7.62x54R powders

[Jeff H]

Hi all, I recently picked up a bunch of PPU ammo and once I shoot it all, I'll start reloading for that cartridge for my Mosin. It will be nice not dealing with corrosive salts anymore.

I was looking around at different powder choices thinking that I would have to invest in some new powders because I don't currently reload anything that large, but Hodgdon's website has both H335 and Varget listed in the 150grain loads which is probably the bullet weight I'll want to use if I ever get a PSL in the future. Well that is good because I already have both of those powders. Does anyone have any experience with either Varget or H335 in 7.62x54R or are people using powders like H4895?

 

[elwoodm]

first thing is slug the bore to find out the bullet thats best. i use .311 bullets in all my 7.62x54r loads. 308s work good in the .312 bores but not so good in the .314 bores.the powders that are good with standard primers are varget IMR 4895 and reloader 15 use mag primers on ball powders 335 BLC-2 neck resize for bolt action rifles saves brass now if privi would start selling unfired brass again life would be good for 54r

 

[AK Gun Man 88]

I just picked up two boxes of Norma brass for $26 a box of 20 on Gunbroker.

 

[56hawk]

In a Mosin it shouldn't make much difference. If you get a PSL it might. A lot of semi autos are picky on the burn rate of the powder. They won't cycle with a fast burning powder, and a slow burning powder will overdrive them. I use IMR 4895 in all my larger caliber semi autos. 308, 30-06, 8mm and 7.62x54R. I tried Varget in my SVT-40 once and it didn't feel good at all.

 

[4895]

I had great luck with IMR-4895 and 150 grain .308 Sierra matchking bullets.

Now I use H4895 and 165 grain .308 Sierra SPBT bullets.

 

[Winchester101]

I've used IMR-4895 for quite a bit of loading in the 7.62X54, and it has served well.

Two other powders on my "to test" list for the 7.62 are surplus WC-844 & WC-846. These are listed as having a burning rate in the H335/BLC-(2) neighborhood. They're currently available from Pats Reloading (which is about an hour drive from me in an area where I already go to fish and camp) for a shade over $10/lb.

W101

 

[sellersm]

W101, I'd be interested in seeing your results with those powders. I've "heard" that they can be made to work, but not seen any results anywhere... Widener's usually has those available at a great price as well.

I don't think you can go wrong with 4895 or Varget. Be sure to slug the barrel and depending on the bullet weight you're using, some powders may be a little better than others (4064, 4350 come to mind)...

 

[NuJudge]

My best luck has been with any of the 4350 powders. I really like it with 180 Sierras.

 

[kingmt]

No but I have used both in 30-06 with 150gr & didn't like ether but got good results from WC846.

 

[_N4Z_]

I have been reloading x54r for several years and have experimented with many powders with bullet wt's of 125, 150, 174, and 180.
IMR3031
IMR4064
IMR4320
IMR4895
IMR4350
H4895
HVarget
AA4350
Alliant R15
NORMA 203B

All give good results depending on bullet wt. , c.o.l. etc. But most consistent performance I have found to date (group size of 10 @ 100yrds, repeated 5 times) are the following -->

150gr Sierra PH (.311) or Hornady Interlock (.312) - H4895 and IMR 4895
174gr Sierra MK (.311) - IMR4350
180gr Sierra PH (.311) - IMR4350

I've not spent a lot of time yet with the 125gr rounds , though H4895 seems promising. The Norma 203B also looks good, but not enough time spent with it yet to know for sure.

 

[Winchester101]

sellersm

I'll send you the results when I get out and work with 844 & 846. In the mean time I do have data that I worked up for the 7.62X54R using another surplus powder that is available from time to time, IMR-7383. If you're interested, drop me a PM and I'll forward it to you.

W101