesting varmint recipe. Thoughts?

 

[sunray]

Make sure FMJ's are legal for hunting in N.S. first. Then have a look at Hodgdon's site for 125 grain SP load data. They tested with Sierra SP, but that doesn't matter.
H4895 and BL-C(2) start at just over 3,000 fps. Don't worry about compressed loads.

 

[SKScanuck]

50.0 Grains WC735 and 123g Hornady SP 310's work magic in all my Mosins.

WC735 can be had from Higginsons Powders at $17 a pound plus shipping. I get bulk 7.62 123 g hornady soft points there too.

123 grain will take any varmit down including a deer.

Slug your bore with a lead shot and measure lands grooves first. You may want a bigger bullet, or smaller.