150 NBT in 7.62x39

[bluebayou]

There is some generic "150gr Jacketed Bullet" in some reloading manuals for the 7.62x39.  I cadged some 150 Nosler BT's from my father in law.  I previously loaded some 150gr Hornady SP's to acceptable results.  These NBT's are much longer, maybe .100 longer.  This will mean a lot deeper seating to reach OAL of 2.220.

Couple of issues:
SKS magazine won't take any COAL greater than 2.220
These bullets are .308 versus my bore which slugged out at .311
Using H4895

Would anyone load these to the generic 150 info?  I am PRETTY sure that I am okay to try the starting load.  The smaller diameter should help lower pressure.....there is a lot of freebore too........

Anybody's input would be appreciated.

[quickdtoo]

Here's some interesting test results.

Tim

http://p201.ezboard.com/CZ527-762x39-Bullets-308-vs-311-Real-testing-with-pics-/fczechpistols82792frm9.showMessage?topicID=760.topic

[bluebayou]

Thanks for the links, Quick. 

I expect to get good results due to the longer bearing surface of the NBT's.  Just take a look at them compared to the Hornady.  My concern is too much pressure and getting a Kaboom.  The 123 VMAX's shot so well in the SKS that I am eager to try some heavier bullets. 

[cwlongshot]

I have never loaded for this caliber, but I have for another .311, the 7.65 Argentine Mauser.

 Hornady used to make a 150ish bullet in this dia. Are you stuck on the Nosler or just the 150gr weight?

I know people have been doing it and its likely you will be fine as well. But personally, I would not. As its not the correct diameter and "things happen". Besides, as long as other correct diameter bullets are available, it doesn't seem necessary.

 CW

[R.W.Dale]

I have never loaded for this caliber, but I have for another .311, the 7.65 Argentine Mauser.

 Hornady used to make a 150ish bullet in this dia. Are you stuck on the Nosler or just the 150gr weight?

I know people have been doing it and its likely you will be fine as well. But personally, I would not. As its not the correct diameter and "things happen". Besides, as long as other correct diameter bullets are available, it doesn't seem necessary.

 CW

[bluebayou]

I have not shot any real groups with the 150 Hornady SP.  It is a .312 bullet with flat base and most of weight toward the back.  The Nosler is a longer bullet with a sharp ogive giving a cylindrical shape.  My thought is that the Nosler would stabilize with more bearing surface. 

The Hornady would kill a deer I am sure, but really I want to try it to see if it works.  I just don't know about the pressure curve.

[steve4102]

  Load data is not a "Recipe" and should not be treated as such.  To do so one would need the same bullet, powder, primer, brass and the same lot #s as well.  One would also need to have the same tempurature, altitude, etc.etc.  You would also need to have the exact same rifle or test barrel.  Not one just like it, the same one.  As we all know this is impossible.  Load data is mearly a guidline.  The only way to know if a load is safe is to "Start Low and Work Up, Looking for Signs Of High Pressure Along The Way".

  That said, I have loaded just about every bullet you can think of in my 7.62x39.  I have loaded the 150gr BTs and have found them to be very accurate and a great choice for deer sized game.   Faster powders like AA1680 and the 4198's will give you little or no compression with the long BT.  Me, I like 28.5gr of H322 behind 150 BT's.  It is a compressed load, but I like em compressed.

[bluebayou]

Thanks for the input there, Steve.  I am undecided about trying it.  I have some 150's for free, but am anxious about trying them.  The 125's are only $12 or so and seem safer. 

Who am I kidding?  I will try the 150's sooner or later.  I will see what the case capacity is with the 150 seated and make a decision then.