range report_M39_7.62x54r

[_N4Z_]

Have recently tested various powder wieghts with this set up. To date here are the best results.

Rifle-
1942 M39 Belgian B barrel, unissued, new bore.

Load-
180gr Sierra SP (.303cal (.311)), 48.5gr AA4350, PRVI once fired brass, CCI200 large rifle primers. COAL= 3.015

Best results-
3 shot group @ 100 yards printing 1-1/8"
3 shot group @ 100 yards printing 13/16" (this morning)

 

[308sc]

nice!

 

[NuJudge]

I'm curious why you chose that bullet and that powder

For the last 5 years I've been shooting 7.5x55mm Swiss K31 and 1911 rifles in Vintage Military 200 yard matches, with excellent results. During 7.5x55 load development, I tried all sorts of bullets, starting with Sierra and Hornady match bullets, but what eventually proved most accurate for me was Remington 165gr bulk softpoints.

I'm about to try a bunch of different .310" to .311" bullets in the 7.62x54R, especially the Sierra Match Kings. I also have a new M39.

The powder recommendations in the older Lyman manuals is wholly for 4350, but on the internet it is more for 4895 and 4064/Varget.

Your reasons for picking your combination of bullet, powder and primer would be very useful.

 

[_N4Z_]

It's a variation of a load posted by 1stShot, over on http://www.surplusrifleforum.com

He claims very good results with this set up, but uses 50gr of AA4350. My rifle does better in the 48gr range. The recipe can be used with either the 180gr ProHunter, or the 174gr MatchKing. I bought the ProHunters because they were cheaper, and I had several other things on my shopping list that day.

Also, my range is limited to 300 yards, with my dabbling happening at 100. Not much benefit employing the boat tail at such ranges. The flatbase softpoint seems to be working well.


This is my first effort at reloading rifle rounds. I have been contemplating other powders, bullets, etc... But with recent results it seems that I may be hard pressed to do better.
....but then again

...

 

[Clark]

I hunt with a guy that has been shooting 91/30s for 40 years.
I have only been shooting them for 10 years.
He likes the Sierra 180 gr bullet.

I am having problems with that bullet in my M39.
All the 91/30s I have are ok with it, but my one M39 has a tight chamber and throat.