Time to start loading 7.62x39

[ballman6711]

Well I guess it's time to start down a new rabbit hole, or maybe I should say path, lol!

My brass showed up this morning, and since that was the last thing I needed to get started loading for this rifle, I'll have to come up with some test rounds and see what it likes. Shout out and thanks to Starline for the brass, it was on backorder and showed up in about a week after ordering.

I started by throwing 100 pieces in the vibratory tumbler for about two hours, and my next step is to set up my dies and size all of them, then I'll set the trimmer up and trim any that need it (none of them should), and finally chamfer/deburr all of them. I probably didn't need to tumble them, but that's the way I do things and its worked for me so far.

Bullets are 123gr fmj's, .310 diameter
Primers are CCI #34's
Powders on hand are Acc 2200, CFE BLK, Ramshot Tac, and X-Terminator
Rifle is an old Colt AR

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

chris

 

[NR53]

For the 123 grain, CFE BLK will probably be best. If you go to 150 grain, then AA2200 might work better. I assume that's Starline new brass. Just remember that after it's fired once the interior volume will be more, so you might have to work up loads again. Good luck

 

[ballman6711]

Just remember that after it's fired once the interior volume will be more, so you might have to work up loads again.

I hadn't thought of that, but it makes sense since the case will blow out to fit the chamber. Maybe I'll make a bunch of low/midrange loads for the first firing, and do a ladder test on the second firing.

Thanks for the tip!

chris

 

[TEXASJD]

CFE black worked well in a colt AR in 7.62 x39 I did loads for with 120-125s

 

[joneb]

I've used Accurate 1680 and H-4198 in 7.62x39 for 123gr bullets with very good results. I've been wanting to try CFE BLK as it gets high praise for this cartridge.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

CFE BLK is my fave for 7.62x39. My AR's bore slugged at .306. So i load .308 for it. Now if it's new starline brass. Load a few for now. My new brass needed to be annealed from them. I was getting bad soot from it not expanding enough.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

Another tip for PPU brass. Tumble it 1st. I had issues with new brass from them. Letting brass deposits in the sizing die. And have the necks makings like a 12 point socket was pressed over it. It also would build up on the ex-pander button. Range brass never had an issue.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

Oh and skip the TAC. Burns terrible. I learned the hard way. I tried it in my bolt action before my AR stopped there.

 

[Beck]

I reference loading data from Bill Wilson's 300 HAM'r cartridge. It makes 7.62x39 what it should have been. 2500 fps with 123 gr to 130 gr bullets is easy with CFE BLK. I use Accurate 2200 for 150 gr bullets.

You've got great brass, and good primers, which are on the hot side. Starline brass is mostly what I use, but I have a lot of other brands including IMI and PPU.

I also use Accurate 1680. That's my second choice after Hodgdon CFE BLK for hot loads.

I load three different .310 and .311 bullets, but I mostly use a variety of .308 bullets. They all work just fine in my Ruger Mini-30 and my CZ 527 American bolt gun.

EDIT: Almost forgot to mention I use mostly Lee reloading equipment, and the Lee Factory Crimp Die is the bee's knees whether your bullets have a cannelure or not.

 

[tjmga]

Well I guess it's time to start down a new rabbit hole, or maybe I should say path, lol!

My brass showed up this morning, and since that was the last thing I needed to get started loading for this rifle, I'll have to come up with some test rounds and see what it likes. Shout out and thanks to Starline for the brass, it was on backorder and showed up in about a week after ordering.

I started by throwing 100 pieces in the vibratory tumbler for about two hours, and my next step is to set up my dies and size all of them, then I'll set the trimmer up and trim any that need it (none of them should), and finally chamfer/deburr all of them. I probably didn't need to tumble them, but that's the way I do things and its worked for me so far.

Bullets are 123gr fmj's, .310 diameter
Primers are CCI #34's
Powders on hand are Acc 2200, CFE BLK, Ramshot Tac, and X-Terminator
Rifle is an old Colt AR

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

chris

I like CFE BLK for my 7.62x39 reloads. I use the CCI 34 primers, Sierra 125 SP bullets (.311" dia). My loads are near Max. The rife is a Yugo SKS, without grenade launcher.

 

[gunmechanic]

CFE BLK is the way to go for 762x39 my ar barrel is .306 so i use .308 bullets . I use a lee crimp die for also i think it helps.

 

[thump_rrr]

IMR 4198 was my go to with 123gr Hornady .310 bullets.

 

[Akula69]

1680 is my choice with 123 FMJ. Messed around with CFE BLK for my SST Hornady rounds for a bit, then went right back to 1680.

 

[Beck]

CFE BLK is the way to go for 762x39 my ar barrel is .306 so i use .308 bullets . I use a lee crimp die for also i think it helps.

That's a tight barrel! The SAAMI spec for .308 Win bullets is .306 to .309. And the SAAMI spec for 7.62x39 bullets is .309 to .311. .308 barrels are fairly common in the states, but this is the first time I've heard of a .306 grooves. I've heard of match shooters with .308 Win rifles using custom .307 barrels. All bets are off when referencing common load data. Be careful. Work up slowly and watch for pressure signs.

 

[ballman6711]

Well I made forty rounds to try in a ladder test, five at each powder charge.

I'll post my results if I ever get to the range. Crossing my fingers that may happen this weekend.

chris

 

[joneb]

My AR's bore slugged at .306. So i load .308 for it.

How many rifling 5 or 6?

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I don't know. To be honest.