7.62x54R Handi Conversion?

[LedLobber]

My Father in Law recently gave me a Mosin Nagant M44 in 7.62x54R. I haven't shot it yet, but was looking at the round itself today. A rimmed, heavy tapered case that looks like it would make an Awesome round to plug into a Handi Rifle, ESPECIALLY for a reloader. Or, I should say, someone willing to pay for Norma or Lapua brass in this caliber..... I would, but I am special like that. 


Anyway, anyone ever thought of doing this conversion? If done on a .308 barrel,  you could utilize .308 diameter Boolits instead of the .311 diameter that all the Surplus rifles require..... Just a thought I guess. Been looking for more RIMMED rounds to stick in a Handi Rifle. Do you Think the 7.62x54R would be a good one??? 


7.62x54R on the Left, .308 Winchester on the Right for Comparison.

[goofyoldfart]

LedLobber: I personally have no good Idea if it would or wouldn't. but like you I'm wondering that also. I'm partial to the M-N's and the caliber. been wanting to do this myself. I'm wondering if the taper of the 7.62X54 would clean up the 7.62X51 chamber. If not, I'm sure it could be done with a 30 cal blank and stubbed. that's what I've thought about. didn't even think of the 308. I'll be watching this thread because if it can be done----I WANT ONE,TOO.  God Bless to you and yours.   

                                Goofyoldfart.

[gendoc]

my son and i have done 2... extractor needs mod'n or a larger replacement.
so far they have shown to be promising. my out-law daughter (in-law) took outta doe with her's right before the season ended. still fumblin with custom handloads for them.... we won't quit
til there touch'n @ 100..... we get'n close

[moorepower]

You could start with a .30-30. You can also buy Privi brass which is quit a bit cheaper. I would think that some dies come with both expanders, as the Finn MN's were .308 barrels.

[trotterlg]

Lee dies come from the factory with a .308 expander ball, if you want the .311 you have to order one for a 303 british.  Finding a reamer with a .308 pilot could be the trick.  Larry

[quickdtoo]

A floating pilot reamer would be the answer, just have them swap the pilot out for a .300" before they send it, dunno what 4D has, they don't say what it is, but Elk Ridge has em.

Tim

[keith44]

This round has potential in the handi for sure.  Has anyone given any thought to a 7.62x54 AI ?  To blow out the taper, and either lower the pressures, or increase the velocities.

[Catshooter45]

Wanted one for years.  Thought that the 7.62 x 39 would make a great conversion, but they're pricey and hard to find.
 
With that lovely long neck they'd be a great round for cast bullets.
 
 
Cat

[LedLobber]

my son and i have done 2... extractor needs mod'n or a larger replacement.
so far they have shown to be promising. my out-law daughter (in-law) took outta doe with her's right before the season ended. still fumblin with custom handloads for them.... we won't quit
til there touch'n @ 100..... we get'n close

That is AWESOME to hear! What barrel did you start out with? .308, or .30-30? I know someone else hear said ream a .30-30, which would work even better for me cause I could get the open sights also. AND, what Boolits have you tried thus far? I think I would be trying to stick with the 150 grainers, but would Love to hear what you've launched! Thanks for the replies y'all! Some GREAT info!!!!

[LedLobber]

This round has potential in the handi for sure.  Has anyone given any thought to a 7.62x54 AI ?  To blow out the taper, and either lower the pressures, or increase the velocities.

Oooohhh... That sounds Very Interesting too! I may have to look into doing that to my M44, if not a Handi also. 

[gendoc]

my son and i have done 2... extractor needs mod'n or a larger replacement.
so far they have shown to be promising. my out-law daughter (in-law) took outta doe with her's right before the season ended. still fumblin with custom handloads for them.... we won't quit
til there touch'n @ 100..... we get'n close

That is AWESOME to hear! What barrel did you start out with? .308, or .30-30? I know someone else hear said ream a .30-30, which would work even better for me cause I could get the open sights also. AND, what Boolits have you tried thus far? I think I would be trying to stick with the 150 grainers, but would Love to hear what you've launched! Thanks for the replies y'all! Some GREAT info!!!!

 
1st one was done from a 7.62x39 barrel with a .30944 bore using .308 bullets.
in its previous life it was not as accurate as my .30925 "39" with .308 bullets
thats why it became a "54r" with much better control  
and to some.... its not because its rimmed now either !!!!   so no BS needed
 
2nd was done by my son.......it started life asa .308 i think !!
there ain't know tell'n from J2, he isa usmc armorer and makes things from nuthin
that will kill........  
 
we shoot 165gr nosler bt's in both

 
 

[moorepower]

As is, with the right bullet it will kill anything on the planet, esp. north of the equator.

[wyb]

I've been pondering these possibilities, too.  I know it wouldn't be a problem in a Handi, but how close to P. O.'s ideal do you think you could get, before having feed issues in a 100 year old military rifle? 
 
Matt

[northkid]

Checking out the reamers and head space gages now.

[siamese4570]

I'm sure that this has probably been done, but what about a 35 caliber wildcat based on the 7.2 x 54r.   Performance between a 358 win and 35 whelen.  As long as you were doing a wildcat, you could knock some of the taper out of it.
 
siamese4570

[nicholst55]

I'm sure that this has probably been done, but what about a 35 caliber wildcat based on the 7.2 x 54r.   Performance between a 358 win and 35 whelen.  As long as you were doing a wildcat, you could knock some of the taper out of it.
 
siamese4570

The Russians (and maybe Finns, too) use a 9X54R cartridge which, as I understand it, is just the 7.62X54R expanded to .358".  I would expect ballistics somewhere between the .358 Winchester and .35 Whelen with that cartridge.  The killer would be the cost of dies and a reamer, all to essentially duplicate what you already have with the .35 Whelen, only on brass that is less readily available.

[keith44]

I'm sure that this has probably been done, but what about a 35 caliber wildcat based on the 7.2 x 54r.   Performance between a 358 win and 35 whelen.  As long as you were doing a wildcat, you could knock some of the taper out of it.
 
siamese4570

The Russians (and maybe Finns, too) use a 9X54R cartridge which, as I understand it, is just the 7.62X54R expanded to .358".  I would expect ballistics somewhere between the .358 Winchester and .35 Whelen with that cartridge.  The killer would be the cost of dies and a reamer, all to essentially duplicate what you already have with the .35 Whelen, only on brass that is less readily available.

but it would have a rim so those who oppose rimmed cartridges could have their whelen and their rim too   

[goofyoldfart]

 Thinkin' again, you could do the same with the 30/40 Krag or the 303 Brit. and at the same time do it as an "AI". Gets one juices going. yea buddy.   God Bless to all.



                                                   Goofy

[Dinny]

There are a whole slough of rimmed 30cal cartridges that are well-suited for the Handi. A 30-30 or 7.62x39 barrel would be a optimal platform to start with. If H&R sells the 300 AAC BO, then one smaller will be available. It has been rumored to be 1:8" twist too. If I desired another rimmed 30cal, you can bet it will be a .307 Win.  

http://4-dproducts.com/submenu/Singleshot_Chambers.htm


http://stevespages.com/page8d.htm



Thanks, Dinny