Casting for 7.62x54R to use in a SVT-40

[mugwamp]

I'm new to casting my own boolits and I'm still collecting my equipment. I've used lead in my 9mm with great success and now hope to do the same for my rifles (starting with the 7.62x54R). Also finding cheap ammo (non-corrosive) in Canada is getting to be a real challenge. Since I plan on going through a fair number of rounds (mostly plinking not hunting, except may some varmints/coyotes), I'm hoping to find a good cast setup for my Tokarev SVT-40 in 7.62x 54R Russian.

I'd like to get some advise as to which mould might work best in this semi-auto. From what I've read so far, it appears that my choices for this caliber are down to the LEE C312-155-2R, CTL312-160-2R or the Lyman 311491 at 200gr. I'm leaning towards the LEE CTL312-160-2R only because it is close in weight to the 150gr Hornady soft point ammo I've got at the moment and tumble lube for speed of production.

What are your thoughts as to which boolit design would best suit this rifle?

Is there much difference in performance between a normal lube and tumble lube boolit?

I admit that I haven't fired any cast loads from the SVT-40 so I have no idea what boolit design or weight would work the best. I'm not even sure if the semi can handle cast boolits, but I don't see why it couldn't.

Thanks for your help

Mugwamp

 

[Why not?]

I have used the Lyman 311284 in my 303 Br. Don't think it would be a bad choice for the 7.62X54R. It cast 213 gr with straight wheelweights and is very accurate.

Ted

 

[johnone]

LEAD BULLETS will block your gas system, making it a real trial to clean
John

 

[m39a2]

I concur with John. Lead bullets should be reserved for bolt action rifles. Using them in self shuckers could lead to some very tough cleaning as the lead is stripped off the bullet at the gas port and tends to get melted into the port and gas system. I wonder if using a gas check would help? Might work in a Johnson OK as it is recoil operated.

Scott