7.62X39 Howa 1500 Miniaction 150 gr Sierra Pro Hunter Load

ljones

ljones

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Well finished working up my deer hunting load. Not too bad for my first developed load since starting reloading. 150gr Sierra Pro Hunter bullet 7.62X39 round out of a 20" barreled Howa 1500 Mini Action. Velocity is the same as the factory 123 gr load. 2390fps average. Sub MOA groups consistently. No high pressure signs on casing/primer The first group shown is zeroed at 100yds and is .864" center to center. (I have had tighter groups with this loading, but this is closer to the norm for this load) The second group is at 200yds and a tight 1.24" center to center. So pretty happy with the results. Currently working on my .30-06 150gr Barnes TTSX load. But that one is still a work in progress. Getting close though. (Of course use any data at your own risk in your firearm)

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Yup and some will also shoot well with .308 dia bullets. I use H4198 or IMR's version ........now the same company owns them or RE#7/Win 748,,,,,,,,,,,,,also 123gr TSX intended to ventilate a moose but happened to be holding my pre-64 model 70 in .300 H+H instead so pow.
 
The bore on my Howa 1500 mini slugs out at .309 and digests both .308 up to .312 diameter bullets without much difference in accuracy.

I'm always impressed by how much this small cartridge will do. The Howa action really allows it to be loaded to its full potential.

Great groups OP.

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bearhunter said:
The bore on my Howa 1500 mini slugs out at .309 and digests both .308 up to .312 diameter bullets without much difference in accuracy.

I'm always impressed by how much this small cartridge will do. The Howa action really allows it to be loaded to its full potential.

Great groups OP.
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Yes and the magazine length and chamber allow the bullets to be seated out for a greater OAL than the book 2.20". I am seating my bullets to 1.791" to the ogive or an OAL to tip of 2.290". The Pro Hunter bullets are flat base not boat tail so it allows the bullet to be seated out further and still have bore diameter depth seating still to hold bullet in neck firmly and consistently. Can't do that as much with a boat tail bullet.
 
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LTJRasczak said:
That is pretty consistent results. What kind of press (equipment) do you use for your reloads?
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RCBS Summit Single stage press
Lee Pacesetter 3 Die Set
Hornady Lock N Load Straight O.A.L. gauge and modified cases
Hornady Lock N Load Bullet comparator set using the 8-30 insert for these bullets
Lyman Headspace/Case length gauge
Lee Quick Trim dies and cutter for case length
Frankford Arsenal Priming tool
RCBS Chargemaster 1500 to throw the powder
Mastercraft Digital Caliper

I also resized the necks of the Lapua Brass as they come with the neck sized for the .308 bullet, so I used the mandrel for the .310/11 bullet to get 3 thou or so neck tension. I also do a bit of a crimp on the case neck. Crimping die set to touching + 3/4 turn.
 
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Good shooting! I have the same rifle and I've been working up hunting loads for it. I made up some targets that have multiple aim points and I try different loads at each aim point (saves me going to and fro downrange between relays). I just thought I'd share my results.


PS: forgot to mention that the blaze orange disc is the size of a .25 piece.
 
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I would try some 30-30 150 gr bullets. They are shorter than a spitzer bullet, leaving more powder room. Expansion should be good at 7.62x39 velocities.

I have some old 150 gr 303 bullets put aside for making some hunting ammo for my SKS if the need arises.
 
Excellent! Quick question, have you tried the same load with non magnum primer? If so, was there a difference in precision/velocity?
 
SP641 said:
Excellent! Quick question, have you tried the same load with non magnum primer? If so, was there a difference in precision/velocity?
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No I didn't use a non magnum primer so don't know if there is any difference in accuracy. It would be nice to test and may get around to it one day but for now no idea if any difference. There could be but at least with this combo you can shoot in the severe cold and should be no issue with ignition. I worked this one up with the idea of not only deer but for wolf as well if I get the chance and it will be cold when those are running around active here.
 
madtrapper143 said:
I am going to give that recipe a try with old Imperial 150 grain Sabre Tips @.311. Ganderite, is the .311 bullet in a .310 Ruger American Ranch pressure concern over .310 bullets?

Darryl
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The Ruger American Ranch has a 4" shorter barrel so you may not be able to get to the same velocities as the Howa with the 20" barrel. But it will be interesting to see your results. I have the Ruger American Ranch as well in 7.62X39 but haven't had a chance to work up any load yet. However it loves the Federal Fusion 123gr factory ammo. .65" groups at 100yds with mine. Not sure how they will shoot the 150gr bullet but will be interesting to see.
 
My little Ruger American pushes Hornady 123 grain SST's to 2600 fps with CFE BLK. The 16 inch barrel does not seem to give up much. I have my load for this years deer hunting but will try the 150 load later. THANKS for the info Ganderite.

Darryl
 
madtrapper143 said:
My little Ruger American pushes Hornady 123 grain SST's to 2600 fps with CFE BLK. The 16 inch barrel does not seem to give up much. I have my load for this years deer hunting but will try the 150 load later. THANKS for the info Ganderite.

Darryl
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Okay that is good to know. Will keep in mind when I work up loads for mine.
 
7.62X39 tends to not be hugely affected by barrel length vs velocity. It's interesting to hear about the .309 bore diameter, that has been my stumbling block for the 7.62X39 I heard they were set up for .311 and I would wan't to shoot .308 bullets.
 
In my 527CZ mag primers cut groups by 50% your mileage may differ but I use them in everything but cast.
 
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