7.62 russian .311?

[Mayhem]

have a fast question.

7.62mm russian AKA 7.62x54r uses a .311 bullet while my 300 win mag and 30-30 uses a .308 bullet. For some reason my reloading data in my sierra reloading manual shows them all using a .308 bullet. I personally measured them myself and the russian is loaded with a .311 bullet. Is sierra wrong I don't want to blow myself up or pooch my gun.

[tteng]

You're correct. 7.62x54R or x39 uses .311-312 bullet.

[jwarren116]

You can use both .311 and .308 in your 7.62. Typically, they're more accurate when loaded with .311 though, but .308 is perfectly fine.

[Mayhem]

unfortunately Sierra only gives loads for .308 probably because they don't make a .311 I'm assuming I need to find a load for .311 as the wider bullet would cause a pressure change.

I could live with .308 as accuracy isn't going to be much of an issue coming from a 1938 carbine theres not much one can do to improve accuracy. That would be one less bullet caliber I have to buy.

[gunboat]

For peace of mind, just reduce the .308 charge 10% to start, but likely you would not see any real difference using the same weight/configuration .311 bullet -- my ha-penny

[merritt]

unfortunately Sierra only gives loads for .308 probably because they don't make a .311

they make a .311 174 SMK and it is quite awesome in 7.62x54R ... I think they are under the impression that those are ending up in enfields though

[Agustav]

I have major accuracy issues with .308 on my Mosin 91/30. However, the bore did slugged out to be .314! My Finn Mosin did slugged out to be .310 and shoots .308 with no problems.