PPU matchline ammo 7.62x54

[Dumpstick]

Target #2 was a .308 and target #3 was pulled factory bullets that were .311 but only at the base of the bullet. They are also hollow base bullets. The 168s actually grouped a little better. Decisions, decisions. I think further testing is needed before I make up my mind but I think both grouped well even though they were different weights and diameters. I have been reading about it and most would do what you recommend as long as pressures do not go to high which they shouldn't with the charge I was shooting. Thanks for the tip.

Look at the top of your barrel/receiver, just ahead of the loading port, where all the rest of the markings are. Look for a 'D' mark.
That would show the rifle is compatible with the larger diameter Russian ammo. The Finn's wanted to make certain they could shoot captured ammo.
I don't trust calipers for accurate diameter measurements, a micrometer is better, but one uses what one has.
As a rule, these Mosins seem to prefer heavier projectiles, I'm looking for a 200gr mould for mine. If the 185s you have are the 308 dia, and hollow base, go with them.

 

[Dumpstick]

@dlbleak

You need data for the 4227 ? I've considered trying it myself.

 

[OKBPS]

Look at the top of your barrel/receiver, just ahead of the loading port, where all the rest of the markings are. Look for a 'D' mark.
That would show the rifle is compatible with the larger diameter Russian ammo. The Finn's wanted to make certain they could shoot captured ammo.
I don't trust calipers for accurate diameter measurements, a micrometer is better, but one uses what one has.
As a rule, these Mosins seem to prefer heavier projectiles, I'm looking for a 200gr mould for mine. If the 185s you have are the 308 dia, and hollow base, go with them.

It is a "D" barrel.

 

[Dumpstick]

It is a "D" barrel.

I think the 308 is too small.

But, not my circus, not my monkey.

 

[swampratt]

When I have a big bore and want to shoot cast using a softer alloy to allow the bullet to bump up quicker has resulted in best accuracy.
Another thing is the old 30-30 bullets.. many of those had thinner jackets to get them to expand at slower velocities.
2400 powder in my 30-30 was not a hit I went to Varget or H4350 for cast loads.
But that was 1800-1900 fps.

I also found many groups had fliers.. some looked like shotgun patterns.
Traced that to neck thickness variation. I turned all necks to .010" and groups got really tight.

I found later on with cast loads in my other rifles neck turning to .012" resulted in better groups.
This is 50-100 yard shooting.
2400 I save for the 357 Magnum.
A very favorite cast bullet powder for me is Red Dot.
My 30-06 loves 11.5gr of the stuff and 170gr lee cast and gas checked bullet 1400fps.

I assume these loads you are working up are for 100 yard competition.
I may one day have a military weapon to play in that arena.

 

[dlbleak]

Correct SR, these are reduced loads for the military matches. I bought the above mentioned powders for reduced loads. Just found the 2400 load to work so well that I never explored the others.

 

[dlbleak]

Lyman#4 shows 5744 starting at 21.5 grains with the Lee C312-185, at 1611 fps from an M39. I think it goes to 30 grains? I've got some Buffalo Rifle, which is supposed to be the original Accurate 5744, but I haven't tried it yet. I know Ron Doggett is shooting it, or at least was.

I've also shot 4198, at 24 grains with the NOE 316299 clone, at 210+ grains weight.
Mostly I shoot the 2400 load because I have a bunch of it.

ETA: I've never used 4759

I wonder what Rons 5744 load is?

 

[OKBPS]

When I have a big bore and want to shoot cast using a softer alloy to allow the bullet to bump up quicker has resulted in best accuracy.
Another thing is the old 30-30 bullets.. many of those had thinner jackets to get them to expand at slower velocities.
2400 powder in my 30-30 was not a hit I went to Varget or H4350 for cast loads.
But that was 1800-1900 fps.

I also found many groups had fliers.. some looked like shotgun patterns.
Traced that to neck thickness variation. I turned all necks to .010" and groups got really tight.

I found later on with cast loads in my other rifles neck turning to .012" resulted in better groups.
This is 50-100 yard shooting.
2400 I save for the 357 Magnum.
A very favorite cast bullet powder for me is Red Dot.
My 30-06 loves 11.5gr of the stuff and 170gr lee cast and gas checked bullet 1400fps.

I assume these loads you are working up are for 100 yard competition.
I may one day have a military weapon to play in that arena.

Yes. I have an M91 that I just bought and it will be at used at 100yds. I might keep working on the load at 50yds until I have it where I like it and then move to 100yds. That will help keep the jerk behind the trigger to a minimum. I shot three different loads at 50yds and was happy with the group just not necessarily the POI. That will be worked on once I determine which load I will use. I will not use the factory bullet with the powder charge I have chosen since I do not know what bullet it is and where to get it. I might look to see if there is something compatible out there. What I am getting here is a lot of good information to use down the road once I start to fine tune my group and get my POI figured out.

What did you think of the crown pic I posted?

 

[OKBPS]

I wonder what Rons 5744 load is?

Here is a clue.
Case- Lapua---- Primer- Fed 210---- Bullet- Sierra 174HPBT Match-----Powder- Accurate Arms 5744-- Weight 25.0grs --submitted by Ron D.

http://www.military.okcgunclub.org/mb/7.62x54.html

 

[Dumpstick]

A very favorite cast bullet powder for me is Red Dot.
My 30-06 loves 11.5gr of the stuff and 170gr lee cast and gas checked bullet 1400fps.

I gotta try some in my M39. I'm sitting on many pounds of Promo.

I'm going to try that same load with a 185gr Lee. I always thought 14gr was too hot (The Load).