7.62x54r

Voodoochile said:

Okay, need some advice.

Privi Brass, new.
CCI magnum LR primers.
Speer .311180gr. JSP RN.
Hodgon H414 46gr.

Mosin Nagant M44.

Not sure of the velocity but POI is roughly 2" low at 50 yards & almost a foot low at 100 yards.
Striking fairly center just low using the bench & the stock sight set to 100.

Not enough powder?

Click to expand...

The starting load for that grain bullet and powder in my manual is 49 grains not 46, so I would say it is too low of a charge. Max charge is 52 grains.

Voodoochile said:

I was using my Lee Scoop for my die set & verifying the throw by weighing each charge. Okay, good thing I only loaded 40 rounds & shot 20.
I'll snag my puller & weigh in for 49 & try em out.

Click to expand...

If you do not have any manuals I would suggest you get at least one if not more.

Yep, you're loading under minimum for a jacketed bullet. That can be as dangerous as loading over max. Has to do with weird pressures that get created.
You don't need magnum primers unless your manual says to use 'em either.
And you need to work up the load, not just pick one and hope.

IMO, you need to at least follow the start load recommendations listed at www.hodgdon.com, and I always use a magnum primer with the older style ball powders like H414/Win760, (same powder).
They are just harder to ignite than extruded powders, and the slightly hotter primers often give more consistent ignition with those ball powders.
H414/Win760 should give you decent performance in the Russian round.


NCsmitty

While the concerns listed for using below minimum charge have some validity, this is not necessarily the cause of your change in point of impact

Where a projectile hits is a function of so many variables that it is hard to list them all. Chief among these are exactly what happens to two rifle as the recoil forces impact whatever is holding it. If I shoot off a hard front rest, I will get a different point of impact than if I hold the forearm in my palm.

Different manufacturers projectiles Maystrik at a different place with exactly the same charge.

Different neck tension on brass will cause a change in impact location

Different cartridge overall length and throat Erosion will also play a role

My suggestion is to find a safe charge that you're comfortable with, and then adjust the sights so that they indicate where the projectile will strike using the holding pattern that you plan to use when you are really using the gun for whatever you need it for, whether that is hunting or benchrest target shooting.

Just as a caution, if you are full length resizing, be sure that you know how to use a paperclip to search for the gulley inside the brass that indicates incipient head separation.

Mosins don't have much in the way of gas relief holes, and I have had them put a face full of powder on me. Be sure you have Eye protection at all times.