Experiment in big pills for the Sks

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savage1r

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So I got a wild hair up my ass that I wanted to replicate the 300 whisper out of a 7.63x39 platform. I found this page of reload data and I found this source for 200 gr bullets. I'm wondering if the pressure levels between the x39 and the 300 are close enough that I can use the 190 (200gr) reload data from this page for load testing. Let me know if I'm just nuts or if this could work.
 
Hey Savage,

For many years I have used 155 grain cast bullets in all my 7.62X39 rifles including several SKS, an AR-15, two AKs, and a Ruger Mini-30. I have been casting the 30 caliber 155 grain gas checked bullet for over 50 years, and I simply size the bullets to the rifle in which I plan to use them. They are cast in a Lyman-Ideal two cavity mould and sized and lubricated in a Lyman Lubrisizer.

Never had any experience with 200 grain bullets in the 7.62X39, but it seems 200 grains might be a bit long for that chambering.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile
 
Why? Because the 300 whisper is ballistically identical to the x39 and I've read about people's results with supersonic 180gr bullets in the x39 (1700ish fps) and subsonic 220-240gr bullets. I think a 200gr pill out of an sks going 1500-1600 fps would be a hell of a fun project. Not only that, but I could reload for the x39 and the x54r with the same set of bullets. It'd almost be like having a high velocity .45 with 300 yard capability. It'd also make for one hell of a cheap hog/deer load for those who like to hunt.
 
The issue is that they won't stabilize.

I've run supersonic 174gr-180gr bullets in the 7.62x39 and they work well in the standard 1:10" barrel twist when pushed to 1800+fps. The heavier bullets need more twist than that, and when you push them slower they need more still.

Unless your barrel has a 1:8" twist, it's just not going to work.
 
The SKS has a 22" 1:9.45 twist barrel so it might be able to catch the 180gr, I'm hoping it can do so as well for the 200gr. Montana Bullet works has both so I can test either, I just want a good load in something like H4895, 4198, or H110(I think). So that's why I'm asking.

Also, what is your load for the 180grn boolits?
 
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I've never tried it but it sounds interesting. But if I were going to try it I think I would use H4895. I believe Hodgdon says it is a suitable powder for reduced loads in most 30-06 and smaller calibers, starting with a 60% charge of max. Their data shows a .312" 150gr Hornady SP with 28.0gr MAX of H4895. 60% of that would be 16.8 grains. Since a 200 grain bullet will produce more pressure I would probably start at 10.0-12.0gr and check for pressure signs. If no pressure signs, I'd work my way up in 0.5gr increments until I obtained a desired velocity or signs of pressure. But like I said, I've never tried it. I'm not too sure I see the benefit of going over a 150gr bullet. 154gr Wolf used to shoot great out of my SKS and AK but I think bullet trajectory with a 200gr would be kinda crappy if you could manage to safely stuff one of those big bullets in the case.
 
Thanks Kansas, the info I was able to find before put the load close to 16.5gr of H4895. I think I'll probably start somewhere around 13.5 and move up .5gr till I get pressure signs or cap at 16.5gr. I'll be sure to post a video of this test.
 
I have experimented with over load work ups in SKSs.

I used Sierra 180 gr .311" #2310 bullet and H110/W296 powder.

Usually I can just look at a gun and predict what is going to happen.
But the SKS surprised me.
The firing pin blew out the back of the bolt, jammed up the gun and I needed new firing pins, as the old ones were bent.
Oddly different looking SKS firing pins are interchangeable, but don't do it.

For high pressure, the SKS design is not a total piece of junk, but neither is it very good like a Ruger #1.

What does it all mean?
Don't do it.
 
I am definitely not interested in pushing over pressure. I just want a reliable load that will cycle the bolt and group well.
 
This might help you http://members.shaw.ca/cronhelm/762Page.html Whatever you do, I would highly suggest checking with the powder manufacturer of your choice to see if they can refer you to a powder that is suitable for reduced loads. I am absolutely sure that Hodgdon has a couple powders that will work but they will probably be able to give you better advice than I can.
 
Tag for later. I can tell you that my Yugo has a ridiculously long throat, would be good for doing this with single-loading.

My 10 twist 308 will stabilize 200-208gr pills no problem, so why wouldn't the 9.45 twist SKS stabilize ~200 grainers? Only variable is velocity.
 
Only variable is velocity.
Agreed, but the OP wanted subsonic. Loose a more than five hundred feet per second on the heavy pills, and suddenly they're likely to be not spinning fast enough to stabilize.
 
So I got a wild hair up my ass that I wanted to replicate the 300 whisper out of a 7.63x39 platform. I found this page of reload data and I found this source for 200 gr bullets. I'm wondering if the pressure levels between the x39 and the 300 are close enough that I can use the 190 (200gr) reload data from this page for load testing. Let me know if I'm just nuts or if this could work.
I'm late to this party, but I'd like to add a comment that the pressures of the Blackout and the 7.62x39 are likely way different. The Russian round, like their earlier cartridge, runs around 42,000 psi. While I haven't seen specific info for the Blackout, it almost certainly follows modern practice in working at 55K to 60K pressures.
So, working from the Blackout loading data for the SKS loads seems certain to be starting way too hot.
IMHO
 
I've never said that I was looking to shoot these subsonic. Looking to drive them as fast as pressure will safely allow.
 
220g spec'ed 300 AAC mv is 1010 fps which IS subsonic. It would also be devastating at short range if it were marginally stable. That's why the 1:14" twist early 5.56's produced such nasty wounds. I would say that if you can keep a group within a couple of inches at 50 yards, you have a winner.
 
I don't have a line on 220gr .311-.314 lead sleds, but I can get 180's and 200gr that I hope to send out the hole at a reasonable clip.
 
The only point I can see in the Blackout round is to shoot subsonic ammo with a silencer.

If you want to shoot a 220 grain bullet somewhere around 1000fps, you could get a 44 magnum pistol and download it.
 
A 200gr bullet going at 1600fps or a 180gr going at 1800fps is a hell of a lot of energy for a 7.62x39 and will be able to knock down just about anything.
 
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