Reloading for DCRA 7.62mm No.4

kjohns47

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Recently I got my hands on a Longbranch DCRA conversion in 7.62mm and I'm looking to reload my own cartridges. As a starting point I wanted to try 40gr. of IMR 4895 with a 150gr. bullet in non-military spec brass (~32,000 CUP). I'm only shooting out to 100 yards.

What loads have worked well for you guys? I wanted to make sure I'm not approaching the max pressure of the weaker Enfield actions (45,000 CUP).
 
As long you used 7.62x51 brass not .308 Win, you should be good. Personally I'd stay away from hot loads and bullets more than 155gr but that's just me.
 
If you are shooting @ 100 yds a milder load with IMR 4895 will be quite accurate. With a No 4 in 7.62 its a good idea to start with a minimum load per a manual and then work upwards watching for pressure signs. Neck sizing is a good idea after initial firing as this will minimize case separations as a result of repeated firing/FL resizing cycles.
 
The #4 action will take full power ammo, all day long. The issue ammo we used to shoot in the #4 was about 60,000 psi.

That said, hot ammo will stretch cases, because the #4 has rear locking lugs, so milder loads would be better.

For 100 yards, the Sierra 125 gr SP is very accurate. It works well to 200, but after that the wind moves it around.

The 150 and 155 gr bullets or the more common choice of a good 100 yard bullet. I found the Hornady 150 gr SP worked well in many #4s because it has a flat base.

Start either bullet at 35 gr and test in 1 gr increments up to 44 gr, and see what shoots best.
 
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