OT- Is anybody reloading 7.62X39??

[Rusty]

After re-reading the article Paco wrote on the CZ in 7.62X39 I was wondering if anyone is reloading it much or has been doing much work with it? On the surface it it seems like it's just a small bit short of the .30-30 Win.

[model55]

I've wondered about this too-don't have one but it's in the bucket list.Notice Barnes put out a bullet for it which could be used in a 303 British as well and the 7.62 x 54R..........

[AJMD429]

Anyway, I got a Handi-Rifle in that chambering, and haven't slugged the barrel yet, so don't even know if it is a .308 or .311 bore yet. Once I get some brass reloadable cases (I only have 20 rounds so far...!), I plan on loading up some (I have the Lee dies all ready to go). Unfortunately, most of the ammo we've been shooting is the military steel case or Berdan primed brass.

I think it is a really cool caliber; kind of a .30-30 that is a bit shorter and fatter.

[kimwcook]

Picked up an SKS many moons ago just in case. Haven't even shot the bugger. It's an old Chinese production.

[txpete]

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=13453

good info

fwiw I like the win,fed and laupa brass best as they use large rifle primers.rem uses small rifle primers.I have a yugo and and a ruger 77 in 7.62X39.

[Rusty]

Doc, just so you'll know that 7.62 Handi is much sought after on the Handi forums. The barrels don't last any time at all in the classified section. If you ever consider getting rid of it keep that in mind and price it accordingly.

[harry]

Doc, just so you'll know that 7.62 Handi is much sought after on the Handi forums. The barrels don't last any time at all in the classified section. If you ever consider getting rid of it keep that in mind and price it accordingly.

That is the American way, "For Sale To The Highest Bidder"
WY2000

[stretch]

Yes.

I'm getting about 1.5" out of Federal FMJ stuff at 50 yards in
a Chinese SKS. Haven't bothered to slug the barrel - I'm assuming
it's bigger than .308".

Bullet:
Hornady 123 gr. SP #3140
Dia. .310" (measured)
Actual Weight: 123.0 - 123.2 grains (Sample of 5)
Length: .848" - .856" ( Not exactly consistent......)

Cases:
Olympic (Greek)
Trim to - 1.513"
Cartridge OAL: 2.160 - 2.180 (See bullet variation above!)

Powder: Reloder 7 25.5 gr.

Primers: Herters #6 1/2 small rifle (Federal are LR)

Accuracy 2" at 50 yards. Greek cases are stuff, I reject about 50%.
Stock Federal is going about 1.5" at that range. Not spectacular,
but minute-of-deer, anyway.I've tried 24.9 to 26.0 gr. of powder.
25.5 seems about the best.

When I produce some more Federal empties, I'll be able to run
some of those cases with that same load using Remington 9 1/2
primers.

Hope this helps.

-Stretch

P.S. - Open sights. Who does a decent scope - short one that would
work on this gun. (NOT Barska, etc. - something decent! )

[txpete]

wolf @ 100 meters zeroing in the scope













I have several handloads worked up but won't hit the range until after I am finished with my chemo .

pete

[hfcable]

Just got one of the CZ 527 in 7.62 x39, after seeing one a friend has. Wanted to use it for fun and especially teaching kids, lots of cheaper practice ammo - already have a lot of ammo for it
Excellent trigger , gun weighs just under 6#s-excellent balance etc nice wood etc
Will try reloading this summer but just having fun now!
Have several rifles in this caliber already but they are EBRs n not nearly as fun!

[model55]

An interesting site. http://members.shaw.ca/cronhelm/762Page.html

[Rusty]

WOW 55 what a treasure chest that site is. All those conversations will keep me busy for hours.

[stretch]

Nice shootin', Txpete.

-Stretch

[AJMD429]

Doc, just so you'll know that 7.62 Handi is much sought after on the Handi forums. The barrels don't last any time at all in the classified section. If you ever consider getting rid of it keep that in mind and price it accordingly.

Thanks for the heads-up, but knowing me, I'll not likely sell the little Handi.

I wonder why they don't make more in that chambering, then...?

[Rusty]

I don't know why they quit making them, but I suspect poor sales to start with. A lot of times it's all about timing. Look over on graybeards outdoor forums for all things Handi. The group of Handiholics there are always doing new things. Making new calibers going from smaller to largeer is one thing, but some make what they call a "stub" where they take a short section of barrel that has the lug left on it and and fit another piece of barrel into it. That's how they come up things like .32-20.

[Combat Diver]

I bought a new Chicom SKS back around 87' and still have it, couple years ago finally ordered a set of Lee dies for it in 08' and have a about 100 rds of Laupa brass saved. Haven't reloaded for it yet as I only have about 6-7 months home since then I retired.

CD
still in Astan

[txpete]

I don't know why they quit making them, but I suspect poor sales to start with. A lot of times it's all about timing. Look over on graybeards outdoor forums for all things Handi. The group of Handiholics there are always doing new things. Making new calibers going from smaller to largeer is one thing, but some make what they call a "stub" where they take a short section of barrel that has the lug left on it and and fit another piece of barrel into it. That's how they come up things like .32-20.

the main problem with them was light hammer strikes on wolf and milsurp ammo.they use HARD primers as the sks doesn't use a firing pin return spring.people bought them to shoot cheap ammo not to start reloading as a rule.lots were sent back to the factory for heavier springs so they would work.

[Hook]

I have played with, and handloaded for, a couple each of SKSs and Mini-30s over the years. Both are fun rifles but neither are very accurate. For plinking and tin can shooting they are exceptional. Never could get too interested because of the lack of accuracy.

I got a CZ 527 a couple of years ago and it is just the opposite. Accuracy ranges from 1.5 MOA down to well under MOA with just about any any factory or handload, even the Wolf stuff. I have tried .308" up to .311" bullets from 123 gr up to 170 gr and they all shoot well. The rifle, in the hands of a youngster, took two whitetails last year with 150 gr WW soft poinnts made for the 30-30.

A month or so ago I figured it was time to try cast in it. I had some 180 gr rn cast bullets that miked at .314". On a whim, I seated gas checks on them, tumble lubed a handfull, and tried them unsized. The first three five shot groups I fired were under two inches with the best at 1-3/8".

The 7.62X39 in a bolt rifle is a pure joy!