Reloading for a 7.62x51

[caleb]

Hello all, I recently shot my STG 58 that was built by a gent from another board about 4 years ago. Yes it was in the safe for that long unfired. I scoped it for fun and went to the range with some Nato ammo. Well after sighting in, this gun shot four three shot 100 yards groups under 2 inches and one sub 1 inch. I was shocked. Does anyone reload for this caliber and if so what brass can be used and what loads and bullet weight works best. I would really like to see what this gun could do with more premium hand made ammo. Thanks gents

 

[10X]

The best accuracy loads I found were 168 gr Sierra BTHP (Boat Tail Hollow Point) match bullets with 41.4 grains of IMR 4064. I used military and military match brass and Winchester primers.

 

[NuJudge]

I've used a variety of 165 to 168gr bullets, with 41.5gr IMR 4895 in a Lake City case, with a Winchester primer.

I've mostly shot Remington softpoints, and get around 5" groups at 200 yards.

This is the same load I use in M1A's and M1's, but I typically use SMK's or Nosler Match bullets with them..

CDD

 

[762 shooter]

OP,

Were you shocked good or shocked bad?

 

[caleb]

I was shocked for the good. I would not have thought a battle rifle with military brass would do that good, except for maybe a K-31 with GP 100. Thanks for the info gents.

 

[RavenVT100]

I am favoring IMR 4895 for 168 grain bullets in this cartridge. So far I've been using Winchester Large Rifle primers. You have a few different choices of powder with this cartridge. I've also been trying the Hornady A-Max.

I do have a favorite charge weight but it's up to you to develop your own--work up from published starting loads.

 

[Mainiac]

W/W or Federal brass, Hornady 168 gr. A-MAX, Hodgdon Varget. Love that Varget in .30 cal rifles.