7.62 x 39 Reloading issue

[terr92]

HI all. My name is Terry and I am new to reloading and this forum. I am hoping someone here can help me out. I am reloading for my CZ 527. I have been using Lapua brass and Hornady sst, lead, and Lapua bullets. No troubles with the first two, but the Lapua has a slight movement in and out of the casing. I thought at first that perhaps the Lapua was a different diameter than the others. Nope. Dead on the same. I have tried adjusting the expanding die to no avail. Still get the movement no matter what I do. So, what is the solution, and if I go ahead and use these Lapua reloads with the movement, will that affect the accuracy potential and is it dangerous to shoot?

Thanks kindly.

 

[Ironicaintit]

I don't think any movement is acceptable.

After sizing, what's the ID of the necks?
are your bullets .308 or .311-.312?

is your expander matched to your diameter of bullet? 7.62x39 is goofy in that it can be sized for either

 

[Blue68f100]

Where is the movement? Bullet moving or cartridge loose in chamber?

 

[mstreddy]

Terr, welcome to THR and reloading. As Ironic said/asked, you have to check your bullets and your expander. 7.62x39 bullets are available in both diameters and some die sets bring both expanders. Some die sets only bring one. Also some factory brass may have been expanded to .311 or .312. This may be what's happening with your loads.

And I wouldn't suggest you use/shoot those loads with the loose bullets. You may have extreme setback or the bullet will fall out as it's chambering. In either case, it's not good and can cause moderate to severe problems (setback increases pressure).

 

[terr92]

Thanks very much for the prompt replies!

The Lapua bullet is .311. The id of the case after expanding is .310. I should be using the .308 expander for a tighter fit ?

 

[terr92]

And the bullet is moving in the case. I am using the 2.187 minimum length. The bullet does stop at the cannalure and it appears to be tight in the case as it takes 3 good whacks with the bullet remover to free it.

 

[Ironicaintit]

Like, it is moving laterally, or can you pull it in and out?

I don't get that you wouldn't have the same issue with the other bullets, being the same OD.

Are they shorter?

 

[terr92]

Ok, I used the 308 expander and the bullet fits perfectly.

Thanks to all for the suggestions, good to know that help is just some keystrokes away!