Neon F:
I use Hodgdon 4895 powder on a 7.62x39 load with a 125 grain Remington SP, winchester brass, winchester Large Rifle Primer. I don't use the IMR.
For H-4895, I have found 28.7grains (max load from MFg is 29.0 grains) of H-4895 powder to reliaby cycle the SKS that I have.
What I found is that loads below 28.0 grains didn't reliable cycle the SKS. I also found that the brass was mostly full of powder, not a compressed load, but almost!
I would concur that other powders are better, but the Hodgdon 4895 works well enough for me.
I used H-4895 because I had it for my 30-30 and 30-06. I also tried Alliant 2400 in my 7.62x39, but couldn't get reliable cycling without exceeding the manufacturer's recommended max powder setting.
You might try Steve's Page to see what he says he has tried. He has some extensive SKS loading info. Becareful and always watch for signs of overpressure in your load work-up.
Eroyd;
I also use the cheap ammo when I just want to plink or shoot at the range or loan the rifle to one of my sons. However, I also purchased the rifle so that they could go deer hunting with it. That is why I handload. With the handloads, I get better accuracy, because I tuned the load to the rifle and I have a "better" quality hunting bullet in 0.310 diameter than most of the cheap commercial ammo. Prior to handloading, I would buy Federal hunting ammo, which was pretty expensive and not as accurate as the stuff I handload. Handloading is not always about price, it can be about accuracy or being able to use a better hunting bullet. Good luck and enjoy you SKS.
