Reloading 7.62x39?

p.Rundle

p.Rundle

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Hey folks I'm starting to think about reloading for 7.62x39. Given the situation I don't think it's coming back cheap. I found some .311 bullets that are light weight (definitely for .32 ACP) at cheap prices, could you turn them into plinking rounds? Obviously you wouldn't want a full charge behind such a little bullet, but could a safe load be developed? I know jacket to core separation in the barrel is a risk if you get a pistol bullet moving too fast in a rifle.

For reference here are the rounds I'm thinking about
https://theammosource.com/hornady-xtp-32-cal-312-projectiles-85-gr-box-of-100/

Or

https://x-reload.com/berry-bullet-32-312-71-gr-rn-1000-box.html

Sorry if this is a dumb question lol. But .312 should at least be within the safe width for .311 bores right?
 
I have reloaded x39 with cast. Not at home now, so can’t share any wisdom on the load data, etc.
 
I've been planning on a similar project. I have a couple .310-.311 bullet molds in the 100-120gr range that were snagged cheap when WSS went under. A light load of Unique as suggested above should be perfect for your bullets and mine. Also, .312 will be more than safe in a .311 bore.
 
p.Rundle said:
Hey folks I'm starting to think about reloading for 7.62x39. Given the situation I don't think it's coming back cheap. I found some .311 bullets that are light weight (definitely for .32 ACP) at cheap prices, could you turn them into plinking rounds? Obviously you wouldn't want a full charge behind such a little bullet, but could a safe load be developed? I know jacket to core separation in the barrel is a risk if you get a pistol bullet moving too fast in a rifle.

For reference here are the rounds I'm thinking about
https://theammosource.com/hornady-xtp-32-cal-312-projectiles-85-gr-box-of-100/

Or

https://x-reload.com/berry-bullet-32-312-71-gr-rn-1000-box.html

Sorry if this is a dumb question lol. But .312 should at least be within the safe width for .311 bores right?
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You have a very strong rifle there and can load it HOTTER than the SKS.

I wouldn't use the light skinned pistol bullet in your rifle, other than for up close plinking and don't expect decent accuracy.

I load for the 1500 Howa, which I went to after selling my CZ.

I have several loads that wouldn't likely be safe in a standard issue SKS, although with an adjustable gas port and a stronger recoil/return spring, I don't see any reason the SKS couldn't handle hotter loads.

CCI250 primers under 31.0 grains of CFE BLK, under 123 grain bullets = 2600fps

CCI250 primers under 30.0 grains of RELOADER 7, under 123 grain bullets = 2600+ fps

CCI 250 primers under 28.5 grains of WC680, under 123 grain bullets = 2600fps

CCI250 primers under 25.5 grains of Reloader 7, under 150 grain flat base 312 spire points = 2400+fps

Again, these loads are to HOT FOR A STANDARD ISSUE SKS.
 
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CZ 527 carbine 25.5gr H4198/Fed mag primer ,Privi or Win brass /123sp less than .40 groups at 100 yards. Several dead deer later + one moose . Also 150gr Sierra SP .311 same brass and primer 29gr- H-335. Chickens .311 32ACP 71gr FMJ -3gr Bullseye standard primer any boxer brass.
 
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Yes, you can make very nice plinker ammo. Use a shotgun powder of your choice, like red dot, Unique, HS6 or 2400 and work up to find what groups best.

This bullet will also make excellent 303Brit plinkers.
 
bearhunter said:
You have a very strong rifle there and can load it HOTTER than the SKS.

I wouldn't use the light skinned pistol bullet in your rifle, other than for up close plinking and don't expect decent accuracy.

I load for the 1500 Howa, which I went to after selling my CZ.

I have several loads that wouldn't likely be safe in a standard issue SKS, although with an adjustable gas port and a stronger recoil/return spring, I don't see any reason the SKS couldn't handle hotter loads.

CCI250 primers under 31.0 grains of CFE BLK, under 123 grain bullets = 2600fps

CCI250 primers under 30.0 grains of RELOADER 7, under 123 grain bullets = 2600+ fps

CCI 250 primers under 28.5 grains of WC680, under 123 grain bullets = 2600fps

CCI250 primers under 25.5 grains of Reloader 7, under 150 grain flat base 312 spire points = 2400+fps

Again, these loads are to HOT FOR A STANDARD ISSUE SKS.
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Jesus christ those loads seem too hot for a bolt gun too lol. Do you know what the pressure on those would be? I imagine very, very high. Impressive that your Howa can handle a steady diet of those. Cool guns.
mbogo3 said:
CZ 527 carbine 25.5gr H4198/Fed mag primer ,Privi or Win brass /123sp less than .40 groups at 100 yards. Several dead deer later . Also 150gr Sierra SP .311 same brass and primer 29gr- H-335. Chickens .311 32ACP 71gr FMJ -3gr Bullseye standard primer any boxer brass.
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Those groups are incredible for x39. I suppose if's gonna happen it's gonna happen in a handload though.
hatman1793 said:
I was searching for some bulk 22LR ammo at the BassPro OutPost here in N-O-T-L recently. No bulk, just expensive little boxes of 50, However, they had a ton of Chicom non-corrosive 7.62X39 twenty round boxes for C$7.99 each! Lacquered steel case. Damn thats cheap!
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A lot of those are actually corrosive. I damaged an SKS piston head by not cleaning it for a while after shooting those. Assuming you're talking the white/red boxed Norinco stuff.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback! I haven't even bought the equipment for this yet, but I think that's going on the list of "stuff I need to buy soon." I wish the ranges in Calgary would hold info nights on reloading. I think it could be a fun course to run for like 3 nights, where you learn the basics of reloading and get to make some ammo along the way.
 
"Jesus christ those loads seem too hot for a bolt gun too lol. Do you know what the pressure on those would be? I imagine very, very high. Impressive that your Howa can handle a steady diet of those. Cool guns."

How on earth would I be able to give you accurate pressures?

The primers are slightly flattened and there is no case abnormal case stretching.

There are no extraction issues and there aren't any indents or smears on the cartridge faces.

These loads are appropriate for hunting medium sized game animals out past 100 yds, power wise and accuracy wise.

Comparing the Howa to an SKS, especially when it comes to pressures appropriate for a standard issue SKS??????????

By the way, the Chinese built SKS rifles that were adapted to 5.56 Nato, with the idea of selling them on the US market. They did the same with the AK, which I've used and there weren't any issues.

The way a standard issue SKS is set up, those loads would likely cause issues.
 
bearhunter said:
"Jesus christ those loads seem too hot for a bolt gun too lol. Do you know what the pressure on those would be? I imagine very, very high. Impressive that your Howa can handle a steady diet of those. Cool guns."

How on earth would I be able to give you accurate pressures?

The primers are slightly flattened and there is no case abnormal case stretching.

There are no extraction issues and there aren't any indents or smears on the cartridge faces.

These loads are appropriate for hunting medium sized game animals out past 100 yds, power wise and accuracy wise.

Comparing the Howa to an SKS, especially when it comes to pressures appropriate for a standard issue SKS??????????

By the way, the Chinese built SKS rifles that were adapted to 5.56 Nato, with the idea of selling them on the US market. They did the same with the AK, which I've used and there weren't any issues.

The way a standard issue SKS is set up, those loads would likely cause issues.
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I'm not saying your load is unsafe, I'm saying it sounds crazy hot to a guy who's never reloaded before (me). But if you're able to get 2400 fps with a 150 grain projectile then I am all about it, and once I learn how to hand load I'm going to see if I can work something out like that. I never knew x39 could get that fast with a 150 gr., that's only 150 fps under a .308 with a 16.5" barrel. Such a versatile caliber.

Additionally, I believe you that your loads are too hot for the SKS, what I was trying to say is that it's cool that the Howa can shoot a lot of rounds that would otherwise be too hot for SKS'/semi autos in general. They're great little guns. I'm sure you get good groups. I bet my 527 will be pretty good for the task at hand as well. Looking forward to finding out.
 
Ganderite said:
Yes, you can make very nice plinker ammo. Use a shotgun powder of your choice, like red dot, Unique, HS6 or 2400 and work up to find what groups best.

This bullet will also make excellent 303Brit plinkers.
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What speeds do you run the 71 gr at and what do you think is the max range before they become unstable? Other posters have mentioned the bullets should be run slow, and I should only expect mediocre range. What "slow" and "close range" means isn't clear to me right now, are we talking 25m and 1100 fps? I was hoping I could push the little guys like 1900 fps, but maybe that's too fast? I was also thinking about the Hornady 85 and 100 grain XTP bullets for a close-range varmint load. What speeds do you think they could sustain? Again, I am not in a position to reload right now, but would like to get some ideas about what I can work towards when I do start.
 
You also have the campro 115gr fp .312. great plinking bullets real cheap. I use them in 303, 7.62x54 with a small charge of pistol powder
You can go to around 1400fps.
 
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