getting into reloading rifle calibers 7.62x39 and .223

[vince514]

Hey guys,

Been reloading quite a couple rounds for handguns now(~2500)but still fairly new to reloading.. with a lee single stage breechlock classic kit.

Just received my dies for my firsts rifle calibers.

x39 and .223

I already got the brass and dies.

Do you guys can share some of your favorite powders?

Any powders i can use for both calibers that works well?
Primers?

Thanks

 

[greatwhite]

I went here to find a powder type that I could use for 2 of my calibers 270 and 303 British

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/
.

 

[vince514]

any opinions/experience with H4198?

 

[B]

^It doesn't meter the greatest but works well in x39. It's not the best or even very useful for bullets over 50grns in .223.

 

[edojan]

here is the data for vihtavuori - The one load which is particularly interesting is with an extra light 57 gr bullet. I haven't it tried yet but take a look at the velocity.

 

[Ganderite]

I load both calibers and have many different powders on hand. If you want to use just one powder, H335 and BLC2 works in both. I have used it in both.

 

[diananike]

H4198 is the powder to go to for both calibers.

 

[Outdoors905]

i'm using h4895 in my .223 reloads and liking it over the varget.
according to hodgdon h4895 will also service the heavier bullets for 7.62

 

[Radiohead]

I only reload 7.62x39 and use AA1680. It meters very well.

 

[rosconow]

any opinions/experience with H4198?

I use 24.4 gr h4198 with a 123 vmax in x39. Very accurate in all my rifes chambered for it.

Haven't used it in .223 as it's a faster powder and is best suited to lighter bullets.

I do use h335 in both calibres. 30.5 gr, 123 gr vmax in x39, and 25 gr, 55 gr fmjbt in .223.

 

[yomomma]

24 grains imr3031 under 155 cast 7.62x39.

You can use 3031 for .223 also but I don't have a load

 

[diegocn]

I use IMR 4198 for x39. H335 for .233.

H4895 is great powder, but I found it makes a slightly compressed load in x39 toward the max end. H4895 works in .223 but is more expensive than H335.

I'd love to get my hand on some AA1680 for x39, anyone knows where to get them in Southern Ontario?
Speaking of AA1680, the new Hodgdon CFE BLK is pretty close in term of burn rate to AA1680, and specifically designed for 300 BLK and x39. They might be worth a try if you can find anyone selling them locally.

 

[saskcop]

Hard to cover both bases properly with one powder. The .223 loves many different powders and a crazy variety of bullet weights too. The 7.62x39 is relegated basically to the 123 grain class of bullets - although there are a few wise veterans of reloading on CGN that have done well with 150 grainers. Re7, CFEBLK and and H4198 are 7.62 powders of choice. I have tried Re7 in .223 with 55 grainers back in the day, but they were just too hot/fast powder.

 

[Stevo]

25.6 gr. of Winchester 748 behind a 55 gr. Campro in .223.

Works nice out my ARs for 3 gun.