Reloading for Semi Autos.

PanzerIV

PanzerIV

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Hi,
I am just starting out in the reloading world, and want to reload for my Norinco M14. Now my question is, do the bullets that I use have to have the cannelure (spelling?) groove in them to make sure they can be crimped tight enough to use in a semi auto? Or is this even a worry? A freind mentioned I might want to ask about this, to save myself a front row ticket to an exploding gun. Any feedback would be great about what is safe to reload with for this gun.
I was planning on using 150gr Nosler Ballistic tips with Viht N140 powder. Feedback?
I also was wanting to use the 150gr Sierra Matchkings, not sure about powder yet.
What combinations have any of you safely used? If I need that crazy groove in the bullet, then my next question would be what bullets specifically have them?
And finally as an aside, cause I just thought of it, I have a SVT40 that I will be reloading for, probably the same questions can be asked of reloading for it? Or as a matter of a fact, my SKS's and my CZ858. sigh. this is getting complicated. Help!

PanzerIV
 
No cannelure or crimp required. I don't crimp my bullets generally, but you can if you want to. I use H4895 powder for the 3 cartridges you listed. Get your hand on a reloading manual. As well, is this ammo for hunting, or just plinking? If it's just plinking, get some hornady 150gr FMJ's. Higginson's has them, best price around if I remember.
 
Just plinking basically is all I'm doing with it. I posted in the main battle rifle forum, lots of feed back there, wasnt sure which forum would be the best to post in, so post in both. Survey says the cannelure is not needed it sounds like, so thats great, makes it easy for bullet buying. I would imagine to be on the safe side, load some non cannelure bullets up, and then just cycle my action and re measure to see if there are any bad changes in bullet length? Anyhow, thanks again for all the quick replies. Much appreciated.
 
No crimp needed and definitely no expensive Nosler bullets needed unless you plan on taking the rifle out to knock down a deer or something. Use the cheapest stuff you can find if it's just for plinking.
H4895 or IMR4895 is the best stuff IMO for the M14 with any bullet.
You will probably want to use small base or at least full length dies to reload for it though.
 
Well I'm new to all this reloading stuff, havent actually reloaded a single round. Am just gathering supplies and info, and maybe next winter when things are slow, I'll dip into my stock pile, and start experimenting. I'm thinking, now this is just theory, but want to see what some of the fancy schmancy shiny bullets will do, who knows, maybe I will hunt with it someday, AND find a few cheap ordinary bullet/load combos for everyday making banging type noises. What the heck, try everything once, and figure out what I like. With the IMR4895 and H4895, can you pass along a few loads that I might want to try in that M14?
And while I got the spotlight here, any load recomendations for my SVT40, CZ858, and SKS? Any safety concerns with the SKS not having a spring loaded firing pin primer wise?
 
I don't crimp for my semi's - including my M14. I just make sure that my case neck expander die is set to the minimum and my bullets are very tight in the case necks. For the M14, try 150gr or 165gr bullets, COL 2.80 and IMR 4895; start at 40gr and work up carefully. MAKE SURE YOUR PRIMERS ARE SEATED WAY DEEP! Double check this; by sight and feel.
 
You would be a fool not to crimp for a semi-auto - The M14 is no exception.
A) It does not negatively affect accuracy -even with bullets without a canalure.
B) No amount of added neck tension will hold a bullet in place as well as a proper crimp.
C) It only takes one screwed up round to ruin your rifle.
 
PanzerIV said:
Well I'm new to all this reloading stuff, havent actually reloaded a single round. Am just gathering supplies and info, and maybe next winter when things are slow, I'll dip into my stock pile, and start experimenting. I'm thinking, now this is just theory, but want to see what some of the fancy schmancy shiny bullets will do, who knows, maybe I will hunt with it someday, AND find a few cheap ordinary bullet/load combos for everyday making banging type noises. What the heck, try everything once, and figure out what I like. With the IMR4895 and H4895, can you pass along a few loads that I might want to try in that M14?
And while I got the spotlight here, any load recomendations for my SVT40, CZ858, and SKS? Any safety concerns with the SKS not having a spring loaded firing pin primer wise?
Click to expand...


The Hodgedon reloading data website is all I use anymore for loads. I stick to them strictly and haven't had any problems--- just the opposite in fact.
It's on one of the stickies under the reloading section but I'll save you the looking.
http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp
 
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