Reloading 7.62x39(25)

PALoMine

PALoMine

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Hi All,

I want to get into reloading, I've done some research but have not found a system to reload 7.62... Most of the dies I've found have been for more conventional ammo. Would love to get some feedback as to what many of you are using to reload SKS and Tokarev rounds.... I figured there would be considerable savings with the bullets being the same. My range won't allow the surplus Tok rounds (steel core) So Ive been using Sellier and Bellot FMJs.... but at 22 for 50 can get pricey,

Thanks for looking
 
Com-block 7.62 is not the same as NATO 7.62. Western .30 cal rifles have a .308 diameter bore, com-block .30 cal is a .311 diameter bore, so any .308 diameter bullet will not properly fill the rifling in a 7.62x39 rifle. that said, there's generally not much reason to reload 7.62x39 as surplus is still readily available and cheaper than you will be able to practically reload, and if you're planning on reloading for precision there are better cartridges out there for that.
 
The SKS 7.62x39 takes a ~.310-.311 cal bullet. Can be had from Hornady in a couple of types. About $26 for 100.

The only reason I reload the stuff is because I'm shooting it out of a CZ bolt action carbine. It doesn't like being torn down for a hot water wash. Plus I have 520 brass cases to play with.

My SKS gets a steady diet of corrosive surplus and hot water washes.
 
Wow quick advise this place is great.....
GQ got it right my club wont let me shoot surplus on the indoor... plus its generally not nice to anyone beside you...cough cough

ilike22s - What press and dies are you using?
 
Loading 7.62x39 is no different than any other bottleneck rifle cartridge. All regular brands of presses and dies will work OK. The biggest problem is finding reloadable brass a decent bullets at a reasonable price.
 
I load both 7.62x39 and Tokarev 7.62x25. I can make ammo you can't buy.IE 150gr .311 in the SKS for deer + black bear.Many SKS's shoot .308 dia bullets just fine. Or 86gr SP /90gr HP at 1600 fps in the Tokarev.And no corrosive mess to clean up later.Harold
 
TRaTSeRiF said:
Not an issue if you have a proper air handling system.

Why don't you just buy milsurp, pull the bullets, throw away the cases/primers and take the powder as a bonus? You can't go wrong at 17c a round. The corrosive salts are in the Berdan primers.
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It has nothing to do with air handling.
The steel core rounds damage the backstop.

I use Hornady 3140 .310dia 123gr sp bullets long with IMR4198 and CCI large rifle primers.
 
I have seen guys pull the FMJ & replace with soft points for cheep hunting rounds. Hornady is even the same grain as most surplus so no powder change needed. Still corrosive but cheep!!!
 
thump_rrr said:
It has nothing to do with air handling.
The steel core rounds damage the el-cheapo, weaksauce backstop.
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Corrected :cool: Our indoor 50yd range allows anything but .50BMG (other .50's are fine) and it's not a backstop or an air handling system issue, it's just the concussive blast is a bit much, so our BoD decided to not allow it. The steel core ammo gives off nice sparks when it hits :D
 
For the 7.62x25 I am getting good results loading Berrys 110g M1 Carbine bullet. 25 yd group:

Coltok.jpg
 
I reload for both also. I don't use the reloads in the SKS as I hate chasing the brass. For the Tok, I have it as back-up, but use the mil-surp. I would use it in an indoor range though.
 
TRaTSeRiF said:
Corrected :cool: Our indoor 50yd range allows anything but .50BMG (other .50's are fine) and it's not a backstop or an air handling system issue, it's just the concussive blast is a bit much, so our BoD decided to not allow it. The steel core ammo gives off nice sparks when it hits :D
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.

Back to the original question, pull bullets from surplus and use something like the cheap Hornady 123g. This is occasionally referred to as Mexican Match ammo. ;)

An SKS extractor can be hard on brass cases, and with often generous sized chambers, brass doesn't last long.
 
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thump_rrr said:
It has nothing to do with air handling.
The steel core rounds damage the backstop.

I use Hornady 3140 .310dia 123gr sp bullets long with IMR4198 and CCI large rifle primers.
Click to expand...

My load is similar except I use H4198 as I've found it to leave a cleaner bore and case interior. I used IMR4198 until my supplier got the wrong order in and I was forced to try the Hodgdon powder. I use either/or as available, adjusting loads as the H is slightly faster than the IMR. Both powders are very accurate in my CZ527 Carbine.
 
SandRoad said:
That's a steaming load of nonsense. Barrel length with any round makes more of a difference to "concussive blast", or even putting on a muzzle brake.
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That was the reason given to us by the BoD. The backstop is otherwise rated for the caliber. In any case, no good reason to shoot .50BMG in an indoor 50yd range, so the ban didn't cause an outcry
 
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