7.62x39 for a friend

[gadabout]

I don't load these but will try a few for a friend. I don't have a die set but at leased I do have the shell holder. What is known now is very little but I was going to test with his brass as it it formed all ready to some extent. I do have two empties to play with but not shot from his gun. Two things I need to know are 1, will any other caliber resize enough to size down this round as I have a lot of like 308, 303, and others that are close to the 310 bullet size.  And 2, will any other bullets work in this reload like 308, 303. This round calls for 310 cal bullets and I would love to not have to buy for this but will if need be. I know what was he thinking to even try this but I love a challenge!!  Any input would be nice.  Craig

[gadabout]

Well you can cross off 308 and 303 for resizing as there cases are so much longer the 7.62 just gets lost in the resizer die!! Theses are as close to 7.62 as I have and if I can't bullet set the once fired brass I will have to buy the die set for that round.   :(Craig

[Trapper6L]

Lee dies are far too cheap not to buy a set. You can find them normally at a gunshow, used. For loading, the best results I've had used a max powder charge of AA1680 under the Lehigh Controlled Chaos bullet. It's a one hole shooter at 100 yds out of my AR. The Controlled Chaos bullet is THE bullet if feral hogs are the target animal. For a plinker with the ability to hunt, look at the Speer .311 125gr spitzer. If none of those combinations works with what you have available, here's the load data manual for the 7.62x 39.
http://marvinstuart.com/firearm/Manuals/Reloading/Caliber%20Specific%20Load%20Data/Complete%20Reloading%20Manual%20for%20the%207.62x39.pdf

[gadabout]

Trapper first a big thanks for the link to that manual. I have downloaded it already and read about the first 20 or so pages. It has all the information I was looking for concerning using either 308 or 311(303) bullets as they used them both with very good results. I am going to get the dies as I have figured out due to the shortness and width of the cases I can't use any that I have even just to set a bullet. Oh well it's all part of the hobby. Once again thanks a bunch for the link!!!  Craig

[gadabout]

I finally got the die set for these rounds so I loaded up 5 rounds for testing. Had good data for .311 bullets which I have some 125g for the 303 Brit. Went right together and I should know in a few days if all is OK.  Craig

[gadabout]

Got a real question!!!  I used Hodgdon H4198 powder but I am allmost out of it. Is Hodgdon h4198 and IMR4198 kind of the same?? I have some data for both but not much available locally.  Craig

[sqlbullet]

Though they are right next to each other on the rate chart, they are not the same powder.  IMR 4198 is enough faster to reach pressure at about 10% less powder, and correspondingly make about 10% less velocity at max pressure.

[gadabout]

Yeah I just noticed that at the Hodgdon website. I just don't reload enough rifle to make having a large supply of powders on hand but will buy as I need it. Thanks for the input.  Craig

[gadabout]

My friend shot the test rounds in his gun and the rounds shot great. A little hotter than his steel surplus rounds and some other rounds he had to compare. I am at a low starting point but can go a little lower to try. He was having a dent problem near the case mouth from my rounds so I will try to lighten a bit to start. I can fix the dent with no problem.  Craig
BTW it is a fine day except it's 35 degrees. What a bummer weather wise.

[gadabout]

This is later, my guy shot the new reloads of reloader #7 and all  went perfect. I inspected the brass and found no problem dents or whatever. I am reloading them now with a start in the tumbler and will inspect again but I think we are there!!  Nice when a plan comes together!!  Craig

[cwlongshot]

I have never owned one. But I have a barrel Of brass and a set of LEE dies.

Often thought Id pick up a bolt gun never have. I have Black outs so ballistically pretty close.

I bought a Grendel couple years ago and thought I might form brass using x39. Well it works but is different. (Grendel uses two bolts one for x39 style brass and one for commercial. So thats a no go as I have a type 2.

Maybe one day. RE7/4198 should be good powders in this caliber.

CW