Bullets for the 7.62x39

[tkcomer]

For those that reload for the 7.62x39, what is the best bullet you've found? I have a 16” Model 1 upper and I've tried 3 bullets so far. The .310 123gr Hornady V-max, the .311 FMJ 124gr Golden West Brass and the .308 147 FMJ GWB bullets. The V-Max shows promise, but those FMJs are far worse than some of the old mil surp I have. You can see some of the targets here: http://www.pixagogo.com/2651684975 I know I can't expect much from the bulk GWB bullets, but I thought they do better than mil surp. So what bullets are the gang using? Thanks for any replies.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I've had good luck with the .310 VMax myself but not any .311 (.303 brit). .308 fmj 147gr has done fairly well in fact. also had good results with Speer 150gr flat base spitzers. this is a .310 bore Mini30. Nosler .308 125gr dissapointed as in other rifles they are superb.

 

[mcdonl]

Great thread, I hope it gets a lot of posts. I just ordered the dies and 100 cases for 7.62x39. I was contiplating ordering a mold but I have done zero research on casting for rifles.

 

[tkcomer]

I don't want to dismiss the .308 bullets just yet. Just because one bullet did poorly out of my gun doesn't mean others won't shine. Those same bullets did “OK” out of my DPMS 308, but that gun had issues and I sent it back. I think it has a new barrel on it and the testing will start from scratch on it. I still need to do some testing on those 124gr GWB bullets. But the weather has been horrible the last few months. Plus, I'm putting a better scope on the gun. The V-Max bullets were touchy. They opened up badly as I got near max.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I forgot to add that the Speer 150gr slugs are .308. they did near as good as the VMax which shot well with the only data and powder (680) I had and it was max listed charge of powder. the Speers did noticeably better with 4198 than 680. the Noslers nothing seemed to matter they dropped way low and open with either powder.

 

[Afy]

I use 123/4 grain Privi Partizan FMJ.

 

[tango2echo]

Sierra 125gr spitzer .308

Hornady 150gr SST .308

Win PSP 123gr .310

 

[tkcomer]

Forgot to add I'm using AA 1680. There's several .310 bullets out there. Finding them in stock when you place an order is another matter.

 

[mcdonl]

I settled on the 160g Lee TL312-160-2R. H4198 powder, LPP.... see how it goes. I will cast a few hundred this weekend if all goes well.

 

[HOWARD J]

I had good luck using a Mini 30 w/ 3-9 scope ( KRAUT )
Hornady #3140-.310 123 GR SN
using 30 gr of H335...........................

Very accurate once the scope is sighted in......................

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[mcdonl]

Just got back from the range. I tested the following load and it functioned flawlessly and shot accurately, which was a pleasant surprise because I have ran wolf and (DMC?) through my Norinco SKS and both of them had issues.

Bullet - Lead Cast RN using the Lee TL312-160-2R mold with straight wheel weights. These were tumble lubed with straight Lee Liquid Alox.
Case - New Winchester Brass
Primer - CCI Large Rifle Primer
Powder - 16g H4198
Length - 2.163

I also used the Lee FCD with a "mild" crimp.

I was going to use this as the starting load and work my way up but it shoots so well that I will go with it.

Also, no leading of the barrel.

It is a good day!!

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

were these loads shot in your Nor SKS? ed harris of nra contributing editor fame had an article praiseing cast slugs in the sks. he's a member here now.