Help with 7.62x39 load

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thaHooligan

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I have some Hornady 110gr vmax projectiles that I want to load up, but I do not have any of the 4 powders listed in the Hornady book. I do have some Reloader 7, Accurate 2015 and H322, all of which are listed in the book for the next bullet which is the 123 gr SST and Interlock SP. So I'm wondering if I could use one of the 3 powders that I have listed above, and if so, I wonder where I should start?

The only thing somewhat close that I could find online was a load for some 108 gr Barnes Reduced Ricochet Limited Penetration bullets and it shows H322 min 25.7, mid 27.1 and max 28.5 grain.

sooo.....I'm thinking maybe I go with the H322 at 26 or 26.5 gr to start....what do you all think???
 

thaHooligan

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Does handloads.com have anything?
I'll have to check. I went ahead and loaded 4 rounds, the 5th got some damage to the neck when loading, so I only shot 4. I did 26gr of H322 and average speeds was 2135 and 1 7/8" group. Not a good group, but I feel like I can probably go a little higher with the powder to get closer to 2400ish fps....thoughts?

Also, it seems that handloads.c0m is no longer a working site.
 
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rickm

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my Lee book shows a 110 gr bullet with Reloader 7 starting at 26.5 for 2330 fps and max at 26.5 gr for 2330.
And A-XMR 2015 starting 25.7 for 1998 , max 28.5c for 2271.
Doesnt show anything with H 322 til you get to a 125 gr bullet
 

diggler1833

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Chances are that those powders are a liiiiitle too fast (burning) for optimal performance in your cartridge and bullet weight. They'll still work, but you'll most likely run into pressure before you get to the velocity you'll be really happy with.

I have extremely limited experience with the 7.62x39, and I don't reload for either of my SKS's.

However, when I'm in "uncharted" load development territory, I'll determine a moderately conservative starting point like you were thinking...then I'll load up and shoot cartridges in increasing .2gr increments until I hit an obvious pressure sign. From there, I'll back it off a half grain and consider that my max.

It may cost you 15 rounds' worth of components to determine whatever that point is, but it'll prevent you from hammering your brass (or rifle).
 

thaHooligan

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my Lee book shows a 110 gr bullet with Reloader 7 starting at 26.5 for 2330 fps and max at 26.5 gr for 2330.
And A-XMR 2015 starting 25.7 for 1998 , max 28.5c for 2271.
Doesnt show anything with H 322 til you get to a 125 gr bullet

Chances are that those powders are a liiiiitle too fast (burning) for optimal performance in your cartridge and bullet weight. They'll still work, but you'll most likely run into pressure before you get to the velocity you'll be really happy with.

I have extremely limited experience with the 7.62x39, and I don't reload for either of my SKS's.

However, when I'm in "uncharted" load development territory, I'll determine a moderately conservative starting point like you were thinking...then I'll load up and shoot cartridges in increasing .2gr increments until I hit an obvious pressure sign. From there, I'll back it off a half grain and consider that my max.

It may cost you 15 rounds' worth of components to determine whatever that point is, but it'll prevent you from hammering your brass (or rifle).
Ahh ok, rickm is that a typo with the starting load and max load, they are both the same at 26.5. I will try the Reloader 7 and see how that does and then work my way up as diggler said. Thanks for the help, I appreciate it!
 

rickm

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Ahh ok, rickm is that a typo with the starting load and max load, they are both the same at 26.5. I will try the Reloader 7 and see how that does and then work my way up as diggler said. Thanks for the help, I appreciate it!
Nope not on my end i had to look at it twice to make sure now it might be a typo on Lees part dont know
 

358norma

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From Hodgden website, looks like you are on the right track, may be a little hot on the start.

BULLET: 108 GR. BAR RRLP FB .310"
CASE: MIDWAY
PRIMER: CCI 200, LARGE RIFLE

Hodgdon H322
2.210 COL
Starting: 25.7gr 1,974 FPS 34,500 CUP
Max: 28.5gr 2,199 FPS 41,200 CUP

H322 works pretty good in 7.62x39, I've loaded and shot several hundred with 322, but save my 322 more for my 222 and 223 because it shoots little bitty groups in those. I use more AA1680 in 7.62x39.
 

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