Stocking up--loads that work in everything.

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Deus Machina

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So, in tonight's cleaning, I found that I have ammo cans that aren't full, and that just won't do.

So, for replenishing while shooting or just hoarding, I'm going to have to fill those!

I'll need to have a can each of .22LR (irrelevant here), .38 Special, 9mm, 7.62x39, and 7.62x54r (willing to just buy a can).

The handguns are getting cast bullets, 158gr LSWC's in the .38 and 125gr LRN in the 9mm, both with LLA.

My current loads (untested as yet) are 2.9gr Clays and 3.0gr Red Dot in the .38, and 3.1 and 4.3, respectively, in the 9mm. I'm willing to buy a different powder for the stocking up.

I don't need +P pressures, but I'd prefer proper 'full power' loads--standard stuff, around the same you'd get from off-the-shelf FMJ.

The rifle rounds will be jacketed or plated, whatever works well on the cheap, but I'm unsure of the bullets themselves or powders.

The rifles are an M44 and a Saiga, but may branch from there. I do want a powder charge that will cycle anything I put these in.

I'll also want compact trays, like S&B--they take up half the space of Remington's--but that's neither here nor there.

And, yes, I've done some research, but I've yet to load any of the 7.62's, and most of what I find is either "this works best for my gun, not well in others" or "Meh. It's cheap, but it mostly works."
 
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I use that Red Dot load for my 9mm cast slugs but they are TC not RN's. you won't be disapointed I think. I do have some rounds 'set back' as you say, but just as important have some reload supplys 'set back' if needed.
for the X39 (I load for) several here load for, some for SK's and some (in my case) for the Mini30. several bullet choices in .310 but unfortunately all are 123 gr slugs, I have had limited success with some .308 dia slugs in my M30. again unfortunately powder choice is limited as both the SKS(& AK) and M30 require a fairly fast powder. I've had good luck with 322 when useing the .308 150gr slugs (the ones I could get to group well) in my .310 bore M30 and 1680 for the 123 and 125 gr slugs. I consider the 123 gr SP slugs marginal for any but small whitetails or does unless shots are w/in 75 yds.
good luck with the X54 and .38 loads some loader will likely weigh in.
and yes I have an ammo can full of .22LR and 20 ga #6 for small game and such 'set back'.
 
This past summers primer/powder shortage put my reloading in a bind.....working on getting an ammo box filled with each size of primer to prevent it from happening again.
 
Try Bullseye for the pistols. I use Bullseye in 9mm, 38, & 357 all with cast bullets. One pound goes a long way. :) No help with the rifles, but the x54 is too cheap right now to load . You could always buy some, pull the bullets, and replace them with a better bullet for hunting purposes.
 
If you are looking to reload in bulk on the cheap, you should buy an 8lb jug of promo from powder valley. It's basically just red dot without the red flakes. The density is a little different, but the burn rate is identical. Just make sure to load by weight, not volume, and you will get the same performance as red dot for about 65% of the cost. If you make a big order of primers and a couple different powders, the hazmat and shipping become nothing compared to the retail markup you would pay.

I use that same 3.0 gr load in .38spl with promo. Shoots very nicely with .358 lswc & LLA lube. Burns relatively clean, and cheap as all hell. I shoot .38spl for about $2.50 a box. With red dot bought at retail, it'd be more like $3.00 or $3.50.
 
Well, then. I'll have to check that my guns like Red Dot, and then grab myself some Promo. :D

I load by volume (Lee Perfect powder measure), but I do check in my scale. I've noticed the powder measure seems to load about .1 or .2gr lower than the book notes for that volume.
 
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