Easiest Milsurp to reload/7.62x54r Reloading data help

happydude

happydude

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Now that I'm all set up, more or less, for reloading, it's time to get back into the milsurp game. I'm not sure, however, if there's a particular caliber that's easiest to reload for or not. Whatever I end up choosing it'll be shot with reduced loads. I love enfields, but I hear that brass longevity is not very good, even with light loads. I'm also considering 8mm and 6.5mm mausers. I hear 7mm mauser is popular as well. Any suggestions? I could always set up to reload 7.62x54 with Bell or Igman brass but I hear that stuff kinda sucks.

Edit, I think I'll stick with reloading 7.62x54 with 125 grn .310 sks bullets. Now I just have to find a good light load for it.
 
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The trick to loading .303 is to neck size only and keep a seperate batch of cases for each rifle. Enfield chambers are generous so anything basicaly shaped like a .303 round would chamber regardless of it's condition.

Easiest to load? any straight walled case.
 
I load 7.62x54r with the 7.62 hornady, 123 g sp and they work fine for me. I use H335 or the milsurp powder from Higginson. PM me and I will send you my receipe.

I find the load I use shoots a perfect 6-O'Clock hold at 100 yards without having to adjust the front sigh elevation, (milsurp ammo often shoots 6" high at 100yards) AND it is much lighter re-coil than the milsurp I've shot.

I also use Igman brass. Works fine for me.
 
I have been having great results with the 174 Grain 303 (.311) MatchKing HPBT and the 180 Pro Hunter 303 (.311) bullets. I am using 42.3 Grains of IMR 3031 in the 174s and 41.5 Grains for the 180s. The matchkings gave me a .9" group using my Hungarian M44, the Pro Hunters give me about 1.5" - 2" (still playing with that load). I seat the bullets to 0 jump to the lands. Using CCI benchrest primers.
I had a problem with the powder not igniting a week or so ago, seems that 3031 does not like to be light loaded, went to 40+ grains and a new pound of powder and have had no further problem.
I have yet to chrony these loads, but grouping is great and the foot of muzzle flash is equally impressive! ;)
Let us know what combo works for the lighter loads. Something easier on the shoulder would be nice on occasion.
 
How much cheaper is it to load for a round like 7.62x54r, when places like districorp have it for about $.25 per round?

How much does it cost you guys per round to roll your own?
 
Skippy said:
How much cheaper is it to load for a round like 7.62x54r, when places like districorp have it for about $.25 per round?

How much does it cost you guys per round to roll your own?
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It's not about cost - it's about flexibility and accuracy and non-corrosiveness.

I you just want it to go "bang", then by all means shoot the cheap crap.

Good, fast and cheap - pick two, cuz you can't have all three - EVER.
 
It is more expensive, $.28 - $.50 per bullet, plus powder, plus primers, plus time.
Shooting surplus isn't as rewarding or as accurate. I also will be hunting with my Nagant and FMJ does not fit the bill for that cause.
 
All very good points. I don't reload for any of my milsurps but I do with my Dad for any hunting ammo, which saves us a bit of money while allowing for flexibility.

I was just wondering what your motivations were.
 
It's too bad my Speer manual doesn't even have the cartridge in there. I was thinking of copying the .303 loads since it's a quasi similar cartridge but I thought tapping CGN for information might yield a better load.

My motivations are to find a nice, non-corrsoive, more accurate, lighter load.
 
All very good points. I don't reload for any of my milsurps but I do with my Dad for any hunting ammo, which saves us a bit of money while allowing for flexibility.

I was just wondering what your motivations were.
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I wanted a load that would shoot fine without having to modify my front sight height. That and I wanted more accuracy.

Add that to inexpensive bulk milsurp powders and bullets from Higginsons and I'm a happy camper.. :)
 
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