Reloading 7.62x39 surplus ammo

bussard

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Ok, I know I'm going to get lots of sarcastic responses to this question.

Can I take a surplus 7.62x39 round, pop the projectile from the case, and reload a non-FMJ bullet into the case (same weight, use existing powder)????

I would like to use my SKS for a little hunting, but don't have a lot of brass for reloading. I haven't tried to reload those lacquared steel cases, but I'm wondering if I actually could reload unfired cases.

Anyone have an answer?
 
Yes, should work fine with 123 Hornady SP #3140.
BTW, if you do it in bulk - let's say 20 cartridges, it's your chance to normalize the powder charge, weigth powder from each one and figure out the average.
Just remember - it's gonna be corrosive anyway. ;)

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There is a you tube vid on it on how to relaod that ammo etc. but there is a mind set in the gun comunity that one does not reload that caliber if its steel case. I can't see why not, there are brass casing for that caliber and copper too.
 
There is a you tube vid on it on how to relaod that ammo etc. but there is a mind set in the gun comunity that one does not reload that caliber if its steel case. I can't see why not, there are brass casing for that caliber and copper too.

The OP is not talking about "reloading" per se, but changing the bullet.

The steel cases are not effectively reloadable because they use berdan primers. If you have a supply of Berdan primers, and the proper tool to remove the primers, there is no reason why the steel cases couldn't be reloaded. (Results with the lacquered cases probably wouldn't be too consistent and would gum up dies pretty quick)

Berdan primers cost 2 to 3 times as much as Boxer primers, so "the mindset" is simply that it is not economical to reload those steel cases, since reloading would cost several times as much as a brand new surplus cartridge.

The "copper" cases you mention are actually steel cases that have been copper plated, and are also Berdan primed.
 
It's called Mexican Match ammo. You'll have to neck size the cases though.
"...haven't tried to reload those..." Don't waste your time, they're not reloadable. Most steel cases(mild steel isn't elastic like brass is) are berdan primed and can scratch your dies.
 
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