Reloading 7.62 x 39

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Joe732

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7.62x39

Want to reload some of these what size bullet is needed and what
if any style would be the best,
All input would be helpful.
 
I use 150 grain 308 bullets they work good, I would not hunt with them but there are good for plinking. They are 309 diameter and 7.62x39 is 310 so there are very close. Hope that helps
 
Would like to reload some 7.62 x 39 what size cal. bullet would I use also
any input on size and make bullet and powder to use would really help.
 
What gun are they for ?
What is your bore size ?
Bullets for 7.62 x 39 may be 308. 310, 311 & 312 ??
Lots of questions -- need lots of answers.
Do you own a reloading book??? Have you read it ????
What type of bullet are you going to use--- what will the gun be used for ???
What bullet weight will you use ?
What powder will you use ??
Please advise
 
Knowing your type rifle might help, too. My Rossi doesn't like heavier bullets.

Also, bullets may be .311 or .308, or somewhere in-between.
 
Yes, rifle type is needed. Berry's makes a great 125 grain plated .311 for 7.62x39mm that works at jacketed bullet load levels in my CZ527M bolt action carbine, but shreds in the military rifling in my vz-58. Works fine in a buddies SKS carbine, too. Cheap and well made.
Oddly enough it also did very well with light loads in a Mosin Nagant, but that's another story. :)
For the vz-58 semi-auto, the bullet of choice is the Hornaday 125 grain soft point.
Powder, Accurate Arms # 1680, good stuff.
 
Sounds to me like someone needs a manual or three.

That's the type of info found in each of the 6 manuals I have on hand.

Please stay safe!
 
Berry's makes a great .311 125 grain plated bullet, not too expensive. Excellent in my CZ527M, good in a buddies SKS, but the sharp rifling in my vz-58 shreds the plating, darn it.
 
I just went through this whole thing.

Had an AK variant, realized reloading for it was not in my best interests as finding reloadable x39 brass is pretty tough, along with collecting spent cases thrown 15' in all directions. I've since sold the AK but kept my CZ 527, and still occasionally fire some of my Lee 155gr cast bullets through it, sized to 311.

So basically, if you have an AK, don't bother reloading...just get some Wolf and call it a day.
 
I just went through this whole thing.

Had an AK variant, realized reloading for it was not in my best interests as finding reloadable x39 brass is pretty tough, along with collecting spent cases thrown 15' in all directions. I've since sold the AK but kept my CZ 527, and still occasionally fire some of my Lee 155gr cast bullets through it, sized to 311.

So basically, if you have an AK, don't bother reloading...just get some Wolf and call it a day.
+1. AK's mutilate the cases, and usually send it forwards at a 45-degree angle, ahead of the firing line. As cheap as Wolf and Tula 7.62x39 ammo is, it's neither worth it to reload nor shoot corrosive. You WILL more than burn the difference in cleaning supplies when shooting corrosive.
 
I didn't mention cast, have the Lee mold and the incredible NOE 129 grain cast mold.

When the big ammo scare was going on, I was the only guy shooting a semi auto 7.62x39mm rifle at the range, nobody else had ammo to burn, hoarding it or trying to find some. :)
I did find a good reason to reload - accuracy in my bolt action 527M was increased. Wolf and other cheap ammo perform far worse.
Accuracy in the vz-58 improved as well, but not as markedly.
I also consider reloading a fun and productive hobby, not just a way of saving money...though that IS an excellent side benefit. ;)
 
Depends on the rifle.
AR=.310
Pre 1994 Ruger Mini-30=.308
Post 1994 Ruger Mini-30=.310
CZ Carbine=.310-.311
AK-SKS=don't bother
 
Please be aware that multiple threads on the same topic are not allowed. Threads merged.

John
 
Right now I'm using the .310, 123gr, Hornady V-Max with AA 1680 powder in my AR style rifle with a .310 barrel. Can't seem to get a consistant group under 3 inches at 100 yards with 20 shot groups. I “hear” the accuracy bullets for this caliber is the .311, 125gr soft points from Hornady or Sierra, but haven't had a chance to try them. I guess not enough of us reload for the caliber to justify a “match” grade bullet.
 
In the SKS mine anyways the bores slugged .312 dia. Most accurate loads 1/2" groups at 50 yds. were with the 123 gr. .310 Hornady bullets FMJ,SP & V-MAX, the .311's shoot more accurately under 1" at 50 yds. than any Russian ammo I've tried out but not as good as the .310's

308 dia. bullet were a waste of time in my rifles worse than steel case ammo and better suited for standard 30 cal. rifle bores with .308 to .310 grooves. The Lee .312 155 and 160 gr. cast bullets sized and gas checked at .314 do just as well as the .310's Jacketed bullets and are cheaper to produce than steel case ammo.

AA-1680 is a favorite powder in the X39 cartridge but nobody carries it around here but I've gotten equally good results with Reloader #7 with bullet weights for 123 to 187 gr. jacketed and 170 gr. cast loads,my preferred powder for cast loads is Alliant 2400 12.5 grs. drops the brass right at my feet. and 14.5 grs. will throw the brass about as far as steel case Russian.
 
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