7.62x39 Powder Problem

jinxer3006 · Mar 3, 2013

Hi all.

Been a while since I've been on here, but I ran into a situation today that I had to run by everybody.

I'm experimenting with 7.62x39. Why? Because I can. Really no reason other than that.

I checked Hodgdon's website and all my manuals. The only loads listed for which I had powder were 28-29 gr H4895 from Hodgdon and 27-29 gr IMR4895 from Speer. I had almost a full pound of H4895 sitting around and I really don't use it for anything, so I went with it. I weighed out 28 gr and poured it into the brass. It almost overflowed! You can see it in the attached picture. The open space only measures about .14 inches.

I double checked the website and scale setting. Both were good. I grabbed my check weights and put 28 gr on the scale. It balanced right out.

I thought maybe the website had a typo, so I weighed out 28 gr of IMR4895. It looked pretty much the same.

Hodgdon's website does not list this as a compressed load, but there's no way I can seat a 125 gr bullet to 2.15" without ALOT of compression.

I'm using once-fired Winchester brass that's been full-length sized and trimmed.

Any ideas anybody?

MEHavey · Mar 3, 2013

Quickload shows that to be a 99% case fill w/ that powder, that bullet, and that OAL.
Also very low pressure (<30,000psi), and lousy burn(~75%)

Vibrate it down if you want (it should just meet the bullet base), but I'd just seat the bullet normally and call it a day.
(Personally, I'd just fill the case with 26gr IMR4198 or RL-7)

R.W.Dale · Mar 3, 2013

Doesn't look that compressed to me.

Take it from me the one time all things x39 guru (I even had a bench gun so chambered) you'll do lots and lots of experimenting to arrive at the conclusion those if us who've gone down this road before already know. THERE ARE NO OTHER POWDERS that will match much less surpass aa1680 or n120's performance with bullets of 130g or less.

If your goal is to load the best 7.62x39 you can and you're not using small primed rem brass and 1680 or n120 you're just wasting bullets.

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MEHavey · Mar 3, 2013

I bow to those w/ previous knowledge w/ this cartridge/set-up.
But if I were starting out, I'd look at these four powders in the
order presented:

Note these are near-MAXs in my opinion and dependent on your particular rifle/specs
-- so start lower

medalguy · Mar 3, 2013

Get yourself some AA 1680. It's great, burns completely, it's accurate, and it was designed specially for the 7.62 x 39 cartridge.

joneb · Mar 3, 2013

I have had good results with H4198, I would think IMR4895 would be better suited with 150gr ish bullets.

Trent · Mar 3, 2013

I've had pretty good results with Re-7. My local dealer doesn't stock Vihtavuouri.

But, I've only loaded exactly 100 rounds of the stuff. They all went bang, worked the action, and hit the target, though.

I recommend a cardboard box with a pillow next to you when you shoot, so you can find all of your expensive brass.

winchester1886 · Mar 4, 2013

I always used AA 1680 with 123gr. bullets and found it to be accurate and clean burning.

jinxer3006 · Mar 4, 2013

While I was initially more concerned about the percentage case fill, you guys have convinced me to hold off on this experiment until I get some different powder.

But I am curious--when you say

Doesn't look that compressed to me.

What would you consider compressed?

I've always considered a compressed load to be one where the top of the powder charge is above where the base of the seated bullet would be.

Trent · Mar 4, 2013

jinxer3006 said:
While I was initially more concerned about the percentage case fill, you guys have convinced me to hold off on this experiment until I get some different powder.

But I am curious--when you say

What would you consider compressed?

I've always considered a compressed load to be one where the top of the powder charge is above where the base of the seated bullet would be.

Yes, and no.

Some loads you have to use a drop tube to get the amount of powder to actually fit in the case. Then it's further compressed by the bullet being seated.

R.W.Dale · Mar 4, 2013

jinxer3006 said:
While I was initially more concerned about the percentage case fill, you guys have convinced me to hold off on this experiment until I get some different powder.

But I am curious--when you say

What would you consider compressed?

I've always considered a compressed load to be one where the top of the powder charge is above where the base of the seated bullet would be.

While technically compressed when the bullet touches the powder its not a COMPRESSED charge till you need a drop tube or have to agitate the cases to settle the powder enough get it all in the case.

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345 DeSoto · Mar 4, 2013

Uuhhh...Who makes aa1680 powder?...

R.W.Dale · Mar 4, 2013

AccurateArms1680

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targetback · Mar 4, 2013

7.62x39 powder

There is a load out there that uses acc 5744 does anyone have that one?

joneb · Mar 4, 2013

There is a load out there that uses acc 5744 does anyone have that one?

I do, what bullet ?
I am waiting for some 123gr plated .312" and I am wanting to try Accurate 5744 with this bullet.

Twmaster · Mar 8, 2013

I'm glad I stumbled across this thread. I'm hoping to load some 7.62x39 this weekend. I'll be trying that AA1680!

7.62x39 Powder Problem

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