Wanting to reload 7.62x39... few questions...

[JackTheRipper]

I'd like to start loading 7.62x39 (since I have an AK-47 from Red Jacket coming in a few months)...

I really really don't mind taking the long, slow, boring way to reloading.

Here is what I'm thinking:

Lee Breech Lock Hand Press (they now have quick change system with it)
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=665540


and I was curious would it be possible to use collet dies with the hand press?:

http://leeprecision.com/xcart/COLLET-DIES-7.62X39.html

Would I still need lube? What kind of powder would yall recommend for an AK-47? any other opinions or recommendations?

thanks!

Jack

 

[res45]

I wouldn't use a collet sizing die for x39 ammo to be fired in a semi-auto rifle,I FL resize all my x 39 brass I shoot in my SKS rifle and I'm up to seven reloading on some of my Win. & Lapua brass.

Powder wise I like Reloader #7 in the X39 mainly because I can use with all bullet weights form 123 to 187 gr. jacketed bullets as well as cast bullet load in my SKS rifles. AA1680 & IMR or H-4198 are also good powders in the X39 cartridge,they tend to give you the best bang for the buck charge weight vs. velocity wise goes.

 

[Walkalong]

Yep, full length size your 7.62X39.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

IMO you should get a bench-mounted press. handloading gets addicting, next thing you'll be loading pistol rounds.
don't forget a powder scale and suitable dippers (which can be adjusted to lower charge weights by inserting punched out cardboard or stiff brown ledger backing punch outs). you can make your own by soldering a wire handle onto cartridge cases. for the X39 cartridge an inside neck brush is required IMO, to clean the neck inside of soot and such. a primer pocket brush is handy also.

 

[Afy]

I use 123 grain bullets and 27 grains of VV N120.

 

[tkcomer]

When it comes to loading the 7.62x39, the first problem is brass. Ya gotta find a source for that first. And that brass ain't cheap. Most common ammo is steel cased and Berdan primed. If all you're doing is blasting out of the AK, I don't recommend reloading for it. That said, I do load for an AR type gun for precision. I use AA1680 powder and 123gr Hornady V-Max bullets. I can make loads a lot better than the Winchester white box ammo, but have a hard time doing better than some East German mil-surp ammo I picked up years ago. That was some good stuff.

 

[steve4102]

I agree with Marlin, get a bench mounted press and forget that Thigh-Master thingy.

The Lee Collet die is a great "neck" sizing die, but it is NOT what you want for a semi-auto. These guns require Full Length sizing each and every time. That requires lube.

Lots of good powders for the x39, I would start with the powder designed for the x39-- AA 1680.

Here is a good article on handloading for semi-autos. This is just an article and is not a substitution for a good manual or three. You do have manuals, yes?
http://www.exteriorballistics.com/reloadbasics/gasgunreload.cfm