Which of 3 powders to use for 7.62x54r?

Been quite some time but of the three powders you mention, in an old Mosin Nagant Model 91 my best results were pushing 147 - 150 gn bullets about 2700 FPS H-4895. My best results as to accuracy was using IMR-4320 which you do not mention.

Really any of the three should give good results depending on the specific rifle and bullet combination. Some of this will depend on the barrel be it .310 or .311? Normally running .308 bullets in a .311 barrel does not give the best accuracy. Anyway, my best results were using .311 bullets at about 2700 FPS in a Model 91 as I recall. Your mileage will likely vary depending on rifle and bore.

Looking for Accuracy and Low Recoil

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The Mosin Nagant rifles were never known for having a light recoil. Matter of fact with full house loads they can be a little punishing to shoot, not quite your best summer day T-Shirt rifle. Now as I mentioned I got my best accuracy out of the guns I tried around 2700 FPS. If you have H-4895 as you mentioned that powder does lend itself well to reduced loads. For example H-4895 under a typical 150gn. FMJ-BT bullet shows about 36.2gn. (2300 FPS) to a Maximum of 46.5gn. (2800 FPS) from a M39 Mosin Nagant. Those loads from Hornady 9th Edition manual. Read the HODGDON® H4895® REDUCED RIFLE LOADS data. I doubt you will get any good accuracy but you can give it a try. I would bump it a little and start with around 32.0gn. and make sure your bullets exit the barrel!

Ron

if i were you id use h4895 but because im me id use imr4895

Of those? I just don't know, but I had great luck with IMR 4350.

I have had very good accuracy in my M-44 Mosin with Hodgdon 4895 and Hornady 174 HPBT.

Not a pick of the 3 powder selection. But my suggestion is if you can, pick up a copy of Lyman's "Load Data for Historic Military Calibers". It has loads for jacketed and lead bullets.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/191494/lyman-load-data-book-old-military-rifle

i have used imr 4895 RL 15 and varget in 9 mosin's that i have and i stick with varget. it gives me 2600fps with 91/30 150gr bullets and 2500fps with M44 at 45.7 gr of powder. it also helps to neck size your brass.

Of the three, I've used Varget for 7.62x54R. I usually use IMR 3031 or IMR 4064.

For reduced loads, trail boss is hard to beat. I would start with approx 125grain x39 bullets and about 3/4 a case of trail boss. That will certainly be your lightest and safe option. Cast bullets would be even better. That's what I plan to do someday, I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

I'm interested in the responses here too. Been wanting to try Reloder 15 or Varget in this cartridge but can't find either locally. From what I've read, both are excellent. I've used H335 and IMR 4350 with good results.

So far I've only used 23gr 2400 with a GC'd 160gr
(trying to remember where I found that load. - be careful)
OAL 2.775 - Runs abt 1850fps on my chronograph.

http://leeprecision.com/mold-dc-tl312-160-2r.html
(Sized to .311)



I've used LOTS of Varget & RL15 in 223 & had great success.

How much does 17grs of TB fill the case? In straight walled cases it likes a good crimp. A heavier bullet might do better too. I really should be a sales rep for Trail Boss, I love the stuff!

fireman 9731 said:

How much does 17grs of TB fill the case? In straight walled cases it likes a good crimp. A heavier bullet might do better too. I really should be a sales rep for Trail Boss, I love the stuff!

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It also goes well as a topping for any breakfast cereal.

Ron

I tried that this morning, tasted a little funny, but I have more pep in my step