Does anyone think you could make a bolt gun in 7.62x39mm /accurate

[jonbearman]

I am building a savage long action that was originally .223.It will be wearing a mcgowen barrel with a 1 in10 twist,.310 bore lv barrel. Do you think that using other than factory,handloads ,that you could make at least a 1 moa gun out of it.I am doing this for my girlfiend who is way recoil shy.She shot an ak awhile back and proclaimed it comfy and tolerable. Any positive or negative thoughts would be recieved with an open mind.The reason I really chose this project was the supply of factory fodder I have. Thanks in advance for your thoughts in advance and wayne,dont tie me to the stake and whip me for trying this,LOL

 

[357Mag]

Jon -

Howdy !

IMHO: Sure... an accurate bolt 7.62X39 could be assembled.... assuming good sub-components,
good machining practices; and adoption of proven accuracy rifle features.

I would say that better/best chance for 1moa or.... < 1moa groups woulc come with use of good handloads.

In-addition,you could tweak the recoil level by assembling the cartridges yourself.

With regards,
357Mag

 

[jsn]

The only questions I would have are about the ammo and the bore diameter. Most of the 1990's ammo I dealt with was garbage if it came from former comm-bloc countries or China. Bullet diameters were all over the place, from .306 to .309 on measured pulled bullets. I never knew of a .310 bullet from Russia or China. Accuracy in a .312/.313 bore was 5-6 MOA.

A .308 bore would give you better options on reloading, including 150gr bullets. but ultimately that would depend on what the gun will be used for. Horn/Rem/Win/Speer make .310-1 bullets in the 125gr range, I assume Rem/Win use these same bullets for the loaded ammo. Federal, not sure. I would pass on PMC if given the choice.

Ae you sure about the bullet diameter of the ammo you have?

 

[Fordnutter]

Lapua brass, A reamer ground for this brass, 308 bore barrel - I don't see any reason why not. Given some thought I don't see why you couldn't expect sub 1/2 moa given that the case is very, very similar to the 6PPC.

 

[navyrad8r]

Hey Jon,
haven't been on the forum in awhile, remember those Lapua D46s are slightly oversized, i got plenty of them, put some 4064 or RL15 and that should make them comfy for the lady friend plus you already got them to shoot bugholes out of the .308 right? seems like an ez project. a well shaped stock with good ergonomics should make it even more comfy. give me a shout if you get the project rollin we can send some more stuf to each other. maybe going to something like TAC or VV540 would be the ticket because of decreased case capacity compared to the .308?? as always,
Cheers
doc

 

[H2OBUG]

I was going to keep quiet but I can not stand it-- I have several friends with Encore barrels (.308 bore 12" twist) that use good not great brass-- fireform and reload with a 125 NBT or the like and get sub 1" @ 100 with no problem

I would use a 12" twist 308 bore barrel and reload staring with new brass

I think you will be very happy

 

[finnwerke757]

Ive got a buddy of mine who has one of the Mini-Mark X actions of yesteryear. He barreled it in 7.62x39 w/ a .308 bore. The lil rifle shoots awesome. He uses 125 gr BT's and also used some of the Sierra 135gr Single Shot Pistol bullets. Excellent lil woods rifle.

 

[FilippoMo]

I remeber that one record of the CBA in the two was fired with this cartridge
sincerely
Filippo

 

[jerrschmitt]

Been there, Done that. I had a 700 Remington trued action mated to a Douglas premium barrel in 308. I hand loaded Remington cases with 26 / 4198, Hornady 308 dia, 130 grain bullets #3021 and CCI standard primers. That bullet was made for the 30 Harrett as I understand it so it performs well at lower velocities. The rifle never shot a group over 1 moa. My problem with it was that it didn't preform well for me on deer. A friend has the same rifle and loves it for deer hunting. I played with it for a couple of years and then had it rebarreled for 6 BR. I still have the barre sitting here if anyone wants it.

 

[wapiti25]

I think the ammo will be the big factor in accuracy. Why not a 223 or 30 BR? If you are willing to reload I would go with a .308 bore barrel but the rifle needs to be controlled so some one does not put ammo with .310 bullets in it. That is the reason for the 30 BR suggestion. Will the rifle be used for target or hunting deer? For hunting a 7mm TCU (7x223 improved) or 7mm BR will be a choice for deer sized game at close range (200 yds or less) both have been used a lot for silhouette.

 

[lmorrison17]

Been there, Done that. I had a 700 Remington trued action mated to a Douglas premium barrel in 308. I hand loaded Remington cases with 26 / 4198, Hornady 308 dia, 130 grain bullets #3021 and CCI standard primers. That bullet was made for the 30 Harrett as I understand it so it performs well at lower velocities. The rifle never shot a group over 1 moa. My problem with it was that it didn't preform well for me on deer. A friend has the same rifle and loves it for deer hunting. I played with it for a couple of years and then had it rebarreled for 6 BR. I still have the barre sitting here if anyone wants it.

What do want for the barrel?
Larry

 

[davemastrianna]

Like was said above. Use quality componets and you will have a sub MOA gun. I have a old 20" Ruger M77 that shoots Nosler 125 BT @ 2450 w/aa1680 or H4198. I think it is great deer rifle.

 

[highmaster82]

if you are going to reload anyhow why not use a 308 and reload useing 30-30 load data. i run loads i can shoot indoors to loads for 1k depends on which power and which bullet. BD

 

[AusFclass]

couldn't you just use a reduced .308 load?? cheap components excellent accuracy. also she could practice with reduced loads and shoot game with full loads if you wanted. when the adreneline is pumping she might not notice the difference.

 

[bozo699]

I am building a savage long action that was originally .223.It will be wearing a mcgowen barrel with a 1 in10 twist,.310 bore lv barrel. Do you think that using other than factory,handloads ,that you could make at least a 1 moa gun out of it.I am doing this for my girlfiend who is way recoil shy.She shot an ak awhile back and proclaimed it comfy and tolerable. Any positive or negative thoughts would be recieved with an open mind.The reason I really chose this project was the supply of factory fodder I have. Thanks in advance for your thoughts in advance and wayne,dont tie me to the stake and whip me for trying this,LOL

Jon,
What kind of a idi** dumb blankety blank would consider a 7.62X39 for a ,...................................LOL just kidding Jon, I have seen it done and yes they can be accurate, I am sure glad I caught the last part of your op
Wayne.

 

[jerrschmitt]

Been there, Done that. I had a 700 Remington trued action mated to a Douglas premium barrel in 308. I hand loaded Remington cases with 26 / 4198, Hornady 308 dia, 130 grain bullets #3021 and CCI standard primers. That bullet was made for the 30 Harrett as I understand it so it performs well at lower velocities. The rifle never shot a group over 1 moa. My problem with it was that it didn't preform well for me on deer. A friend has the same rifle and loves it for deer hunting. I played with it for a couple of years and then had it rebarreled for 6 BR. I still have the barre sitting here if anyone wants it.

What do want for the barrel?
Larry

Can't figure out how send a private message so I'll post it here. How about $75.00 shipped in the US.

 

[lmorrison17]

Let me get back to you.
Larry

 

[johara1]

I think i would build a 30 BR and you know it would shoot tiny holes and the barrel would last forever in a hunting gun......jim

 

[GaCop]

I had a 98 Mauser barreled with an Adams & Bennett barrel (.308). I used Hornady dies with a 308 expander and was able to get 1" groups at 100 yards using a 130 grain Hornady and dropped deer out to 125 yards w/o a problem. I let a friend talk me out of that rifle and I've regreted it ever since.

 

[jonbearman]

The gun is partially built and wont be building it in any different caliber unless I buy another barrel in the near future.I just wanted to have fun with it and shoot a bunch of rounds with her to get her used to a little recoil above 22 rimfire.I was hoping to get imfo on loads and some encouragement.Some of you did and some didnt encourage me but thats ok.Now how about load development,and your favorite bullets and powder. Thanks for your help.