Reloading question. 7.62 X 25 TOK

[Partizanai]

I am a great admirer of the 7.62 X 25 TOK round. I presently purchase
my ammo (S&B or PPU) online (and whenever possible on sale...) I am
now considering the option of reloading my own (from my own brass)
I was wondering what the "set-up/start-up" costs might be for me to do
this?
Thanks-
P

 

[mstreddy]

Welcome Partizanai,

The question of setup costs is applicable to reloading as a whole, not just for the 7.62x25 Tok. In general you can get set up for reloading for around $300-400 for the press, dies, scale, powder measure, some assorted tools and a manual. Once you are set up for one cartridge, it is easy to add another, and another...

I suggest you read some of the stickies in the reloading section that address the question of starting out, equipment, suggestions, etc.

Have you been saving your PPU or S&B brass after you fire it? You will need it. Brass is generally the most expensive component, followed by bullets. If you reuse your factory brass, you save some money. Keep in mind that most, if not all, of the 7.62x25 surplus out there is Berdan primed and thus not reloadable for all intents and purposes.

There are a couple of threads here in the reloading section on loading for the Tok, search for them. They have some helpful info.

And, feel free to ask any questions you may have about reloading. The folks here have a wealth of knowledge - freely shared.

 

[Old Scratch]

Great choice for a hand loading caliber. In a Tokarev it has enormous potential for power increase. I have gotten to a chronographed 1680 fps/85 gr bullets using rifle primers. Have seen other data claimed that was faster, but remain skeptical. The caliber and TT pistol are amazing together.

 

[TdocZ]

I've loaded hotter rounds but I've found that 85-90gr bullets seem to be more accurate in the 1400fps range, at least in my pistols. Also, you'll want to invest in a Lee Factory Crimp die.

 

[zb338]

Take one of your cases and get a little pick or a scribe and see
if you can pull the primer out from outside. If it has a nice hole
in the center of the primer pocket you are in. If the brass has
two little holes in the primer pocket you might as well throw
the brass away it's Berdan primed.
Zeke

 

[Dudedog]

I would suggest the Lee Classic turret press. You can get the kit for around $200 at various places. (you may prefer to just get the press and get the other bits from different companies)
http://www.midwayusa.com/turret-reloading-presses-and-kits/br?cid=8605
The Lee scale works but is not well liked.
I have a Frankford DS750 Digital (as well as a GEM20 and RCBS 5-0-5). I use the DS750 most of the time. About $30.
You will also need dies
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/228904/lee-steel-3-die-set-762x25mm-tokarev
and a bullet puller.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/685703/rcbs-powr-pull-impact-bullet-puller-kit?cm_vc=ProductFinding
The hammer type work fine.
And a few other odds and ends But you should be able to get everything you need for $400 or less.

With the Lee turret it is easy to load 150-200 rnds an hour.
You can disable the auto advance and use it like a single stage press while learning.

I feel Lee makes good equipment for a good price. Not everything they make is well liked but the Classic turret seems to get positive reviews.

Presses are like cars, everybody has their favorite , but they will all get you to where you are going.

 

[Old Scratch]

I agree that the Lee factory crimp die is worth the money. I wouldn't have experimented with high end loads without it. If you want results, don't be reluctant to spend some money.

This caliber is so overlooked in the US it just never ceases to amaze me. Commentary that it is somehow the "equivalent" of the 9x19 really misses the boat. It has effectively almost twice the powder capacity. One can use that to great advantage.

Make no mistake, I am a big fan of the 9x19...its a great and efficient cartridge. But there's a reason foreign military organizations are developing new weapons for 7.62x25.