7.62 Reloading

SgtMeatballs · August 20, 2009, 06:24 AM

Good Morning,

I am looking to reload and here are my reasons. Save money, pick up a new hobby, and I have a deep embedded gene to try to personally create/assemble/make/build everything in my life...if these aren't sound reasonings, please somebody tell me now so I don't waste my time/money.

Before I start buying books, I figure I can just pick all of your brains for free!

At least for my basic questions.

All I want to know is if I can use the same equpipment for reload all 7.62/.30cal rifle calibers...most likely will be 7.62x51, 7.62x54, 7.62x39, 30'06 and .30 carbine....

Would I have to spend more money on the different tools to create the above stated rounds.

snuffy · August 20, 2009, 06:39 AM

Quote:

All I want to know is if I can use the same equpipment for reload all 7.62/.30cal rifle calibers...most likely will be 7.62x51, 7.62x54, 7.62x39, 30'06 and .30 carbine....

Would I have to spend more money on the different tools to create the above stated rounds.

Good morning back at ya sarge. And welcome to THR. We love to have our brains exercised by new reloaders questions.

As for your question, the BASIC reloader press will work for all that you have listed. You will have to buy a set of dies, and a shell holder for each specific cartridge. Some of those will use the same caliber bullets, so you can load more than 1 cartridge from the same box of bullets.

Also they all use large rifle primers, so you won't need more than one type. As for powder, you'll need several different powders for that wide a range of calibers.

As you get "educated" about reloading, you'll have more questions. Read the sticky at the top "for the new reloader, read this first". Then when it come time to be ordering a press or a complete kit, we can help with specific answeres to specific questions.

SgtMeatballs · August 20, 2009, 06:57 AM

Thanks snuffy, I did read the sticky, but with the first stage being to purchase the literature, I figured I could knock out my initial question before losing myself in this dark and all consuming world of reloading and the associated books....

Honestly I still read this book from the 50's, I believe its called "rifles and shotguns" When the .257 roberts started dying, the author seemed very depressed by that....anyways I digress, thanks for the info snuffy.

SL1 · August 20, 2009, 07:06 AM

Not all of the cartridges that you listed use the same diameter bullets. Most U.S. cartidges that are ".30 caliber" use bullets that are 0.308" in diameter, while many European cartridges that are "7.62 mm" use bullets that are 0.311" in diameter. Even the ".308 Winchester" that is also the "7.62 x 51 NATO" uses .308 diameter bullet, just like the .30-'06 Springfield and the .30-30 Winchester and .30 Carbine. But, the 7.62 x 39 and the 7.62 x 54 are Russian cartridges that typically use .311" diameter bullets. Some folks do load .308" bullets in those cartridges, and get various levels of accuracy. Some U.S. gun makers even make guns for those cartridges that have .308" grooved barrels instead of .311" grooved barrels, so you that .308" bullets can be more accurate in 7.62 x 39 and 7.62 x 54 cartridges. Going the other way and trying to use 0.311" bullets in any of the guns made with 0.308" barrels can seriously increase pressures.

So, this can get confusingt and it is important to know what YOUR particular guns require in the way of bullets before you buy dies and bullets.

SL1

SgtMeatballs · August 20, 2009, 07:14 AM

Well, the overall endgame if you will is this:

To maximize my funds where owning several different 7.62 rifles (m14, m1 garand, m1 carbine, sks/ak, bolt guns...etc) and reloading my own brass whilst spending the least amount of money on equipment while at the same time enjoying the art of reloading...

I've been on a 36 hour duty....so if that made no sense I apologize, i'm trying to re-read it and keep confusing myself...(wheres the smileyface for feeling like a zombie?)

LuckyStrike · August 20, 2009, 03:38 PM

Welcome! It would help to know if you plan on using the reloads for plinking, precision target or different types of hunting as there are so many different bullets and powders out there.

As for buying a reloading manual, I suggest getting a manual from whichever company you plan on buying bullets from such as Sierra or Hornady. If you plan on reloading modest amounts of ammunition or match grade ammo then I recommend a single stage press. As for dies I suggest Lee, RCBS, Lyman, Hornady or any other brand really... They all seem to work fine. If you have for example, a 308 bolt action and plan on using the same 308 brass through only that rifle then I strongly recommend getting a Lee Collet Die, which will allow you to use the brass more times.

As for which powders are best just ask around and look do searches online, although almost everyone on this forum will recommend you test multiple powders for yourself and see what you like best.

Lastly, you probably won't save a dime reloading because you will be shooting a lot more!

Sixer · August 21, 2009, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Also they all use large rifle primers, so you won't need more than one type.

Quick correction Snuffy... the .30 carbine uses smalll rifle primers. Just throwing that out there

Either way Sgt. if you JUST decide to start reloading for your M1 carbine, I think you will find that you will start to "save" money fairly quick, or at least get to shoot it more often.

The only other caliber you listed that I have is the 7.62x39 for my AK. So far I've found it to be easier and probably cheaper to just buy 1000rds of Russian surplus ammo instead of reloading it. Of course if you already have reloadable brass to reload then it might be worth your while

Jeff H · August 21, 2009, 07:24 AM

Quote:

All I want to know is if I can use the same equpipment for reload all 7.62/.30cal rifle calibers...most likely will be 7.62x51, 7.62x54, 7.62x39, 30'06 and .30 carbine....

Most foreign Mill surp 7.62x39 and 7.62x54 that I have seen is always berdan primed...FYI

margiesex · August 21, 2009, 08:33 AM

Hello - welcome. I hunted through a few websites and found this cal. brass at Graf's - relatively cheap.

So far - at least 2 (all loaded for 3) reloads and it's doing just fine.

God bless and Good shooting.

Margiesex

And remember: Hug your God and your guns - 'cause he's coming for them both, and soon!

SKULLANDCROSSBONES65 · August 21, 2009, 06:40 PM

G'day SgtMeatballs and welcome to TFL.

Quote:

welcome to THR

I think somebody might be spending tooo much time on the internet and getting chat rooms mixed up.

If you try the Hodgdon web site you might find a single powder that will work in all the sizes you plan to load. Having only one powder (& one projectile) for a novice reloader stops you from making one big mistake. Once you have the basic process mastered then add diferent projectiles, then add diferent powders.

(note to self. I should use this above advice.)

Blue · August 21, 2009, 06:43 PM

"You don't hurt 'em if you don't hit 'em."
- Lieutenant-General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller

**Unclenick** · August 21, 2009, 06:54 PM

I don't think he'll be able to wind up with one powder. The .30 Carbine and 7.62x39 might, at a squeeze, both be run on Lil' Gun, but it will be a little slow for the former and fast for the latter and won't get best performance out of either. The others could all be run on IMR4895.

markshere2 · August 21, 2009, 10:48 PM

Sorry for drifting the thread a little, but......

In a SKS or AK , how many steel cases have you shot before wearing the extractor mechanism to a point where malfunctions begin?

For the 2 or 3 folks that are even less experienced than me........virtually all of the cheap overseas ammos is steel cased and berdan primed= twice difficult to reload.

TIA

August 20, 2009, 06:24 AM	#1
SgtMeatballs Member Join Date: August 19, 2009 Location: Ft Sill, OK Posts: 47	7.62 Reloading Good Morning, I am looking to reload and here are my reasons. Save money, pick up a new hobby, and I have a deep embedded gene to try to personally create/assemble/make/build everything in my life...if these aren't sound reasonings, please somebody tell me now so I don't waste my time/money. Before I start buying books, I figure I can just pick all of your brains for free! At least for my basic questions. All I want to know is if I can use the same equpipment for reload all 7.62/.30cal rifle calibers...most likely will be 7.62x51, 7.62x54, 7.62x39, 30'06 and .30 carbine.... Would I have to spend more money on the different tools to create the above stated rounds. __________________ "Semper Fidelis, Good night Chesty." "Si vis pacem, para bellum"

August 20, 2009, 06:57 AM	#3
SgtMeatballs Member Join Date: August 19, 2009 Location: Ft Sill, OK Posts: 47	Thanks snuffy, I did read the sticky, but with the first stage being to purchase the literature, I figured I could knock out my initial question before losing myself in this dark and all consuming world of reloading and the associated books.... Honestly I still read this book from the 50's, I believe its called "rifles and shotguns" When the .257 roberts started dying, the author seemed very depressed by that....anyways I digress, thanks for the info snuffy. __________________ "Semper Fidelis, Good night Chesty." "Si vis pacem, para bellum"

August 20, 2009, 07:14 AM	#5
SgtMeatballs Member Join Date: August 19, 2009 Location: Ft Sill, OK Posts: 47	Well, the overall endgame if you will is this: To maximize my funds where owning several different 7.62 rifles (m14, m1 garand, m1 carbine, sks/ak, bolt guns...etc) and reloading my own brass whilst spending the least amount of money on equipment while at the same time enjoying the art of reloading... I've been on a 36 hour duty....so if that made no sense I apologize, i'm trying to re-read it and keep confusing myself...(wheres the smileyface for feeling like a zombie?) __________________ "Semper Fidelis, Good night Chesty." "Si vis pacem, para bellum"

August 21, 2009, 08:33 AM	#9
margiesex Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2009 Location: Levittown, PA Posts: 210	7.62x54 Hello - welcome. I hunted through a few websites and found this cal. brass at Graf's - relatively cheap. So far - at least 2 (all loaded for 3) reloads and it's doing just fine. God bless and Good shooting. Margiesex And remember: Hug your God and your guns - 'cause he's coming for them both, and soon!

August 21, 2009, 06:43 PM	#11
Blue Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2009 Posts: 113	For Sarge "You don't hurt 'em if you don't hit 'em." - Lieutenant-General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller

August 20, 2009, 07:06 AM	#4
SL1 Senior Member Join Date: November 8, 2007 Posts: 2,001	Not all of the cartridges that you listed use the same diameter bullets. Most U.S. cartidges that are ".30 caliber" use bullets that are 0.308" in diameter, while many European cartridges that are "7.62 mm" use bullets that are 0.311" in diameter. Even the ".308 Winchester" that is also the "7.62 x 51 NATO" uses .308 diameter bullet, just like the .30-'06 Springfield and the .30-30 Winchester and .30 Carbine. But, the 7.62 x 39 and the 7.62 x 54 are Russian cartridges that typically use .311" diameter bullets. Some folks do load .308" bullets in those cartridges, and get various levels of accuracy. Some U.S. gun makers even make guns for those cartridges that have .308" grooved barrels instead of .311" grooved barrels, so you that .308" bullets can be more accurate in 7.62 x 39 and 7.62 x 54 cartridges. Going the other way and trying to use 0.311" bullets in any of the guns made with 0.308" barrels can seriously increase pressures. So, this can get confusingt and it is important to know what YOUR particular guns require in the way of bullets before you buy dies and bullets. SL1

August 20, 2009, 03:38 PM	#6
LuckyStrike Member Join Date: May 5, 2009 Posts: 69	Welcome! It would help to know if you plan on using the reloads for plinking, precision target or different types of hunting as there are so many different bullets and powders out there. As for buying a reloading manual, I suggest getting a manual from whichever company you plan on buying bullets from such as Sierra or Hornady. If you plan on reloading modest amounts of ammunition or match grade ammo then I recommend a single stage press. As for dies I suggest Lee, RCBS, Lyman, Hornady or any other brand really... They all seem to work fine. If you have for example, a 308 bolt action and plan on using the same 308 brass through only that rifle then I strongly recommend getting a Lee Collet Die, which will allow you to use the brass more times. As for which powders are best just ask around and look do searches online, although almost everyone on this forum will recommend you test multiple powders for yourself and see what you like best. Lastly, you probably won't save a dime reloading because you will be shooting a lot more!

August 21, 2009, 06:54 PM	#12
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	I don't think he'll be able to wind up with one powder. The .30 Carbine and 7.62x39 might, at a squeeze, both be run on Lil' Gun, but it will be a little slow for the former and fast for the latter and won't get best performance out of either. The others could all be run on IMR4895. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

August 21, 2009, 10:48 PM	#13
markshere2 Member Join Date: December 26, 2008 Posts: 28	SKS / AK Steel case use Sorry for drifting the thread a little, but...... In a SKS or AK , how many steel cases have you shot before wearing the extractor mechanism to a point where malfunctions begin? For the 2 or 3 folks that are even less experienced than me........virtually all of the cheap overseas ammos is steel cased and berdan primed= twice difficult to reload. TIA