7.62x54R >>bullet dia

[PeterPan]

I am starting loading for my Mosin Nagant and wonder if anyone tried to load .308" SMK bullet in that Russian caliber?
I have some with bore dia .310", but they are intended more for SKS type of rifle. SO I would like to experiment with 155gr Palma and see how it will work.

And yes, I have slug the barrel, it was exactly .310-11"

Greetings

 

[ben hunchak]

If your barrel is .310 or .311 you probably won't get best results with .308 bullets, use bullets designed for the .303 or cast bullets of .312" dia.

 

[762shooter]

I've loaded 7.62 x 54 with .308 bullets before and didn't really notice any difference in accuracy. One thing to watch is that the neck is adequately gripping the .308 bullet if you are using the standard neck expander that that came with the 7.62 x 54 dies because it will be sizing for a tight fit on a .310 bullet. It should work but check it out. I used bullets with a cannelure and crimped them in and had no problem using the .310 expander.

 

[PeterPan]

Thanks guys.
I am using Lee dies, and I set my die to just do the neck, about 1/2 length. The fit is OK, I have a crimp die, but since I am not using magazine I really don't need to crimp it.

I was trying to check my rifle twist, and it came to 1-11" or around, what is your twist in 1890/35 made in Izhevsk?

As for powder I have lots of IMR4064, so I loaded 48.0gr with OAL 2.86".

PS
I was shooting this rifle last Sunday and was surprise with accuracy. Iron sights and 5 shots at 100yr produced group of 2.9". That was with S&B 180gr SP.
Only problem I have is the rifle shooting very high, and what I gather is that the rifle shoots better with the bayonet installed.

What is you thoughts?

Thanks