Reloading 7.62x39, anyone?

[tteng]

Has anyone use 303-Brit or 7.62x54R bullet-head for your AK reloads? These are heavier bullets (say, 150gr instead of 123gr), would they be more accurate than the lighter ones?

[JeffM]

I'm actually thinking about going the other way, light 110gr or so, light and fast.

I don't see any advantage to a heavier bullet out of an AK than the standard 123gr.

What'cha chootin' at?

[tteng]

Paper only w/ a RPK out to 100yrd.

Well, I'm a miser and I have a bunch of 303-Brit projectile (.311-.312) and I'm never gonna finish them shooting my Enfield. I figure a heavier and a tad oversized bullet might improve the accuracy.

If you're shooting 110gr, who makes them and what's your load? (Berry has 110gr copper-plated, but they only recommend 1700ft/s max)

[JeffM]

Oooh RPK! That makes sense.

Not quite up to the development stage. Just kicking ideas around. I was thinking M1 Carbine FMJs (which would be undersized but may work) or taking apart some 7.62x25. Heck, I'm sure a .32 pistol bullet would work as there are adapters out there to fire .32ACP from .30 rifle barrels.

If you're interested in parting with a few of those .303 bullets, let me know. Although I do only have 20-30 reloadable cases right now. I gotta find some cheaper boxer .303 ammo for the SMLE before I can start thinking about reloading for it.

[sniperzeb308]

Personally I'm a fan of heavier bullets. Better energy retention and a higher ballistic coefficient. Which means they don't get back up.

[EdinKali]

I use the Hornandy V-max 123g ballistic tip that graf and son's carries.

http://www.grafs.com/product/188871

Bought some Lapua brass in 7.62x39, winchester large rifle primers and use either Hodgdon H335 or BLC2. You'll be surprised how much smaller the groups will be than shooting that crappy surplus stuff or Wolf.

[tteng]

Barrel twist rate: 1/240mm (9.45") are the same for both Mosin-Nagant (M91/30) and AK47 series (RPK in my case).

So a heavier projectile (150gr-ish) in a RPK heavy-barrel (24") should work better than 123-gr projectile. However, the powder amount will go down to <60% of 7.62x54r load (say, for RPK: 28gr of medium burn-rate powder)

[jandmtv]

most aks use a bullet diameter of .310

most bullets made for 303brit are either .311 or .312

be safe and measure your bore before using 303 brit bullets in your rpk.

[Sampachi]

Most British .303 bullets I encounter are in the 174gr. range. They are perfect for a Mosin Nagant or an Arisaka, but I think that would be too much for an AK or SKS. I could be wrong, but I wouldn't want to try it.

[SVRider]

Here is a cool article I stumbled across the other day when searching on the very same subject:

http://www.gunsandammomag.com/reloads/0709/index.html

HTH!