Your best 7.62x54r handloads

[_N4Z_]

I have just recently started reloading for the x54r caliber.

Early results are only so-so. Best to date was a 2" group @ 100 yards using Sierra 180grSP, 48gr of AA4350, CCI 200LR primer, and PRVI once fired brass.

I've had several groups in the 2 thru 3" range, but none sub. The above group has two holes touching.

What I've tried so far. Only AA4350, 46gr, 47gr, 48gr, 49gr. Rifle is a 1942 Finn M39 B-barrel, unissued.


So... Anybody here got success stories they can add?

 

[fireflyfather]

You're complaining about 2moa out of a milsurp? Even out of a Finn, that's nothing to be upset about. I only load cast bullet gallery loads out of my Mosin, but I'd be very happy with 2moa.

 

[_N4Z_]

No.... I am asking for what has worked well for others.

Finn rifles were supposed to be 1.5moa @ 100m before being accepted into line unit service. I am just trying to duplicate that. Thanks.

 

[dmftoy1]

That's some pretty good shooting for 7.62 x 54R . . better than I can hold/see at 100 yards. I've had some 1 inch groups at 50 yards with a cast 314299 (196 grains) sized .313 over 18 grains of 2400.

For "accuracy/hunting" type of loads I've had pretty good luck with the Hornady 150 grains .312 bullets over H335. (again, the limiting factor in my case is most likely the idiot pulling the trigger. )

 

[fireflyfather]

N4z,

I wish I had more useful information for you. Almost all of my mosin shooting is with either a gallery load of 7 grains of red dot and a .312 cast bullet (air cooled wheel weights). Any other shooting is likely to be a gas checked version of the same bullet and 13 grains of red dot.

 

[kragluver]

One promising load I just worked up for my M38 is 45.5 gr of IMR 3031, Privi brass, Privi 150 gr bullets+CCI200. I'll post more on it once I have some additional time to shoot it. Muzzle velocity was 2600 fps. Recoil was not too bad, but muzzle blast was impressive.

I should add that with this load I had a sub-1" 3-shot group at 50 yds from the bench. I need to shoot a string of ten shot groups and see how it really holds together. This little M38 surprised me with its accuracy. I wasn't expecting such from a milsurp carbine.

My friend had some good success with Varget and the same bullet, but I don't know what his best charge weight was. It seems that any of the "medium" burn rate powders ought to work well with the 150 gr bullet. You won't find a lot of data out there for 3031 -- you will find quite a bit for Varget.

 

[Cosmoline]

I've done years of handloading for the 54R, and one thing I've noticed is what works great for one rifle frequently works poorly in another. The Finns do often like a D166 load though.

 

[Sgt.Dusk]

I havent tried many different loads with my M44 but this is what has given best results:

8gram SAKO .311 FMJ
with n133 vihtavuori
Max load (by vihtavuori manual)
5 group to 100m (= 109.361yrds)
was 25mm (~1inch)

Now Im working with N150 vihtavuori and 12g Lapua scenar bullet (.30)
Havent gotten too good groups yet and primers are already showing pressure signs
Maybe I try .30 Lapua scenar 10g "silver bullet" next

 

[Clark]

180 gr. Sierra 2310, 3.002": measured 2873 fps

I like IMR4895, others like IMR4350.

I like it jammed into the lands for accuracy.

 

[EMC45]

Have a Westinghouse 91 that was given to me. My load for it is 52 gr IMR 4350 under a Speer .311 150 gr bullet with a WLRP. Shoots good. Dropped 2 Ga deer last year with it!