7.62x39 reloading for accuracy

[carl1575]

I have CZ 7.62x39 carbine,had it 6or 7 years. I have only shot wolf/bear amo in it,2 to2.5 groups 4 power scope. 18.5 barrel 1:12 twist. then some lapua brass was for sail on this site,kind of like a silver saddle on a donkey,but what the heck-new project. with all the knowledge on this site some one must have tried this combo once. not being one to reinvent the wheel,would you start. by the way, I am 73,had this computer 6 mo. didnt think I would ever learn how to use it,little by little I am learning,thanks carlf

 

[Larryh128]

What you need to know is that they make 2 different barrel diameters for the 7.62x39. MOST are.310 but there are some that are .308. Check to see what you have before you start reloading for it. Most dies will have both size expander balls. It can be a very accurate round. I shoot .308 diameter bullets thru my .310 barrel with good results. Obviously, you don't want to shoot .310 diameter bullets thru a .308 barrel as it will spike your pressures. I will check my loading data & give you a good load when I get a chance.

 

[Laurie]

Being a CZ, it should have a proper 0.310" barrel. CZ sticks very closely to CIP specifications. My Cz527 Carbine was definitely the larger bore / groove dia. when I had one some years back. (Nice little plinking / small game rifle - economical and light recoil.)

Lapua's 123gn FMJ shot well from this rifle. I'll have a look at my handloading records and advise what worked for me. With this rifle, you don't exactly see bench rest competitive group sizes, but under 1-MOA is doable. I seem to remember that large MV spreads was an issue especially with Hodgdon H335, but using the Lee Factory Crimp die made a huge reduction and also tightened 100yd groups up a bit. It's about the only cartridge where I'd recommend a crimp for accuracy improvement.

 

[jonbearman]

I shoot a svage I built with a mcgowen barrel,.310 bore ising the sierra 125 grain pro hunters,h322 powder using 28.0 grains in my rifle(I would back down and work up) shoots a clean .285 now at 200 yds.It is incredible that this cartridge works so well.I built it on an older long action that was originally a .223(has a short mag box) It feeds well and is pleasant to shoot.I only wish there were match bullets.

 

[Larryh128]

I looked up a couple of loads for you. H4198 seems to be the best powder that I've tryed & I tryed a bunch. My favorite load to date is 25 grs 4198, CCI BR-2 primer & either a 110 gr V-max for varmint & target or 110 gr Barnes TTSX for deer. Both are .308 bullets but my .310 barrel doesn't care. Both are very much sub minute loads. I have also played with the same charge & 125gr ballistic tips. Also not bad but a slower load. There is a very limited amount of decent .310 bullets available and most are 123grs. Welcome to the computer world, you'll enjoy it.

 

[carl1575]

thanks for all the good info, it gives me a place to start. I do remember reading about the 308/310 thing, I did forget about it thanks for jogging my memorie carlf larry I am going to try that load tonight I have the powder and bullet.thanks carlf