7.62x54R stuffs for 7.62x53R?

[majormarine]

Okay, I have all the stuffs to reload 7.62x54R; the dies, the bullets (using .303 0.312" diameter bullets, like Hornady #3120) , and the 7.62x54R cases.

Can i use the above same set of stuffs to reload 7.62x53R?

I learned that the 53R case is shorter, can i just trim the case and use it in the 7.62x54R dies?

I also learned that the 53R uses .308 bullets, can i use the .308 bullets in the 7.62x54R dies?

Thx!

 

[svt-40]

IMHO those two are essentially the same, except that 53 takes 308 and you shave 1mm off the mouth. If there are any other peculiar differences, I am not aware of them.

 

[msiu.mpc]

I would be cautious with the neck sizing. Since the Finnish 7.62x53R accepts a .308 bullet where the 7.62x54R Russian die would size the neck to take .311 or .312 bullets. To be precise, that 0.003- 0.004" can throw the accuracy off. Or it could even possibly seat the bullet loose. Here is a suggestion: If you have a die set for .308 Winchester, I would swap the neck sizing pin from the .308 Winchester resizing die into the Russian resizing die before resizing the Finnish brass. That way you are ensured a .308 bullet neck.

 

[Jarlath]

Suffice to say that you can shoot 7.62x53R in a mosin-nagant safely. Your accuracy may be absolutely horrendous, but safe. Then use the brass to reload for your MN.

 

[firestick]

If you use Lee dies (7.62x54r) they are shipped with a .308 expander. If you want the proper .311 expander they are available from Lee for $3.00 ea.