reloading 7.62x39

[maxx03]

I have used xterme 7.62x39 flat nose bullet with 4227. And Hornady 7.62x39 with BLC(2). The xtreme mic out to .311 while the Hornady mic out to .310. Oddly I had better accuracy with the .310 Hornady's. The barrel on my SKS is 311. I also use the E&L SKS Brass Catcher and can say that it paid for itself the first time I used it. nrandell pm your email and I'll send something you might be able to use.

[Che762x39]

The only reason I would reload 7.62x39 is for soft point bullets for hunting.

Reloading for semi automatic rifles is a pain compared to a bolt action or even a lever action for that matter.

[knucklehead0202]

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.

+1 I've been saving 7.62x39 brass when I find it but I'm not in any hurry to reload for it. And if you can't make decent ammo with LEE dies, how can you do it with anything? They are well-made and very easy to use. I only load 2 of the many chamberings I have with anything other than LEE dies, only because I either got them for free or couldn't get LEE at the time. Also, make note of how each rifle treats the brass. I've noticed that the AK's beat it up a lot worse than SKS's do. My vz-58 is fairly gentle compared to AK's too. Some are different than others I'm sure but check it out either way. If one or the other screws the brass up, I'd shoot steel-case in it and reload for the other in brass. Since it's very easy to go through a LOT of ammo in an outing, you'll be very busy trying to keep up with these things.

[6mmintl]

reloading the 7.62x39mm

If you want to get better accuracy out of an SKS load your bullets as long as you can to fit into magazine if magazine loading, if you are single loading load the bullet as long as you can to have at least .050" of bullet bearing surface being held by the cartridge neck. both increase cartridge powder capacity and typically lower pressures unless you readjust your powder charge to compensate for this. Using this principle will enhance accuracy by at least .5 MOA and as much as .75 MOA depending on throat/bore wear/condition of your particular SKS rifle. I also shoot a Model One 20" AR FF upper.

For bullets I am using 150 grain Speer hot core flat base bullets out to 500 meters, Hornady 150 grain soft points out to 500 meters, and pulled 7.62x54R 148-150 grain FMJ boat tails out to 800yards with AA2230 28.5- 29.2 grains weight powder charge that is safe in my rifle so cannot recommend you start there but work up slowly in 1/4 grain increases if interested.

One of the issues with the SKS is they seem to be overgassed and throw empties quite a distance, my Yugo SKS 49/66 gas valve port hole measured .150" dia., and I reduced the port size down to .100" with these heavier bullets/loads and ejection has come back to normal.

I don't know/own an AK type weapon and have not reloaded for it.

[NRAhighpowershooter]

also be aware that some 7.62x39 brass found on the ground at ranges will have small primer pockets.. most will have a large pocket but there are a few brands that have a small pocket....