I have not had much success with 150 grn bullets but wanted to try something lighter still. I pulled some copper jacket 124 grn Czech 7.62 X 39 bullets as I have lots and I did not want to buy a box of bullets only to find they were of no use after only using half the box. I loaded these on top of BL-C (2) ten of 56grns, 57,58, and 59. I was expecting these to be fairly light loads, and certainly lighter than the 174 grn with 3031 that I have been shooting.
Anyway I went down to the local range today with the old woman and my Polish M-44. After a fouling shot, I shot a three shot 1" group at 100yds with my perfected loads of 174 grn .303 bullets and 39 grns of 3031, can't get much better than that. Then came the new loads. I loaded the mag with the lightest BCL-(2) loads and took aim, but instead of the nice light recoil I was expecting it was the heaviest recoil I have ever experienced and the blast was incredible. The old woman said that there was an orange fireball ahead of the muzzle about 9" in diameter, even though it was a bright sunny afternoon.
I examined the case and primer and everything looked ok even though the primer was somewhat flatter than with my previous loads. I folded up a scarf to use as a shoulder pad and tried again, the pad made it a lot more comfortable but the muzzle blast will take a bit of getting used to. It was shooting about 10" high but the grouping was great, just as good as I was getting with the 3031 loads. After a quick couple of shots for scope adjustment to get it in the black I went back to 200 yds and tried again, I managed a four shot group of 2 1/2 ". Tried the 57 grn loads next and the group opened up to 4 1/2", then 8" + with the 58 grns. I never tried the 59 grn loads. The point of impact was approximately the same with all the loads, so I think maximum velocity was achieved with 56 grns. I'm going to pull what I have left and do down a bit, but I think the 56 grn loads will be hard to beat. I think I will try it out in the evening next time.
I'm still smiling 3hrs later. Great load and a wonderfull little rifle. Best $175 I ever spent
Anyway I went down to the local range today with the old woman and my Polish M-44. After a fouling shot, I shot a three shot 1" group at 100yds with my perfected loads of 174 grn .303 bullets and 39 grns of 3031, can't get much better than that. Then came the new loads. I loaded the mag with the lightest BCL-(2) loads and took aim, but instead of the nice light recoil I was expecting it was the heaviest recoil I have ever experienced and the blast was incredible. The old woman said that there was an orange fireball ahead of the muzzle about 9" in diameter, even though it was a bright sunny afternoon.
I examined the case and primer and everything looked ok even though the primer was somewhat flatter than with my previous loads. I folded up a scarf to use as a shoulder pad and tried again, the pad made it a lot more comfortable but the muzzle blast will take a bit of getting used to. It was shooting about 10" high but the grouping was great, just as good as I was getting with the 3031 loads. After a quick couple of shots for scope adjustment to get it in the black I went back to 200 yds and tried again, I managed a four shot group of 2 1/2 ". Tried the 57 grn loads next and the group opened up to 4 1/2", then 8" + with the 58 grns. I never tried the 59 grn loads. The point of impact was approximately the same with all the loads, so I think maximum velocity was achieved with 56 grns. I'm going to pull what I have left and do down a bit, but I think the 56 grn loads will be hard to beat. I think I will try it out in the evening next time.
I'm still smiling 3hrs later. Great load and a wonderfull little rifle. Best $175 I ever spent
