7.62x39 cast load

[f100cleveland]

I found some 132g cast ww bullets. Lyman mold 311410 lubed with white label red. Trouble is I can't find much load data for it. 15-16g 2400 was mentioned by the seller but I don't have any. I loaded up 3 each of 17g 4227 and 18g 4198. I want to try them out on Saturday so do you think I'm ok with that.. Not gas checked

[Ranch Dog]

If you can give me the length of the bullet and the cartridge overall length with the bullet seated where you want it, I can tell you more about your loads.

[f100cleveland]

I loaded up 2 different C.O.L. one is 2.010 crimped with collet crimp die in crimp groove and other is 2.125 crimped so bullet just sits in neck of case not down into it. Bullet lenght is .825, crimp groove is .310 up from base and measures .311 dia. Gun shoots .308 110g V-max, .311 125g sp, and pulled 54r 148g steel core bullets very well. Have had good luck with Bullseye and Unique in my .303 for reduced recoil loads so might try 4-6g of that too.

[Ranch Dog]

Ok, it will be tomorrow morning before I have anything for you.

[Ranch Dog]

I found some 132g cast ww bullets. Lyman mold 311410 lubed with white label red. Trouble is I can't find much load data for it. 15-16g 2400 was mentioned by the seller but I don't have any. I loaded up 3 each of 17g 4227 and 18g 4198. I want to try them out on Saturday so do you think I'm ok with that.. Not gas checked

Okay,I'm in QuickLoad and they have the bullet. Using the shorter of the OAL, which would generate the greatest pressure, 16-grains of Alliant 2400 should produce 2075 FPS and 30.5K PSI. That is probably too much pressure for a plain base bullet. 14.7-grains might be more appropriate at 1950 FPS and 25.0K PSI.

You didn't mention if the 4227 & 4198 were IMR or Hodgdon, it makes a big difference as you reach maximum but with the light load they are pretty close.

17.0-grains=
IMR 4227 is 1825 FPS and 19.8K PSI
Hodgdon 4227 is 1810 FPS and 18.7K PSI

18.0-grains=
IMR 4198 is 1760 FPS and 17.5K PSI
Hodgdon 4198 is 1710 FPS and 17.4K PSI

Lyman lists the bullet at .308", are your samples larger?

[f100cleveland]

The bullet measures out at .311 and my powders are IMR. My shot groups are more like a shotgun pattern and low by a ft. or more at 50yds. I would like to figure it out since I know the gun likes jacketed reloads.

[f100cleveland]

Messed around a little more today with the 90g and 132g cast bullets. 3-4g of titegroup shoots the 132g about a foot low at 50 yards but makes a nice tight group. More powder opened up the groups. 6g of Unique under the 90g swc had 4 shots almost touching and 10 inches low at 50yards. Might try to refine them a little but should be fun plinkers. Went through 4 different powders and lots of load changes and close enough for now. Never had any luck with 132g cast and rifle powders up or down from earlier post. Neighbors are probably getting tired of all the pop, banging going on.

[Ranch Dog]

Neighbors are probably getting tired of all the pop, banging going on.

It should give them pause about coming over uninvited. Some law enforcement officers use my range for their M4s. I figure the clatter of full auto on my place is a good noise rolling across the hills!

As far as the load work goes, a fellows work is never done!