H322 in 7.62x39

[WaltWhite]

I have some H322 testers loaded up—28.5 grains and 30 grains. Powder came within about an eighth inch of the top of the case, so loads are moderately to heavily compressed (doesn’t help I’m using long-for-caliber projectiles).

i’ve heard you can’t stuff enough h322 in an x39 case to be dangerous, but wanted to confirm that. H322 tends to run at very low pressures comparatively speaking with all the loads I’ve seen.

 

[Crosshair]

I have some H322 testers loaded up—28.5 grains and 30 grains. Powder came within about an eighth inch of the top of the case, so loads are moderately to heavily compressed (doesn’t help I’m using long-for-caliber projectiles).

i’ve heard you can’t stuff enough h322 in an x39 case to be dangerous, but wanted to confirm that. H322 tends to run at very low pressures comparatively speaking with all the loads I’ve seen.

Me: "I'm not at home, so I can't check my reloading books and I don't have QuickLoad on this laptop. Oh what the hell, lets check the Hodgdon website. H322 looks to be kinda slow for 7.62x39 on the burn rate chart. They probably only have load data for 150 grain bullets or something.
*Checks Hodgdon website.*
Me: "Well that's interesting. They have 3 loads for H322 and the 7.62x39."

Looks like they list H322 as maxing out for a 125 grain bullet at 29 grains. HOWEVER, they list the pressure as only 35,400 CUP. A good 5,000 CUP below the other two loads.

You say that you are using "long-for-caliber projectiles". What weight/ manufacturer of bullet are you using? What sort of gun are you firing it out of? I'm wondering if you don't perhaps have too much H322 in there depending on the bullet weight/make and what you're firing it out of.

You can go check it out for yourself, https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle

I can check my loading books if I remember when I get home later this week.

 

[WaltWhite]

Thanks for the reply. I pulled the data from Hodgdon actually...at least the charge weight. Bullet is 125gr Nos ballistic tip in 308 dia. In the other thread I had on x39 a guy posted a comparison of the lengths that was useful.

i had loaded these at the same time as 1680. I’m going with the 1680 load but have 10 of these H322 loaded up. Was debating whether to use them for practice—but the charges are pretty darn compressed. On one hand I can’t imagine using the book load for a 125 grain bullet will somehow result in double the pressure for a slightly longer projectile with a bit more compression of the charge, but I guess you never know.

 

[Crosshair]

I mean, it depends on what you're shooting it out of.

A Thompson Encore or Ruger American would eat that no problem with the worst outcome being a blown primer. Something like an SKS I would be more cautious.

 

[CarJunkieLS1]

7.62x39 and 125 grain bullets.....CFE BLK is the only powder you should be using. Nothing else comes close in velocity and accuracy.

 

[NR53]

7.62x39 and 125 grain bullets.....CFE BLK is the only powder you should be using. Nothing else comes close in velocity and accuracy.

Totally agree..CFE BLK is the one to go with.

 

[WaltWhite]

Agree that CFE BLK looks like one to try. 1680 is giving good velocity and accuracy, and is usable in hornet as well so for the time I’m going to stick with that.

The H322 question more revolves around a few loads I did up for testing, wondering whether they’re safe. I’ll shoot one over the chrono when I get a chance and see. The experience I have with this cal suggests I shouldn’t be in any danger. Pressure might be higher than book but should be well within spec for the cal.

 

[Archie]

I shoot H322 under 150 grain bullets. 28 grains runs around 2200 fps but so far I have not got a consistent velocity.
This is from a short bolt action rifle; the action is a double lug type and appears to be a scaled down '98 Mauser built for commercial use and cosmetic appearance. Not sure I'd try this in a gas gun.

 

[Lennyjoe]

RL-7 gives good grouping for me with 125’s out of my 16” AR. Was better than 1680. I don’t have H322 or CFE BLK to try.