85 gr 7.62X54R reloads?

[mif_slim]

So, I been thinking...has anyone ever tried to reload their 7.62x54r with .32 pistol bullets? The bullet diameter fits but Idont know about the ogive if its similar to the 303 bullets. I have not measured a .32 cal so I dont know, anyone ??

[ETD1010]

I know the actual 7.62 x 54 diameter is .311, and I use .308 with no problems, but I don't know for sure what a .32 would do, since the entire bullet shape is different and not designed for a rifle.

[CSACANNONEER]

I know the actual 7.62 x 54 diameter is .311, and I use .308 with no problems, but I don't know for sure what a .32 would do, since the entire bullet shape is different and not designed for a rifle.

I've had major keyholing problems using .308 bullets. Each bore is going to be different so, experimenting with pistol bullets might work well in one rifle but not the next one. It's worth a shot.

[gunboat]

I have used a 115gr lyman 311316 for years in 30 cal rifles but not the 7.62
I have found thiis bullet suitable for plinking at short range, but not very accurate beyond about 100yds.
My thought is that any similar short light bullet of correct diameter would perform about the same in the 7.62 - Would possibly make a good 25-50 yd "squirrel" load ---
I think the basic problem is that there is no portion of a short bullet "riding" the bore to provide stability -- Bullets like 311299 cast/sized to fit your bore always seem to perform better -- my ha-penny

[mif_slim]

Humm, pretty neat. Im sure it'll work since their about the same size.

[dogtrainer]

Hornandy 100 grain 32 cal XTP

I have done it using 100 grain XTP bullet with 1.3 cc or (19 grains) of Alliant Steel powder. This is a very good plinking round that gives me about 2" at 50 yards in a Mosin Nagant. Recoil is very light.

It is a excellent small game round.

If you want more velocity (and kick) you can switch to Alliant Reloader 7. Use 2.8cc or (39.6 grains) or RL 7.

[merritt]

I actually have a load like this ... 15gr of Accurate #5 and the 85gr XTP.. Its great for getting new shooters to use a mosin-- I clocked it somewhere in the 1000-2000fps range (my notebook isn't in front of me)

If memory serves the XTPs run .312 -- much closer to .311 than .308 bullets. Heads up though: don't go for speed... pistol bullets have weaker jackets and the jacket is already getting squeezed

[mif_slim]

I actually have a load like this ... 15gr of Accurate #5 and the 85gr XTP.. Its great for getting new shooters to use a mosin-- I clocked it somewhere in the 1000-2000fps range (my notebook isn't in front of me)

If memory serves the XTPs run .312 -- much closer to .311 than .308 bullets. Heads up though: don't go for speed... pistol bullets have weaker jackets and the jacket is already getting squeezed

thanks. thats the info I was looking for. I do have 4 LBS of #5 sitting around, since I dont load pistol anymore, maybe I can try your data. Thanks for the info!

[buffybuster]

You could use ".32cal" pistol bullets in the 7.62x54R to make some plinker loads. .32cal pistol bullets for 32-20, 32S&W, 32H&R Mag, 327Fed, etc are generally .312" for jacketed and .313" for lead. The would probably work well for a "plinker" load. Wouldn't try to get any max velocities since they would probably not stay together since they weren't designed for +3000fps and the rotational stresses.

7.63mm Mauser/Tokarev bullets would also work since they generally run around .311-.312"