n00b questions

[mattpiloto]

Done some research but can't really find a straight answer on 2 questions

- Can I use different brand of die /w press? (ie Lee dies /w RCBS press, etc)
- Can I reload 7.62x39? (haven't been able to find dies - Is that just cuz it's already so cheap nobody reloads it?)

Just wanna make sure of this before buying anything. Thanks.

 

[zedex]

Question 1.. Yes. You can mix and match
Question 2.. I have no idea.

 

[Steyr101]

Yes, commercial dies are available for that caliber, though it may be a special order at some stores. I know RCBS makes them.

 

[agilent_one]

Question 1: Threading on the dies/presses is pretty standard (save for some oddballs I'm not going to mention.) So yes - you can use all standard dies in standard presses.

Question 2: Yes, you can reload 7.2x39, but don't - as it's not worth it. Although I'm sure that someone more knowledgeable than I will explain the finer points between boxer/berdan and trying to resize steel "brass."

 

[Eagleye]

You cannot resize/reload steel cases with conventional reloading equipment. Many 7.62x39 cartridge cases are Berdan primed, which makes them essentially unreloadable with any convenience. However.....Brass that uses boxer type primers [readily reloadable] is easily found and then it is worthwhile to load for the chambering. If you are feeding a semi-automatic rifle, it may take up a fair bit of your time loading for it nonetheless. Regards, Eagleye.

 

[mattpiloto]

Thanks for the replies guys

 

[BerniePEI]

I am not experienced in this area at all, but I am interested in reloading 7.62X39 surplus ammo. I found this site on priming Berdan-primed brass:

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2005/berdanreloading/index.asp

Are there any other obstacles to reloading Berdan-primed rounds, other than the issue of manually decapping the brass? Are Berdan primers generally available in Canada?

Thanks!

 

[HKfan]

You can reload 7.62x39 milsurp. Some people who want greater consistency pull the bullets, collect the powder and then drop in a powder charge of their choice and replace the bullet. This will allow it to group a bit better. Also, some people take the bullet and powder and reload it into a boxer primed case.

However, IMHO, if you are just plinking and not serious competition shooting with 7.62x39 then just shoot milsurp.

 

[biggssw6]

Another point with the 7.62 X 39 mm , cases may have large or small primer pockets.depending on manufacturer.

 

[Splatter]

I have reloaded steel pistol cases with standard (carbide dies), and de-capped berdan primers.
Berdan primers are available in Canada; but, are _very_ special order almost everywhere, which means be prepared to leave a deposit and wait for a long time.

Having written that, BerniePEI, honestly you will be really really unhappy trying to reload berdan primed, steel cased, 7.62x39 ammo. If you want to reload this cal, buy US made, boxer primed, ammo (All my brass is Winchester; but I know that Federal (American Eagle) makes some too). The caliber is worthwhile to load especially if you want to try cast bullets and/or heavy bullets (both can be made to work great).

 

[BerniePEI]

Thanks for the advice, Splatter. I'll look to American brass for reloading purposes and leave the spent Czech steel alone.