Picking a projectile for 7.62x54r load

[Tripplet918]

https://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/7.62x54R.html

Ive got a choice of 180, 182, and 190 grains from PRVI.

How much weight should I put on the projectile weight based on above? All projectiles will make it to 1000 supersonic using CFE 223 or similar. All the projectiles will have an SG of 2.1 to 2.4. Does that make a difference? I cant seem to get it below 2.0 unless I shoot really light bullets which the twist doesnt seem to like per repors.

I want to pick one that would be theoretically optimum and work on it for a while.

What say you? This is a pet load, I know I can buy ammo cheap. I just wanna see what can be done with my own loads. Thanks!

[jsanch03]

I have a dwindling amount of 182gr soft point that I bought from a calgunner. They were sold by midway as a repackaged projectile. Now, I?m loading for a Finnish m39 so I?m not sure what bullet would work best for your rifle. Sometimes picking up a range of different weights and shooting them would let you know what that rifle likes. Attached is a picture of the 182gr soft points and my last box of Sierra 174gr SMK?s. The 174s behind 43.5 grains of IMR 4064 is very accurate and this is the only powder I?ve used for 762x54r, haven?t tried any ball powders in this cartridge.



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[hambam105]

I'm looking for the nickel color bullets of WW1 era to reload for a obsolete M39. For a friend's M39 I meant to write.

But I must confess: I have my doubts about how much relevant down range authority a .311 one hundred eight-four
grain bullet lumbering downrange at only 2,500 fps has, anymore.

[jsanch03]

Those bullets are hard to find in 762x54r you tend to find them more with 303B and 8mm Mauser. Every now and then you can find them sold as military pull downs but haven?t seen that lately. I?m not sure what you mean by relevant down range authority? It?s comparable to a heavier 308 and it?s still hitting hard. The argument is more so the relevance of 762x54r for modern applications compared to modern calibers just as 308. However, the x54r round is still fun to shoot and load for. The load I suggested should work well in the op?s request for his platform.

[Tripplet918]

I'm looking for the nickel color bullets of WW1 era to reload for a obsolete M39. For a friend's M39 I meant to write.

But I must confess: I have my doubts about how much relevant down range authority a .311 one hundred eight-four
grain bullet lumbering downrange at only 2,500 fps has, anymore.

Im loading for a rifle that I want to shoot. I understand that relevance compared to modern cartridges is debatable, but my intention to shoot my Zastava M91 dmr rifle is making me do it.

Ideally, the load will allow me to compete in our 1000 yard club match. It would be awesome to show up on the results with a comm block gas gun, even in last position.

[bigbossman]

But I must confess: I have my doubts about how much relevant down range authority a .311 one hundred eight-four
grain bullet lumbering downrange at only 2,500 fps has, anymore.

The answer - enough.

I used to hunt pigs with a sporterized Enfield No.4. loaded with a 180gr Remington Cor-Lokt round nose .311 bullet leaving the muzzle at a stately 2,300fps. Killed them dead in their tracks.

[2761377]

presuming .310 bullet, you want the D166 by Lapua

https://www.lapua.com/product/762-cal-d166-fmjbt-bullet-130-g-200-gr/

[hambam105]

Great replies. Thank you one and all. My apologies for the thread jack, OP.

This might be a good time to do a little explaining:

A few years ago, some yahoo on an open forum questioned firearms trainer, Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch, relevancy
to modern day shooting. Clint was a bit annoyed and responded accordingly.

I joke with questions regarding exterior ballistics comparisons. Especially with those individuals who have been convinced
thru the inner net that if it's not six point by super magnum then the milsurp cartridge's capabilities are irrelevant.

[Tripplet918]

Ive settled on two projectiles.

PRVI’s 190 gr .311 FMJBT. I intend to propel it with Varget.

I also got a bunch of these .311 180 gr Spire SP factory seconds. https://www.powdervalley.com/product...r-spitzer-500/ I believe theyre the Sierra Pro Hunter 180s. Theyve been reported to shoot well on the M91. I got a jug of CFE 223 for propellant.

Im going to use the 180s to break in the rifle, and hopefully theyre good enough for most shooting. The 190s Im doing load development for 1000 yards. Its an ambitious project, but my ballistic app tells me its entirely possible.

[VonRyan209]

Curious how your reloading venture goes with that rifle and caliber. I have a 54R vepr, but unfortunately I only have 174 SMK's and 180 Speer SPRN (not ideal) available to me. It's also a 9.5 twist. I'm mainly curious how those 190's do, as it seems like the 9.5 twist rate enjoys heavy projectiles close to the 200 grain range.

That 500 pack on PV is a heck of a deal.

[Flouncer]

I know it was commented on but . .. . relevance . . .. but lumbering down range at 2,500 fps . . .. . Ask about 1 million Germans.

[hambam105]

Flouncer:

For some unknown reason, some people have just lost all respect for the lethality of the 7.62X54R exterior ballistics.

[kcstott]

Use that 174 SMk mentioned above. But keep in mind you can not over stabilize a bullet. Lighter bullets do just fine in faster twists.

You will see problems a lot faster with to long and heavy a bullet for your twist than too light.

[Tripplet918]

Curious how your reloading venture goes with that rifle and caliber. I have a 54R vepr, but unfortunately I only have 174 SMK's and 180 Speer SPRN (not ideal) available to me. It's also a 9.5 twist. I'm mainly curious how those 190's do, as it seems like the 9.5 twist rate enjoys heavy projectiles close to the 200 grain range.

That 500 pack on PV is a heck of a deal.

I havent started loading yet as my son is shooting the rifle for a few more weeks.

When I get it, I will be measuring the lands as part preparing my load test.

I see myself reporting back at the end of September.

[Cowboy T]

I have a dwindling amount of 182gr soft point that I bought from a calgunner. They were sold by midway as a repackaged projectile. Now, I?m loading for a Finnish m39 so I?m not sure what bullet would work best for your rifle. Sometimes picking up a range of different weights and shooting them would let you know what that rifle likes. Attached is a picture of the 182gr soft points and my last box of Sierra 174gr SMK?s. The 174s behind 43.5 grains of IMR 4064 is very accurate and this is the only powder I?ve used for 762x54r, haven?t tried any ball powders in this cartridge.



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Those Sierra MatchKings are also what I used to use when reloading for the Russian Mosin. My rifle happens to shoot these very well. Today, those bullets are basically Unobtainium.

OP, since you're going out to 1,000 yards, first, I'm assuming you're going to have some pretty good optics appropriate for shooting that distance. This being a semi-automatic rifle, you're probably going to be full-length-resizing your brass, which will work it more than neck-sizing. Prvi Partizan brass is good stuff and more affordable than Lapua brass for this purpose.

Regarding available bullets, I don't know if Hornady's 0.311" match bullet is available, but I do know that their standard FMJ is available. I've found that their bullets tend to be pretty precise shooters, even the non-match-line ones.

You might also look at what MidwayUSA has on sale. These appear to be Sierra MatchKings, from the picture and the description.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1020761130?pid=911435