x54r handload w/ imr4320 and 180gr .311 sierra prohunters

[_N4Z_]

Think I may have posted this before, but if not here ya go.
Nice sunny day here so I did a photo op.

1942 Finnish Mosin M39b built on a 1897 Izzy receiver and bolt.
180gr Sierra ProHunters (.303Brit .311dia)
46gr IMR 4320
PRVI brass
CCI LR
COL 2.975" +or- .003
Shot off a sandbag, irons, 100 yards.
9 of 10 shots @ 2-3/16ths center to center. Odd hole out was the very first shot.

Somebody gave me this recipie claiming it to be Sierra's accuracy load. It did pretty well, but I have since discovered this claim may not be correct. Sierra's current manual only shows loads for .308 rounds, and in the 180gr range the accuracy load lists at 53.5gr of IMR 4350.
Here are some pics.

 

[NCsmitty]

That is a fine looking rifle _N4Z_, and obviously has a lot of potential.

I researched some loads and H-4350 appears to give the best balance of velocity with the heavier bullets like you're using. From a min. load of 51gr @ 2493fps to a Max of 55gr with a compressed load @ 2692fps, somewhere in there you could find a great load that will surpass the good group that you have already have.
IMR4350 will work, but does not seem to produce as high in the velocity range that H4350 does, but it's a small difference.


Here's a link to the Realguns site with some load data. You may know about it already.

http://www.realguns.com/loads/762x54r.htm

My previous info may prove to be a stretch after reviewing the Realguns site.

I look forward to more range reports from you.

NCsmitty

 

[WardenWolf]

You realize it should be x53R, not 54, and the bullet diameters actually differ, right? The 7.62x53R uses .308 bullets, not .311. Consistently using .311 bullets will destroy your barrel over time.

 

[_N4Z_]

NCsmitty - Thanks and yes I've been to realguns. There are several loads there I look forward to emperimenting with. This is of course a work in progress searching for the ultimate load!

Mike the Wolf - No worries, all my surplus rifles get slugged so I am well informed as to what diet they require. Finnish rifles were made for both .308 and .311. I think you will find that most later models, to include M39's, are designed for the larger diameter. The Finns during the Winter and Continuation Wars realized the benefit of being able to use captured Soviet ammo, and adapted their rifles accordingly. Such SA rifles will typically sport a "D" stamp somewhere on the reciever.