Reloading 7.62x39 with Varget

[gacajun]

I know that Varget is not the preferred powder for 7.62x39 but its what I have a lot of.....with powder so hard to find I'd like to try and use what I have on hand.

I finally ran across a few hundred pieces of some brass and have swaged out the primer pockets and am ready to load them with 124gr bullets. Has anyone loaded some 7.62x39 with Varget?

 

[boom boom]

Please check with the wizards at Hodgdon's Powder Co before you do it. Varget might be bit slow or might not for a small case like the 7.62x39 and some powders develop pressure spikes. Did a fast check for Varget and 7.62x39 at loaddata.com and hodgdon's online current load data, no varget. Might be able to do it but might not depending on what you are firing it in--bolt action versus semi-auto.

However, I was surprised to see ole' H 4895 and BL C2 listed on Hodgdon's website for this caliber. BTW, I have had good luck reloading my SKS with H 4198 and Accurate 1680 if you can find these. You might also get someone to trade--Varget is pretty hard to come by these days which I hate because it is my favorite milsurp bolt action powder. Good luck.

 

[Gadawg88]

I have only been loading x39 for about six months, but I did a lot of research before I started. I don't recall Varget being mentioned in any of the information I ran across. I use H4198, but H335 is also good.

 

[rcmodel]

The reason you can find no data is because Varget is too slow burning for the little 7.62x39.

Gas port pressure would likely be too high.
And gun battering from too high bolt carrier velocity would result.

I would advise against it.

rc

 

[gacajun]

Thanks for the replies. I might have a line on some H335....hopefully I can score some.

 

[Mike 56]

Another +1 for 4198. I don't think Varget is not a good idea. Here is a link to Steve's reloading pages. He has tried about every powder you can think of in a lot of cartridges. Reloader 7, H322 or 2400 might work for depending on what bullets you are using. These days i cast Lee 160gr TL bullets. I hand crank them in my SKS with Bullseye and i shoot semi auto using 2400. http://stevespages.com/310_1_150.html