Reloading 7.62x39 and 7.62x54r

[KDS]

I am relatively new to shooting and gun collecting and have decided to start reloading. I will be aquiring reloading gear soon and plan to reload several pistol and rifle calibers. I also want to add two guns to my collection for range trips. I want an AK-47 and a Mosin. Generally when I buy a new gun in a caliber I don't own, I order a bunch of ammo in bulk.

So my question is, if you were to start from scratch, would you buy cheap, non-reloadable ammo like wolf or brown bear, or would you spend double the price for ammo that is reloadable. Will it ever be worth it to reload for an AK or Mosin?

Are there any other benefits to reloading 7.62 other than cost? I can't imagine using these rifles for anything other than plinking. I may take the Mosin hog hunting but have other rifles I would probably choose first.

Again, if you had no reloading equipment for 7.62x39 or 7.62x54r, and no ammo in those calibers, would you invest in more expensive rounds and all the reloading gear or just buy cheap, nonreloadable ammo from the beginning?

 

[mcdonl]

Are there any other benefits to reloading 7.62 other than cost? I can't imagine using these rifles for anything other than plinking. I may take the Mosin hog hunting but have other rifles I would probably choose first.

I reload for mine because you can develop a load that is a little more pleasurable to shoot. I also use a lighter projectile that I cast for my SKS too.

As a matter of fact, my first experience with reloading was a Lee Classic Handloader in 7.62x54r

 

[bullseye308]

Again, if you had no reloading equipment for 7.62x39 or 7.62x54r, and no ammo in those calibers, would you invest in more expensive rounds and all the reloading gear

No

just buy cheap, nonreloadable ammo from the beginning?

Yep.

For those two specific calibers I would have to say it's not worth it out of the two rifles you listed. Had you listed a rifle with more accuracy potential, or different calibers, or a purpose other than plinking, I would reccomend to you to invest & reload. But not for those 2 calibers or those 2 rifles for those 2 purposes.

 

[Cosmoline]

It depends on what you mean by "worth it." I really enjoy reloading 54R, and did a lot of experimenting with x39 a few years ago. If you're trying to squeeze maximum accuracy out of nicer Mosin reloading is almost required. But if you just want to cap off surplus, there's no reason to.

 

[Canuck-IL]

if you just want to cap off surplus, there's no reason to

Well, there is the small advantage of not having to wash out the bores after shooting corrosive surplus. If you're starting with a nasty bore as seen on many comm-block weapons, not a big deal. If you've got a really pristine barrel, I'd reload myself.
/Bryan

 

[Afy]

Here in France we can only buy 1000 rounds of manufactured ammo for what is categorised as a Cat 1 or 4 Caliber, which would be the classification for both of these.
I load for the 7.62x39. Typically either a S&B case or a Lapua Case, N-120 powder and 124 grain Privi FMJ. Cheaper than even wolf in these parts.

 

[KDS]

But not all Russian ammo is corrosive, correct? I thought Brown Bear wasn't corrosive. I don't think I want to shoot corrosive ammo.

 

[Afy]

Wolf and S&B of recent manufacture are non corrosive as well. Commie era ammo is generally corrosive.

 

[azar]

KDS,

I have both calibers as well. But I have chosen (so far) not to reload for either. Like you, I don't see myself using these guns beyond plinking. As much fun as it might be to reload for them, I just don't see any real value in it. The one exception would be if I decided to try a really cheap cast load, which still seems unlikely.

For me, the cheapest commercial ammo is what I feed my guns.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

for your AK I'm doubtful you will gain much handloading for since your hunting rifle is gonna be the Mosin - there you may do well to load for it to get max accuracy and best performing slug.
I do load the X39 for my Mini30 but I also hunt hog and whitetail w/it. and load hi-performance defensive ammo for it and nephew's SKS (which I hate to admit shoots as good as my Mini, it's the very early made Chinese that has good machining, fit and finish)

 

[GP100man]

I`ve got the equipment all I had to do was buy brass, case & boolit dies , & mold.

$211 for 2 rifles & I`ll wind up with `bout 150 in the fixins .

Is it worth it , to me it is , fun YES , will I hunt with em ,I plan on it but they won`t be my primary firearms.