Reloading Question for my Norinco M14.

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
 
I don't think the cannelure is a necessity since I see that a lot of people load them with match bullet that do not have such feature. Neck tension should be enough to keep them in the case. Just keep your cases properly sized.

I have read about the powders used in the M14 and people load with the n135 with success it seems. The burning rate looks to be close IMR 4895 according to vihtavuori's chart.

I'll equip myself to load very soon (at last). And I'll load too for my M14's and a SVT. I suppose that with the SVT, the same powder might be used, vihtavuori lists a few loads with it, also there is the added flexibility of the gas regulator.
 
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.
 
No cannelure required....I've loaded thousands and thousands of 155 HPBTM bulletts and just drimped them with the standard dillon taper crimp die.

Do make sure you small-base-full-length-resize, seat your primers a little low, and keep that chamber clean!

Good luck with your project!

Cheers,

Brobee
 
i crimp below the cannelure when loading 150gr fmj, no problems so far, i always crimp for piece of mind and to be consistent, just picked up some sierra 150gr hpbt, these bullets dont have a cannelure,
 
Lee

If you want the advantages of a factory crimp (consistent pressure) and don't want to bother with a cannelure bullet get a Lee factory crimp die. They work with almost all bullets except Speer. They give a very tight crimp and do not affect the bullet. I've used one for my 223 and they work great.
 
If youre just plinking I wouldn't worry about the match kings @ about $45 /100. The hornadys work good for me, and the match kings go in my bolt gun.
 
Yup, just plinking, but I kinda curious to see what the match kings will do in that M14. I found a dealer that sells the 150gr match kings for 180 per 500 that is locally located, so thats not totally bad for price. Plus they are shiny! I like shiny things. But I will definitely look up the price locally for the Hornady's, and see if I cant find some load data or a Hornady book and try a few out too. See what works the best. Thanks much.
 
36 cents a round is not bad, i pay 32 cents for hornady 150gr fmj, and got some matchkings for 40 cents
here is load data from lyman handbook
150gr bullet
n140 powder
start 41.5 39 400psi
max 46.2 56 700psi

good luck
 
Hi !

I use the powder Accurate 2520:

20090321580.jpg


It works fine for me and my load is 42.0 grains. I use Sierra Match King 168 gr. The picture shows 2 5 shot groups. 2 fliers but there are 8 of 10 rounds in 25 mm at 110 yards. Is´t that ok for a china rifle with standard weight barrel?

Sierra168.jpg


The rifle has only a 4x scope so it is´t 100 % made for shooting tight groups with my old eyes:

20090321568.jpg


This is at 330 yards but with a flier (again :()

20090322581.jpg


So i recomend that powder...

Well I have done som changes on the rifle as well. They are sure important to:

NM gas cylinder - piston - flashhider - spring guide.
Glass bedded.
TRW bolt
Secured hand guard with silicone.

Regards
 
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I like WC 735 cuz it's cheap and works great. 42.5 gr of 735 with a 150 gr Hornday FMJBT works fine for me. I also use 735 in my AR-15 (.223) and planning on using it in my Lee Enfield (.303). A friend of mine just started using it in his 30-06 with great results.

Is WC 735 the best powder to use? No, but it is a very versatile powder and it falls in my good enough categeory.;)
 
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