308 bullets in 7.62 X 39 test

[joshb]

I tested some Sierra 125s in a WIndham AR in 7.62x39 because I have a ton of them and couldn’t find the .311s. The info from the net was sketchy, so I figured I’d do my own test. Shot at 50 yards with a 5 power scope off a front rest, no bag. The unmarked group is steel case Wolf. I stopped at 24 grains of H4198 because the primers looked a little flattened. No keyholing!
This is just a blaster so I’m not chasing tiny groups. I have 500 brass cases to load. Feeding and operation was great thru all loads. The gun had a few hiccups with the first 50 rounds of steel case ammo so I wanted brass. I may get a new trigger. The factory trigger is pretty bad.

 

[AckleymanII]

I had a Ruger 77 in 7.62x39, and I shot 150g .312 bullets, accuracy was great. I killed two does one day at 200 yards, they flopped on the spot.

I also shot some 125g Sierra's, they shot great, never killed anything with them.

 

[hoz53]

I tested some Sierra 125s in a WIndham AR in 7.62x39 because I have a ton of them. The info from the net was sketchy, so I figured I’d do my own test. Shot at 50 yards with a 5 power scope off a front rest, no bag. The unmarked group is steel case Wolf. I stopped at 24 grains of H4198 because the primers looked a little flattened.
This is just a blaster so I’m not chasing tiny groups. I have 500 brass cases to load. Feeding and operation was great thru all loads. The gun had a few hiccups with the first 50 rounds of steel case ammo so I wanted brass. I may get a new trigger. The factory trigger is pretty bad.View attachment 1316218
View attachment 1316217

the wolf loads are prob .311 or .312 bullet but the sierras are .308s and the gun prob has a .308 bore ?? looks plenty good for a blaster-— what brand cases do you have to load? — also do you have a progressive youre using?? Mite need to get one or two

 

[joshb]

the wolf loads are prob .311 or .312 bullet but the sierras are .308s and the gun prob has a .308 bore ??

I tried to research the bore size of the rifle and came up empty. I thought of doing a slug of the barrel but figured I’d just do a test to see if the 308s worked.

Add to your add: I bought some range brass. About half is Winchester, then some PMC and RP. I did find 100 or so K P marked cases. Internet lore says they’re made by Lapua. I keep those separated. I have 2 progressives in the shop. My old Rockchucker is set up in my office, which keeps me closer to the wifey, so I load there. I bought a nice old Pro 2000 just as things went downhill. I couldn’t find any primer strips for it.

 

[hoz53]

I tried to research the bore size of the rifle and came up empty. I thought of doing a slug of the barrel but figured I’d just do a test to see if the 308s worked.

looks like it worked

 

[6bra1k]

in all probability it is a 308 bore
check the bullet dia spec on 308 win 306-309
i have shot 308 in known 310 bore not an issue

 

[RegionRat]

If you come across some CFE Black, it works well in 7.62x39.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

If you come across some CFE Black, it works well in 7.62x39.

and so does W296.

 

[TheCZKid]

If you come across some CFE Black, it works well in 7.62x39.

I built an AR with a Bear Creek 7.62x39 barrel, and they said the bore was .310. You should just call Windham Weaponry and ask them, they should tell you.
I had a hard time finding anyone at Bear Creek that knew, I'm not overly impressed with them for quality control. But I've got a WW in .223 and it's made well. Made in the same plant that Bushmaster used to be made in, same people doing the work too.

Accurate 1680 did pretty good for me at 26 grains with Nos. Varm 123, (and CFE BLK second best).
H4198 was Nosler's best load for accuracy, but I never had any to try.
Nosler Varmageddon 123 grain are pretty nice bullets, .310 diameter. In stock on MidwayUSA currently.
Sierra Pro-Hunter 125 is .311 diameter is 7.7 Japanese, or 303 caliber, or .311 diameter
And last, Speer Gold Dot 123 SP 7.62x39 bullet is .310

 

[CJ6]

For plinking or just putzin around try some Hornady .309 dia XTP's 90 grainers with Accurate #9

 

[GLShooter]

Looks pretty decent. I'd probably reshoot the test for confirmation of consistency. Sometimes for me one and done has been less than ideal..(VBG]

Greg

 

[joshb]

Looks pretty decent. I'd probably reshoot the test for confirmation of consistency. Sometimes for me one and done has been less than ideal..(VBG]

Greg

Yup, I’m going to mount a spare Weaver T36 on it and redo it at 100 with an elevated rear bag. I can’t seem to loosen my accuracy OCD.

 

[PracticalTactical]

I once had an Israeli Mauser that shot real badly with 308 bullets, so I started using projectiles for 7.62x39 to get a better fit. Suddenly it became a solid one MOA rifle.

 

[joshb]

I once had an Israeli Mauser that shot real badly with 308 bullets, so I started using projectiles for 7.62x39 to get a better fit. Suddenly it became a solid one MOA rifle.

Thanks for all the bullet suggestions but as I mentioned in the first post, I have a lot of the Sierra 125s. About 4 thousand a lot. I’m going to get this blaster to shoot as best as it will do with them and leave it at that. The test was to see if they worked and it seems they do. I’ll be taking it to 100 to confirm.

 

[GLShooter]

Yup, I’m going to mount a spare Weaver T36 on it and redo it at 100 with an elevated rear bag. I can’t seem to loosen my accuracy OCD.

I do all my initial testing with big X scopes. Everything from 24 to 32 get the nod.

Greg