7.62x39mm Cast Bullet Load

[CDM5]

I'm considering making up some light gallery loads for a straight pull AKM suitable for a 25m range which is restricted to factory .44mag power.

Will likely use Trailboss or TinStar unless you can recommend another suitable powder?

And a hardcast .311 170gr bullet to keep it subsonic, or would 170gr be too long?

Would appreciate any input from anyone who down-loads for rifle calibres.

Thanks.

[WelshShooter]

Whilst I have no experience of this, I think I remember this being discussed on here before. Have you tried doing a search? Try doing one including posts by the user "alpha1" as I believe it was him who was doing it.

[Sim G]

Can't get Trailboss since June 2018. Banned.

Tinstar is a great alternative.

[Alpha1]

I use N110 or Bullseye.
I use a custom 161-grain NOE mold with 3.2grains of bullseye or N110 at 25 yards indoors. I have also used 155 grain bullets and some by Dodgy rog. I have never used a 170grain bullet so can not comment on that.
You need to be using fast pistol powders.
Adam (Dromia) has lots of experience with this type of shooting/hand loading.

[dromia]

What is the maximum muzzle energy and muzzle velocity for the range? 'Twill be on the range certificate which should be on display on the range.

"Download" from what?

Only when you have that can you develop range safe loads.

.44 magnum factory velocities is meaningless as factory velocities and bullet weights vary with manufacturer and load.

For lead loads for such ranges we usually go for far lighter bullets and hardcast alloy is the last thing you want to use.

Any fast pistol powder works well, my powder of choice is N320, tin star is good too but is unfortunately bulky.

In the interim you can get on with taking a chamber/lead/groove/bore cast as you will need this information to help inform bullet choice.

As has been already said this has been done to death on here before so a good search will enable you to come back for assistance with more informed questions.

[dromia]

Dave, 3.2 gns of N110???

It is a fast rifle powder not a fast pistol powder.

I'm surprised the bullet leaves the barrel!

You must get heaps of unburnt powder.

[meles meles]

You must get heaps of unburnt powder.

That could be useful...

[Alpha1]

Dave, 3.2 gns of N110???

It is a fast rifle powder not a fast pistol powder.

I'm surprised the bullet leaves the barrel!

You must get heaps of unburnt powder.

Oops should of been N310 I have also used N320.
Just goes to show how important it is to all ways read the manufacturers data/reloading manuals before embarking on any caliber to be hand loaded and not rely solely on stuff read on a forum.

[Alpha1]

To be honest I shoot my 7.62x39 AIA very rarely nowadays. Its a keeper but my current local Club went into meltdown when I asked to shoot it on the 25-yard indoor range. The usual excuses its dangerous guns have blown up etc etc. So I chose not to bother. I could not be chewed trying to educate them.
I shoot it occasionally on a MOD range.
I used to shoot it regularly at the Yarners in Durham they have a system I believe introduced to the Club by Adam (Dromia) correct me if I am wrong. That works very well and I enjoyed my time there shooting my AIA as well as other calibers including .303.
I still pop through occasionally just for a bit of crack.

Unfortunately, due to eyesight problems and the drive usually being on an evening in poor lighting conditions I stopped going and let my membership lapse. But such is life.

[ovenpaa]

I use N310 for a lot of my cast loads. I quite fancy a 7,62x39 one day, just not an AK style thing.