Reloading 7.62x54r

[Jeeping]

I'm looking to start reloading for my mosins using jacketed bullets. I have been shooting cast through them sense the day I bought'em, but now want to try get the most power and accuracy. One thing holding me back is the bore size of the rifle. It slugs at .3115 and I'm a bit confused as to what size bullets to buy for it. Looks like the choice of 30cal is plentiful, from .308 up to .312, so if I get .312 would they be safe in my rifle?

 

[kingcheese]

Not sure, i use 308 for convince, where do you get your brass?

 

[Jeeping]

I think I got from midsouth shooters supply.

 

[mookiie]

.310 size bullets or their about is what should be used. make sure your expander in your dies is not 308.

 

[WardenWolf]

The "proper" 7.62x54R bullet is typically .311 to .312. However, many people who reload for the Mosin use .308-diameter bullets with no reduction in accuracy. Use whichever you want. It doesn't matter unless your Mosin has a well-worn bore.

 

[rcmodel]

.311" or .312" would very likely give best accuracy.
Hornady makes .312" 150 grain SP and 174 RN specifically recommended for the 7.62x54R Russian rifles.

No, .312" bullets will not present a pressure problem in your rifle.

rc

 

[elwoodm]

174gr sierra hpbt .311 with varget seems to be my most accurate combo col 2.975. that shoots great out of both my 91/30s and the svt 40. make sure you get all the lead cleaned out from those cast loads first. you should love the thump of that load when you get it up to 2600 fps or more.

 

[pandc]

My Mosin Recipe

This is my recipe

303 Cal .311 Speer Hot-Cor 150 gr HCSP
Large Rifle Primer
Hogdon Varget Powder (47.0 grains) standard load

 

[blue32]

Always used a Speer 180gr. (.311) SP over 43.2gr. of Varget. My 91/30 slugged at .310. Given your bore diameter, I would say .311 all day and .312 with moderate loads. Woodleigh makes some great game stoppers in .312. I think my RCBS expander came with a .308 on the side and had a .310 expander installed.

 

[Jeeping]

Yeap I'm using RCBS dies because they size neck to .310, I'm on 11th firing with this brass and no sings of wear yet, good stuff!
I'll give .311 and varget a try. The cast bullets are fun, but nothing like a 180gr pill at 2700fps smacking a steel plate at 500 yards, sssss...WACK! Love it.
Thanks for all the info guys.

 

[Clark]

I have been shooting Sierra Pro-Hunter Bullets (311 Diameter) 180 Grain Spitzer for 10 years with Lapua 7.62x54R brass and 4895 powder.

I get 2800 - 2875 fps over the chrono wth the long barreled 91/30s.
Obviously a lot less with M44s and 91/59s with short barrels.

I have tried other bullets, but the Sierra part number 2310 is the best for groups at 100 yards.

I guess I am waiting for the right boat tail bullet to come along.

 

[d'Artagnan]

I'd like to hear more about you shooting cast bullets out of your Mosin-Nagant. My 1917 Remington-made 1891 came with a coffee can of cast/sized/lubed/gas checked bullets that I'm uncomfortable with using, but would like to.

 

[Jeeping]

I'd like to hear more about you shooting cast bullets out of your Mosin-Nagant. My 1917 Remington-made 1891 came with a coffee can of cast/sized/lubed/gas checked bullets that I'm uncomfortable with using, but would like to.

Slug the barrel, make sure the bullets are .001 or preferably .002 over the bore diameter and you are good to go. As long as you dont expect jacketed performance and keep'em under 2000 fps you'll be golden.

Check this out, here is video of mosing shooting cast at 300 yards.

http://youtu.be/rE3MpxY0pg8

 

[hang fire]

Most Russian and comblock milsurp ammo runs .311" or +. The Finn M39 was bored 310" to accommodate captured Russian ammo.

 

[stytos]

Always used a Speer 180gr. (.311) SP over 43.2gr. of Varget. My 91/30 slugged at .310. Given your bore diameter, I would say .311 all day and .312 with moderate loads. Woodleigh makes some great game stoppers in .312. I think my RCBS expander came with a .308 on the side and had a .310 expander installed.

I'm COMPLETELY new to reloading (have most of the equipment, have yet to use it), and want to get everything clear in my head. You're saying that your bore is .310, but that you use .311? I've read that for cast bullets, but want to verify it for regular bullets before I use them.

I'm getting a new barrel (McGowen Barrels) for my Mosin and it will have a .310 bore diameter. Given that size, I knew that I could reload after I verified what bullet size to use. Also, I've been looking for a few days for the bullet size of milsurp ammo and can't find it. Do you know what that is/if it's safe to shoot through my new barrel?

Thanks in advance.

-Edit-

Thanks hang fire for answering that last question.

 

[ssyoumans]

Well, with the 310 bore you can run anything. .308" bullets should run pretty good. I get decent results using 150gr .308" bullets out of my .312" M38 as long as they are NOT boat tailed. Flat base grouped much tighter than boat tailed when running in an oversized bore in my rifle.

You can run the .310" bullets, but selection is mainly in the 123-125gr range with a few heavier ones.

You can run .311" bullets at full strength as well. Pretty decent selection here.

.312" will work as well, but I see no reason to use them, if you do, just work up your load like any other reloading session. They will squeeze down without issue, I wish I could recall where I read a study about using oversized bullets, and the impact on pressure. It was an interesting read.

Me, I would start with 150gr Speer Hot Core SP, flat base, #2023 or any other quality flat base bullets. I like Varget or H4895 in my Mosins. I've run mine from mild to max, replicating military loads.

Then try the Speer or Sierra 150gr .311 offerings. See which gives you best accuracy. Have fun!

Note, .312 bullets ran 50-80fps faster than .308 bullets out of my M38.

 

[NCsmitty]

It's best to maintain near bore size for best results, but anything .311 and .312 will easily swage to bore size when using lead core jacketed bullets. Historically, the D166 Lapua bullets have been the choice of competitors for decades when shooting the 7.62x54R. Expensive but having Lapua quality, it's unique design has won a ton of competitions.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/72...-grain-full-metal-jacket-boat-tail-box-of-100


NCsmitty

 

[Wylie1]

Sierra #2315

 

[4895]

Just shot some Sierra 150 grain .311" Pro-Hunter bullets today. Very promising results at 100 yards with that flat-base bullet and H380. I set the OAL to book spec 2.900" and worked up loads according to Sierra manual. I am using the LEE dies with .311 expander installed. I also have a box of Hornady .312" bullets to try as well. I wouldn't sweat using .311" and/or .312" bullets. If you start low and watch for pressure signs you'll be fine. Don't sweat it. I have shot some old surplus ammo that split the necks and kicked like a mule. The M-N action is very strong and capable of higher pressure.

 

[stytos]

Thank you all! I have this overwhelming urge to start high; but since this will be a "fun build," I think it best to go with the wisdom of all.

 

[4895]

Shot some 150 grain Hornady .312" bullets with acceptable accuracy with H380. I was shooting consistent 2" groups at 1oo yards with the occasional flier. I will experiment with other powders given the chance.