M39 Range Report at Angeles Shooting Range

[wild_weasel]

Just got back from the range, the wind was really gusty at Angels Shooting Range but I could not wait any longer to try out the M39. The good news is that my reloads using Sierra 150gr SPs, 52gr of IMR 4350, and Winchester WLR primer print 1.5 inches high at 50yd, meaning the sights are correct for a 150m zero, with the rear sight set to 150. 180gr Yugo ball printed 5 inches above point of aim at 50yd. Groups ran 1 to 2 inches, not bad for a VG bore. I also noticed that the chamber is much tighter in the M39. Closing the bolt of reloads in the M39 was noticeably tougher than in the 19/59, while surplus ammo chambered fine in either gun.

Reloads using Sierra 150gr .308 SPs, 52gr of IMR 4350, and WLR printed 3 inches to the right of the point of aim at 50yd with the group opening up to 5 inches. So it is clear in my mind that my particular m39 does not like the smaller .308 bullets.

The 91/59 performed a bit better. With a 6 o'clock hold on a 3 inch bull at 50 yd my (.311) reloads shot to point of aim at 6 o'clock, Yugo 180gr ball shot to 9 o'clock everything staying in the 3 inch bull for the most part. Group averaged 1.5 inches with a couple flyers I attributed to wind gusts.

[Fate]

I also noticed that the chamber is much tighter in the M39. Closing the bolt of reloads in the M39 was noticeably tougher than in the 19/59, while surplus ammo chambered fine in either gun.

Be careful. Are the bullets on your reloads the same spec (diameter/length measurements) as milsurp? Sounds like you're cramming the reload bullet into the initial lands of the barrel which can create some very dangerous pressure issues.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

Nah. .311" is fine in those. There were some Finnish M28 Mosin Nagant barrels that had a .308" bore, but those were pulled because they had higher pressures when using the standard .310" bullets. Using a .311" bullet in a .310-.3105" bore shouldn't be an issue. Besides, must .311" bullets are undersized, and most bores on milsurps have worn a bit. Just stick to published reloading data, and you should be fine. Also, please specify which model of rifle you are shooting earlier in the article. There are several M39s out there. Carcanos, Mosins, and probably an odd muaser or two. Please either give the country of origin or the model name next time.

-Mb

[michaeltpo]

I am not a reloader but I have an M39 and I have been reading up on it and reloading. All but the earliest M39s will have bores larger than .308. To put it in a nut shell you should slug your bore. If you do you'll likely find a .3105 or .311 bullet would be appropriate. A .308 bullets is just a bit small to be accurate in an M39.
I may be wrong so take it with a grain of salt but I've read this a few times on various reloading pages. I'll try to find a link if I get time. Like I said I only read this on the internet so you need to verify this.

[wild_weasel]

It is a Finnish Sako M39 dated 1943. I was shooting neck sized 7.62x54r from my Mosin Nagant 1891/59 in it which must have a little extra room in the shoulder. Running brass all the way into the sizer should cure the tough bolt closing problem.