Ultimate 7.62x54R Mega Slug

[Cosmoline]

I've just about wrapped up testing on this load, which started out years ago as an attempted recreation of the original 1890's 54R loading. Results have been good to excellent with both Finnish and Soviet rifles, I think owing to the unique shape of the Woodleigh which tapers from a .312" base to a shoulder about .280". The result is the base is gripping the rifling, but most of the bullet is not. In some ways this is similar to the D166 bullet.

Obviously this is exact load is not in any manual, but the charge data comes from Sierra's load data in the 54R loadbook for 220 RN, which is close in shape to the Woodleigh but with a base of .308" instead of .312" Max for that is 49.5 of IMR 4350, but I would not exceed my load below. There's no real room left anyway.

Here are the specs:

Case: Lapua or Norma. Lapuas are technically 7.62x53R, but there is no difference in function. To ease loading, bell the case mouth very slightly with a pulled spitzer.

Primers: CCI No. 34 military (if you can get them, if not standard LR)

Bullet: Woodleigh 303, 215 grain, weldcore RN SN (SD .316, BC .359)

Powder: IMR 4350

Charge: 48 grains

OAL: 2.9" (check ogive fit with throat with tester prior to finalizing)

FPS: @ 2350 (cruddy chrony, YRMV)
100 yard est: 2072
200 yard est: 1858

Factory recommended impact velocity: 1800-2200 fps

Point of impact varies between Mosin models. With my M39 the impact is about 3" high at 50 yards.

 

[sonier]

I now know what im going to load up soon, i have a mosin that is begging me too load her some special loads, all i got to do is just order a shellholder for it and im in buisness, i got some 220s left over from my 30/06, i think the shop has some 220 .311 bullets, but regardless what a monster, it should pack a . thanks for the data

 

[Vacek]

Cosmoline,

I purchased some Woodleighs about 1.5 years ago for my .303 Brit. I also plan to use IMR4350. I was planning on starting at much lower grains of powder since it is typically a weaker action.

 

[Cosmoline]

Try this thread for info on the .303 British use:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=349501

Charges are a notch lower than for the 54R, which makes sense.

 

[PTK]

My M39 LOVES those, along with the 174gr BTSP. Pricey, but....