Want to load for 7.62 x 54R need info

[LeftyTSGC]

I am looking for information to reload 7.62 x 54R for my Mosin Nagant. Primarily for range practice, maybe a few hunting rounds.

Can someone tell me what Cal. bullets are best and where can I find them to purchase? Asking because I have seen some threads of people discussing anywhere from .308 to .311 type bullets?????

Also, who sells a complete set of dies that I can use on my Lee Classic press?

I currently only load pistol ammo on my Dillon SDB, but want to get into the rifle and I have a Mosint Nagant, so why not start there? I currently use TrailBoss, Longshot and BE-86, any of those usable? I am assuming I need to get LRP also.

Looking for any comments and suggestions from those that reload for this caliber. Yes I have manuals and can read all about it, but first hand experience will help me get started.

thanks,

Lefty

 

[joem1945]

Not many people load for the 7.62X54R because as of now surplus ammo is cheap. I have a Lee die set for that caliber. I only reload for use in a SVT 40 rifle because I don't want to use corrosive in it. I usually pull bullets and powder from loaded surplus ammo and reload in in my cases. The surplus corrosive ammo is for my bolt guns, 91-30 ,M44.

 

[Sunray]

Surplus ammo isn't suitable for hunting anything but varmints.
7.62 x 54R uses a .311" bullet. Despite the diameter error on Hodgdon's site. Sierra makes a 150 and a 180 hunting bullet. Plus a 174 Matchking.
Trailboss, Longshot and BE-86 might be ok for a cast bullet, but not jacketed hunting bullets. Any of the standard .308 Win or .30-06 powders will do nicely.

 

[rogn]

The bores on these things can vary from .309 to .314 historically, not all measured by me. As a rule of thumb an oversized bullet is better than an undersized one. I have 5 of these things rattling around here and I just went and ordered .311 and .312 150 gr bullets. The 0.312 Hornady SST have been universally the best. One rifle is < moa. Im using PPU brass which is excellent, Wolf primers and H380. Thje load of H380 is out of the Sierra manual. 54 gr. The relatively slow powder with the 0.312s seems to be a low pressure load, the brass is forever. My son has done the "Mexican match" routine and also had better luck w/ the 312s.

 

[LeftyTSGC]

Thanks all for the information.

Should I slug my barrel to get a better idea of the actual bullet size?

I just need to find some brass or buy one box of brass and reuse them. I still have a can full of surplus ammo to use up, probably use it for plinking. I will check online for a Die Set.

I will have to shop to see what I can get for powder around here.

Lefty

 

[sevt_chevelle]

Just buy some PPU ammo, shoot it up and save the brass for reloading. Buying PPU ammo at the last time I looked was cheaper then buying just the brass.

And yes you should slug your barrel, mine measured at .311.

 

[kcofohio]

If your barrel is .311-.314", bullets for the 303 cal. will work. They generally measure at .312".

As sevt chevelle said, PPU ammo runs about $15 per 20 and is good brass casings.

Lee Pacesetter set has worked good for me. If you want to neck size only, both RCBS and Hornady make neck sizers.

 

[FROGO207]

I have a couple Nagants in 7.62X54 and also some 303 Brit rifles. Years ago I purchased many partial boxes of .303 bullets and also find that those that mike around .312 shoot the best in both mine. I use H380 as well as surplus pull down propellant used in the 7.62X51 (who's number escapes me just now) with great results. I also use a set of Lee Dies. I bought the bigger set and it came with a shell holder and two expander/decapping rods. One .308 and one .312. The brass is the hardest thing to get at a reasonable price IMHO. I have some in PPU, Winchester, S&B, Olympic (some was berdan primed so look out), and Lapua. All from fired ammo I shot. The brass lasts well if you do not resize it all the way back I found. Neither one gives off the fireball effect the surplus Hungarian rounds do however. Have fun.

 

[TdocZ]

I use 4350 under 174gr Sierra MatchKings (.311") for my best loads. 174gr Hornady Match .312" bullets or 150gr SST may or may not be better in your rifle. They are all a little different. Try a few different bullets, your barrel will tell you what it feeds best, slug it if you like. Varget, H380 and H414 also work well with the heavier bullets, and I like 4064 with 150gr bullets. PPU brass is relatively inexpensive and just as good as S&B or Winchester. Lapua is excellent brass but SPENDY. You should get nice loads in the 2400-2600fps range.