Author Topic: reloading 7.62 x 39 mm (Read 431 times)

smg · « **on:** September 24, 2004, 09:09:12 AM »

Are there any safety reasons why I should not use .308 dia. bullets when reloading 7.62 x 39 mm for the SKS?

ricciardelli · « **Reply #1 on:** September 24, 2004, 10:00:21 AM »

If your SKS has .310, .311, or .312 bore, the .308 bullet will rattle a little as it makes it's way down the barrel...

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #2 on:** September 24, 2004, 01:50:19 PM »

It's safe enough and I can't shoot those iron sights with the short sight radius well enough to see a practical difference. You'd be better off to get some .310. THe Rem 125s are cheap enough from MidSouth.

I shoot the cheap Russian stuff in my SKS and save the reloadable brass for my CZ-527. Hate having the good brass thrown into the bushes.

hogship · « **Reply #3 on:** September 24, 2004, 08:07:07 PM »

smg....

What is the purpose of your reloading for the SKS?

There are two philosophies generally associated with reloading......to conserve cost and increase accuracy.

With all the cheap ammo available, ane the accuracy potential of the SKS, I'm not seeing your purpose.

If you want to do it just because you can.....well, now that I can understand!

hog

smg · « **Reply #4 on:** September 24, 2004, 11:06:19 PM »

Thank you for the information. I reload because I want to experiment with different bullet weights and configurations.

Reed1911 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 24, 2004, 11:38:21 PM »

Hogship,

While the AK-47 and similar rifles are accurate enough for plinking they do leave a lot to be desired in terms of accuracy. The SKS however tends to be fairly accurate and will really surprise you with good ammunition. Hand loading for the SKS is a definite option to both increase accuracy as well as the ability to add otherwise unavailable bullets.

SMG,
There is no reason not to use the .308 sized bullets. I have found that sometimes they will in fact shoot better than the .310-.311 sized bullets. Not to mention that you just can't find the same verity of bullets in .310 size. Let me know if you need any help with load development. We've been playing with loads up to 220g here lately. I do wish to caution you on one thing, once you find a load for the .308 bullets DO NOT substitute out the .310 bullets without dropping back down on your powder charge.

jgalar · « **Reply #6 on:** September 25, 2004, 02:07:09 AM »

I used to reload for the 7.62x39 but haven't played with the SKS in over 10 years. I was getting very good groups (for an SKS) with Sierra .308 110 grain hollow points and Accurate Arms 1680 powder. I've got a Yugo SKS on order so will start reloading for them again but plan to use cast bullets.

Robert357 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 25, 2004, 08:49:11 AM »

Quote from: smg

I reload because I want to experiment with different bullet weights and configurations.

I have done some limited reloading for my SKS, but using expanding hunting bullets of weight similar to the military round.

I would be careful about using too heavy a bullet. All things being equal, a heavier bullet can cause pressure to build up quickly, which can cause problems.

When I reloaded for my SKS, the most difficult problem I had was finding a load that would provide both "accuracy" and "reliable cycling" of the gas powered semi-auto at safe pressure ratings. I only used two powders, but I feel that one of the powders would not have been safe to use for reliable action operation.

Be careful and good luck.