7.62x51 and 7.62x39

[twoblink]

Question: If I were to handload these two rounds; would I be able to use the same anything? Dies, bullets etc? I have no clue what they share (or can share) in terms of handloading; so hoping someone will enlighten me. Thanks.

 

[OilyPablo]

Bullets are different diameter.

Bases are different, ie different brass.

I would say nope. But I'm a rank amateur and rarely pretend to know what I'm talking about, even on the net.

 

[twoblink]

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like said above:
Bullets are different diameter. (.308" and .311")
Dies are different as are the bases.
Brass is different.

Unfortunately, the numbers are similar but the rounds are not, sorry...

 

[cberge8]

At best you could get by with the same primers and maybe power if you wanted to, other than that not really.

 

[GCBurner]

At best you could get by with the same primers and maybe power if you wanted to, other than that not really.

I think the .308/7.62x51mm uses Large Rifle primers, and the 7.62x39mm uses Small Rifle primers. I use Varget powder for both, though.

 

[twoblink]

Thanks; was just wondering is all.

For 7.62x39 though; for plinking the cheap stuff I think is cheap enough to just buy and not handload.

The 308's for my M1A; hoping to hand load them some day..

 

[cheeze]

Yes, you can use some of the same things. Primers, if you get 7.62X39 brass that takes large primers (some take small, others take large). Some powders can be used in both (RX7, AA2230, H335, and probably more) and you can use .308" bullets in both.

 

[WardenWolf]

The bullets are close enough diameter that you can use .308 bullets as long as your rifling is not heavily worn. However, if you are shooting an AK, you should be aware that AKs normally mutilate the brass, typically denting either the side of the case or the neck. Very few of your cases will be salvageable. Because of this, it is rarely worth it to reload for 7.62x39 unless you are loading particular bullets for maximum lethality.

 

[Walkalong]

Not really, besides primers if your 39 cases are large rifle primer cases.

In a pinch you could use the same rifle powder, but they really use somewhat different burn speed powders for best results.

In a pinch you could use the same bullets, even though they are slightly different diameters.

I would set up to load .308 first, and keep buying the cheap 7.62X39 ammo. Then later buy dies for it if you wish.

 

[Nevmavrick]

I load for the 7.62x51 in a Beretta M59, and usually use cast bullets, loaded to 2000+fps.
When I load for the 7.62x39, I'm shooting an AR-platform that has a .308 barrel.
I ordered it so I could use the same cast bullets in both rifles, and I also use different-weight bullets for each rifle.
(That sounds awkward)
How about...I use both 125 and 150gr pointed gc bullets in both rifles, plus 110gr in the AR AND 170, 180 and 200gr in the Beretta. That's better?
Because I'm loading to the top of each rifles capabilities, the powders are not the same, tho' when loading down some, several powders can be used in both.
Have fun,
Gene

 

[joustin]

If the gun chambered in 7.62x39 is a Soviet weapon it may be .309-.311 could be .308 slug the bore and find out. Might be closer to a .308

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[FROGO207]

I have the stuff to reload 7.62X39 but really dont to any extent because the problems above and the relative inexpense of COM Block ammo these days. I do reload them with OK results using X-Treme heavy plated bullets or JSP for hunting that are better than manufactured ones.

 

[A Pause for the Coz]

I spose I should have kept it a secret because as soon as I started harpin about how easy it was. my supplier sold out of the bullets. But any way.
I buy the 124gr .311 pulls from various sources.
usually around $50 for 500 or so depending on the supplier.
They actually measure .310
I use these in the 7.62x39, 7.62 x54R, 30-30, 300 black out, 308 win.
At .310 they work in all the Com Block stuff.



For .308 use I run them through a LEE .308 push through sizer die. They come out sized at .3085.



My expectations were not too high but as it turns out they have shot really well in all my 308 calibers.



I shoot them in the 308 with Military brass, Tula primers, Surplus powder and pulled bullets.
Make a box of 20 for about 4 bucks.




Have to save were you can

 

[zoom6zoom]

you should be aware that AKs normally mutilate the brass, typically denting either the side of the case or the neck.

None of my AK's do this. I have.... let's just say, more than a few. Anyway, as mentioned, surplus ammo in this caliber is pretty cheap, and is pretty much all steel case and/or Berdan primed. Not worth the effort to reload in most cases.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

NO the dies and bullets are completely different.
I have got good results with Speer 150 gr sp out of my Ruger Mini 30 though

 

[Fired]

Reloading for the 7.62 russian is expensive. Plus the brass get damaged from being ejected.