7.62x54R Load using IMR 4320

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deerwhacker444

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I'm doing a bit of reloading and I'm having a hard time finding info using the components I want to use.

I'm loading for the 7.62x54R using:

new PVRI cases
WLR primers
IMR 4320 powder
Barnes TSX 150gr. .311 bullets
with a COL of 2.990"

I tried this combo with 48.0 gr. of powder and didn't quite get the velocity I was looking for, but accuracy was good. I've tried to piece together some information from the web like handloads.com, Steve's pages and such.

I'd like to try something like 49.5 gr. of IMR 4320 and see what I get but I cannot find any published data. I did find a person who's favorite load using a 150gr. bullet was 49.0 gr. of 4320. Steve's pages says I can max out at 51.0 gr., but that's for a .310 dia. bullet.

Anybody have any thoughts..?
 

Furious_George

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No load data in my Lymans 48th but that does seem like it'd be really close to the max powder charge. 4320's load capacities in similar cartridges are very close to Varget's suggested start and max loads. The max load for Varget in 7.62x54R is 48gn for that bullet. What velocity are you getting?
 

sabot_round

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Did you know that the 7.62x54 Russian is actually .308? Here is what I have from Hornady: IMR 4320 - Min 38.0gr @2300fps - Max 45.4gr @2700fps.

For more info click HERE.

I hope that this info helps you out.

Sam

ETA: Save those bullets for a 303 Enfield.
 

sabot_round

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The Sierra manual: .308 with IMR 4320 - Min 45.7gr @ 2500fps - Max50.3gr @ 2800fps

Lyman bullets: .308 with IMR 4320 - Min 46gr @ 2518 - Max 51gr @ 2849fps.

All are 150gr bullets.

You might want to check your grove diameter. Depending on wear, if your grove diameter is .310 or less you should use .308 bullets. If the diameter is greater than .310 I suggest that you go with .311. Just my $0.02!!!
 

deerwhacker444

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The Sierra manual: .308 with IMR 4320 - Min 45.7gr @ 2500fps - Max50.3gr @ 2800fps

Lyman bullets: .308 with IMR 4320 - Min 46gr @ 2518 - Max 51gr @ 2849fps.

All are 150gr bullets.

You might want to check your grove diameter. Depending on wear, if your grove diameter is .310 or less you should use .308 bullets. If the diameter is greater than .310 I suggest that you go with .311. Just my $0.02!!!


Using 48.0 gr. of IMR 4320 gives:

AVG: 2729 fps
ES: 61 fps
SD: 27.06 fps

I have slugged the bore and it runs from .311 to .312, that's why I'm using the .311 bullets.

It shoots great with 48 gr. but I was trying to pump the velocity up a bit but I didn't know where the max was.

Steve's Pages lists the top end for 4320 at 51.0 gr. but that's with a .310 bullet. I'm using .311.

IMR's website doesn't list and IMR powder for 150 grainers,..I checked that initially.

Thanks for the replies....
 

sabot_round

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Using 48.0 gr. of IMR 4320 gives:

AVG: 2729 fps
ES: 61 fps
SD: 27.06 fps

I have slugged the bore and it runs from .311 to .312, that's why I'm using the .311 bullets.

It shoots great with 48 gr. but I was trying to pump the velocity up a bit but I didn't know where the max was.

Steve's Pages lists the top end for 4320 at 51.0 gr. but that's with a .310 bullet. I'm using .311.

IMR's website doesn't list and IMR powder for 150 grainers,..I checked that initially.

Thanks for the replies....

Just check for signs of preassure. If the primer's flattened, your load might be a little too hot. If your primer comes off, your load load is definately too hot, and might have damaged your action. (Check the sprins for burns and tears) Separation of head might occur if you're loading too hot also.
 

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