Safety and working up new Tokarev loads

[the_can]

I'm gearing up to start reloading 7.62 Tokarev. I like Power Pistol for my 9mm and 38 special loads. It's cheap, consistent, and has a high energy density. I think it might be suitable for Tokarev, but there's very little information about using it in this load. There's a rumor about a safe 9.1gr, 90gr, 1800fps load. I'm only looking for ~1600FPS. Another person reported 1620FPS with 8.5gr. Then someone suggested that the Hornady XTPHP for that load might not like being pushed faster than 1400FPS. How do I find this information about max v? It's not in my Hornady manual.

The only other worthwhile mention I can find is this https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showpost.php?p=16839940&postcount=4

(TL;RD) So essentially I'd like to know if there is a safe way to work up a load using a powder that's not listed in any manuals.

 

[LiveLife]

I'm gearing up to start reloading 7.62 Tokarev ... Power Pistol ... I think it might be suitable for Tokarev

... rumor about a safe 9.1 gr, 90 gr, 1800 fps load.

NOTE: Loads listed in the link state "Quickload predictions" and are not actual published load data.

I'd like to know if there is a safe way to work up a load using a powder that's not listed in any manuals.

Short answer no.

I recommend you stick to published load data using listed powders and bullet weights.

 

[fxvr5]

Sierra has load data for the Tokarev with Power Pistol.

85 grain RN, OAL = 1.350,

Start charge 6.1 grains power pistol. 1250 fps
Max charge 7.9 grains power pistol. 1550 fps

Their test gun was a CZ52

They say that in guns like the original Tokarev pistols ( i.e. TT33 and clones) that the start charge should be considered the maximum load.

 

[LiveLife]

fxvr5, thanks for the post.

 

[wally]

They say that in guns like the original Tokarev pistols ( i.e. TT33 and clones) that the start charge should be considered the maximum load.

I'm wondering what is the basis for this statement.

A member who used to post here, Clark, who's hobby seemed to be overloading and eventually blowing up guns has claimed that the CZ52 is "weaker" than the TT33.

 

[Cump]

And his evidence has been pretty convincing.

 

[fxvr5]

As I understand it, Sierra is addressing a different issue.

Sierra is not addressing the strength of barrels and how much pressure they can withstand before they fail. Instead, Sierra is addressing the strength of the "locking systems", and they claim the Tokarev pistols have a less robust locking system than the CZ Vz52 pistols. Any further questions can be addressed to Sierra.

 

[the_can]

I'm interested in loading for my PPS43. So there's no locking mechanism, and the extra barrel length will make reaching 1600fps easier. The sierra load posted by fxvr5 will probably do it for me, as long as their projectile can handle the velocity. I'm not sure if that's a true concern with the Hornady load, and I can't really comment either way.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I had decent accuracy with H110 and 90xtp.
I also tried Missouri bullet company #1 carbine bullet with bluedot. I loaded down until it didn't cycle then stepped it up 1 gr. Accuracy was better than with factory ammo and I didn't notice any leading.
Good luck finding your empties if you use H110.