reloading 7.62x39

[nrandell]

I want to start reloading for my SKS and WASR-10. I assume I should be using .310 or .311 bullets for these right? I'm also looking at the Lee dies, is there anything I should watch out using these dies?

[klewan]

They're good; start figuring out how you're going to catch and collect the brass. Commie guns tend to be real brass flingers.

[Pauliedad]

I've thought about just this but with the price of steel case, I wonder about the benefits. I figure the accuracy is limited by the gun.
Anyone say different?

[nrandell]

I've thought about just this but with the price of steel case, I wonder about the benefits. I figure the accuracy is limited by the gun.
Anyone say different?

Yeah, mainly I'd just like to be able to shoot at any rifle range and not worry about restrictions on steel jackets, etc.

[sharxbyte]

Yeah, everyone I've talked to say to use regular .308 bullets, (310 or 311)

Tagged for information. I wonder what kind of accuracy I'd get from my AR with optimally loaded cartridges...

[tiller]

I want to start reloading for my SKS and WASR-10. I assume I should be using .310 or .311 bullets for these right? I'm also looking at the Lee dies, is there anything I should watch out using these dies?

Ive only bought one set of lee dies...


I will NEVER buy another set... Period

[Divernhunter]

^^^ I am with you.
I use Hornady 123 grain bullets designed for the 7.62X39 round and 1680 powder that was designed for the same round. Use a mag or regular primer. I also do not crimp and they work fine in my SKS rifles and Mini 30 rifle.

[BruinGuy]

Gotta be honest, if you're not reloading 7.62x39 to make better ammo, you may as well just buy factory when you can find a good price.

Bullets run from .20-.28 each
Powder will be .10 each if you buy by the pound at current prices
Primer .03-.04

If you're paying anything for brass, then you're coming out paying more to reload. Meanwhile, you can get PPU, Arsenal, Fiocchi, etc. loaded ammo for between $10-$12 per 20, or slightly less in quantity.

Of course neither quality brass ammo or reloading it is as cheap as Tula/Bear/etc. But that's what we get for wanting to shoot in a parched wasteland (aka Southern California).

By the way, the Lee 7.62x39 dies are great.

[Socalman]

I too have my dies for the 7.62X39. Have been saving reloadable brass for a while so I have enough to get started. I too wonder which bullet to start with.

My reason for reloading is to have ammo I can shoot at Burro Canyon, have a supply of ammo when I want it and for the consistency I will achieve when I have the load the way my SKS likes it.

[kygen]

I too have my dies for the 7.62X39. Have been saving reloadable brass for a while so I have enough to get started. I too wonder which bullet to start with.

My reason for reloading is to have ammo I can shoot at Burro Canyon, have a supply of ammo when I want it and for the consistency I will achieve when I have the load the way my SKS likes it.

do you use a brass catcher, or a net? my sks flings my brass 4 lanes down

[Enfield47]

I picked up some Hornady V-MAX .310 bullets for my SKS from Grafs. I haven't had a chance to reload any 7.62x39 yet but maybe this weekend. I picked up the RCBS two die set on sale at Midway for less than the Lee die set. It is still on sale for $26.19, you won't go wrong at that price.

[deac777]

I picked up some Hornady V-MAX .310 bullets for my SKS from Grafs. I haven't had a chance to reload any 7.62x39 yet but maybe this weekend. I picked up the RCBS two die set on sale at Midway for less than the Lee die set. It is still on sale for $26.19, you won't go wrong at that price.

I reload the same Hornady V-max bullets as above. They shoot really well. I use the Lee dies, no issues. The reason I reload for the 7.62x39 is because one of the ranges that I shoot at does not allow FMJ ammo, even if it is copper and free of steel.

[BigBronco]

Soon to be testing out the 762X39 with home cast powder coated bullets.

[Enfield47]

Soon to be testing out the 762X39 with home cast powder coated bullets.

Peter, can you load them to jacketed bullets specs or do you have to do reduced loads like plated bullets?

[ArmedCMT]

Soon to be testing out the 762X39 with home cast powder coated bullets.

I was just talking to CSACANNONEER about this the other day.