7.62X39 Reloads
07-09-2009, 02:23 PM
#1
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Lake Tahoe
Posts: 308
7.62X39 Reloads
I have a Russian SKS and finally found bullets so I can reload. So I started to do my first 7.62 reloads and now I am confused. I used 27gr of H4895. Max load is 28gr. I barely have enough room to seat my bullet. I measured the case, trimmed it to spec, weighed the powder and when I went to charge the case, the powder was almost to the top. So, I re did everything to make sure I wasnt making a mistake and......everything measured out. So, I loaded 5 rounds before I decided to stop and ask yall if I am doing anything wrong. I am using 123gr Hornady 7.62X39 bullets. Is this normal? I miced some factory rounds and it all adds up except that when I shake a factory load, I can hear the powder, when I shake mine, you cant. I am using an old tin of H4895. Is that my problem? My buddy told me that they have re-designed the powder to be more accomidating. Is that true? I dont want to blow up my SKS.
Last edited by Powerfisher; 07-09-2009 at 03:06 PM. Reason: Additional Information
07-09-2009, 03:15 PM
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Coralville, IA. USA
Posts: 3,802
Well, according to the load data I found just with a quick look, it seems 27 grains of H4895 should be just fine with 123 grain bullets. The 7.62x39mm case is pretty small, so it's very likely that you will simply have a compressed load. The 123 gr bullet shouldn't encroach that much past the neck of the case, and the neck of the Russian is pretty short, so I doubt you'll have too much compression. On Hodgdon's load data site they actually show 27 grains of H4895 as the starting load for 150 grain bullets, with 28 grains being the starting load for 123 grain, so I'm guessing you have nothing to worry about.
One thing to look for in compressed loads is bullet creep. Basically, if you compress the powder enough the pressure can, over time, push the bullet out of the case a bit. I'd load them and then measure COAL. Then before you fire them, I'd measure it again to see if it's grown. If so, you need to reseat the bullets and crimp, or use a faster powder that takes up less space in the case.
One thing to look for in compressed loads is bullet creep. Basically, if you compress the powder enough the pressure can, over time, push the bullet out of the case a bit. I'd load them and then measure COAL. Then before you fire them, I'd measure it again to see if it's grown. If so, you need to reseat the bullets and crimp, or use a faster powder that takes up less space in the case.
07-09-2009, 08:03 PM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,618
i can not speak for the sks but i have worked up some loads for that cartridge one gun likes h335 another was 2460 and h322
my AR likes h335 , the encore 24'' barrel likes 2460, and an encore 8'' pistol likes h322 and that was a full case
getting the right bullet is most of the battle
my AR likes h335 , the encore 24'' barrel likes 2460, and an encore 8'' pistol likes h322 and that was a full case
getting the right bullet is most of the battle
07-11-2009, 04:49 AM
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,618
I have a Russian SKS and finally found bullets so I can reload. So I started to do my first 7.62 reloads and now I am confused. I used 27gr of H4895. Max load is 28gr. I barely have enough room to seat my bullet. I measured the case, trimmed it to spec, weighed the powder and when I went to charge the case, the powder was almost to the top. So, I re did everything to make sure I wasnt making a mistake and......everything measured out. So, I loaded 5 rounds before I decided to stop and ask yall if I am doing anything wrong. I am using 123gr Hornady 7.62X39 bullets. Is this normal? I miced some factory rounds and it all adds up except that when I shake a factory load, I can hear the powder, when I shake mine, you cant. I am using an old tin of H4895. Is that my problem? My buddy told me that they have re-designed the powder to be more accomidating. Is that true? I dont want to blow up my SKS.
07-13-2009, 09:03 PM
#7
Fork Horn
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 221
It's a compressed load and that is what it is supposed to be. Compressing powder is nothing to worry about as long as you stay within published load data.
I find 4895 a little to slow for my 7.62x39. Can't get enough in the case to get decent velocities. If you want more speed, switch to a faster powder like 322, R-7, H-4198 or 1680.
I find 4895 a little to slow for my 7.62x39. Can't get enough in the case to get decent velocities. If you want more speed, switch to a faster powder like 322, R-7, H-4198 or 1680.
07-18-2009, 05:49 AM
#9
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Texas - BUT NOW in Madison County, NY
Posts: 6,270
I don't think you can get enough IMR 4895 into that case to be dangerous when using the 123 grain bullets. H335 has been the best power I have tried in the 7.62X39mm. It takes up less space.
