| Posted: Sun Sep 27th, 2009 03:22 PM |
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Bigdog57
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Finally got to use my new RCBS 7.62X54R dies.
I loaded two batches of loads with different powders Saturday, and got out to the range this Sunday morning for testing.
First, I chronied five rounds of Czech Silvertip Light Ball - 147 grain FMJ - they varied from 2649FPS to 2744FPS, for a variance of 95 FPS.
Second I chronied Hungarian Heavy ball, 182 grain FMJ - they varied from 2508FPS to 2572FPS, for a variance of 64 FPS.
My first batch was a Sierra 180 grain Spitzer SP over 42.0 grains of Radway Green 4895 (same burn rate and load data as IMR4895). Velocities clocked were 2398FPS to 2472FPS - for a variance of 74 FPS. Powder was loaded using the Lee Perfect Powder Measure, and this is a heavy stick powder. I had hoped for more consistency, and had measured each load on the scale before filling the case.
My second load batch is the same 180 grain Sierra Spitzer over 51.0 grains of WIN760 - velocities were 2527 FPS to 2564 FPS for a variance of 37 FPS - much more consistent! I used the nearest Lee dipper for this load, then trickled each case up using the Lee beam scale. WIN760 is a finer ball powder. Much more consistent!
Then I shot a group of each on paper - time was cut short as it was getting near to raining and the wind was kicking up. Distance was 50 yards - the limit of easy sighting with my tired eyes using open sights!
Czech Silvertip gave a 3.5" group bracketing the bull, just a bit low.
Hungarian Heavy Ball shot a 3.25" group, all were left a couple inches with elevation pretty close to even.
The 180 grain Spitzer using the surplus RG4895 powder shot two rounds high and left - the bayo was extended, so I folded it. The next five rounds were a bit lower and not as far left, making a 2.25" group high & left.
The 180 grain load using the WIN760 powder shot the tightest group yet - 2" exactly, with one in the X-ring and the remainder on the lower left edge of the three-inch red circle. The clear winner!
I am going to like WIN760, I think........
All loads, including the Czech and Hungarian surplus, show a bit of cratering on the primers – not excessive though. The published data I used for the WIN760 was on the low end of the range, using the listed CCI 250 Large rifle magnum primer. The RG4895 load was also at the low end, with Win LR primer. No pressure signs, and recoil was never excessive – this is a Russian M44 Carbine, so it is always stout!
I am using the Lapua brass sold by Grafs. It mikes out a milimeter or so shorter overall than the surplus cases.Last edited on Sun Sep 27th, 2009 03:23 PM by Bigdog57
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| Posted: Sun Sep 27th, 2009 04:24 PM |
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2nd Post |
fryboy
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sounds like a fun day ! umm it seems that lapua ( and several other companies ) often list the round as 7.62 x 53 ( at least that's what my box says-ought to be a bit before i trim them lolz )the norma i bought way back when still hasnt needed trimmed yet but are only on reload # 4,i use alot of h414 ..some say it is the exact same as ww760 yet every chart i see list it as just a wee lil bit slower than 760 [shrugz] loading data is usually the same and as a plus when i use my lee powder dispenser with this powder i check all the time but it never seems to vary the weight which is just as sweet as my redding ( ie; i love ball powders lolz ) i've also had some fairly decent groups with h380 especially with the heavier bullets ( i ought to work up some cast loads one of these days lolz )
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(happy shootin'-the best way to get empty brass!)
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| Posted: Mon Sep 28th, 2009 01:39 PM |
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3rd Post |
ircaver
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Bigdog, a 2" group at 50 yards with an M44...That's IMPRESSIVE to say the least. Was the bayonet retracted for this grouping and how hot was the barrel? I got the impression that you had rain on the way ( I got rained out - Florida weather  ).
IR
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Powder & primers will will get you through times of no money better than times of no powder & primers and lots of money ...
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| Posted: Mon Sep 28th, 2009 03:04 PM |
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Bigdog57
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The barrel was warmish - I don't shoot very fast. I swabbed the barrel between each type of ammo and waited a few minutes. Two other fellers were shooting BP hunting rifles, and we went 'cold range' fairly often too.
I folded the bayonet for the two handload groups. I had it extended for the chrony test, as the forward clamp of my rest was impeded by it folded. It was still extended for the two surplus groups. I need to redo the test next weekend with it folded for all groups.
I also have a Hex 91/30 with scout scope that I need to try these loads in too. The mount was shooting loose, and needs some shimming and Blue Loctite.
It did rain a bit later Sunday, but the cloudiness scared me off. 
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| Posted: Thu Oct 1st, 2009 06:32 AM |
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5th Post |
rc
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I used to have a perfect powder measure but it wasn't so perfect. I let it go with my lee equiptment after I bought my used RCBS stuff. Still using the RCBS 10 years later and it still works good. The Uniflow is light years better than the "perfect powder measure". The lee measure works ok with flake, leaks with ball and binds with stick. The Uniflow will work smoothly with ball and flake and has the rigidity to crunch through stick powders for fairly uniform charges. Sounds like you are off to the right start.
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| Posted: Sun Oct 4th, 2009 06:32 PM |
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6th Post |
Bigdog57
Handloading Master
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Today's range time was well spent. So, once the light was good enough for the Chrony, I put the first four across it - they clocked mid 2500's as expected.
Then I shot four groups of five each, using the 51.0 grains of WIN760 under the 180 grain Sierra Spitzer as before. This time, the once-fired brass was neck sized only. Same CCI250 LRM primers.
All four groups were fired at 50 yards, due to my old eyes! All tended to go a bit low and left, grouping pretty well. I got the occasional flier, but the actual groups were aorund the two inch range. Tightest had three holes nearly touching! That group measured 1 and 3/4" across - my best so far.
I also was shooting over the chrony - I clocked an overall spread of nearly 100 FPS! Not as consistent as I expected - and I was very carefully weighing every charge! I clocked a few rounds over 2600 FPS, and these tended to shoot the highest on paper.
So either the powder wasn't as consistent as I hoped or there is some variable I am not accounting for causing the velocity swing. But it does shoot far tighter than the surplus stuff!
I have a box of 150 grain .310 Hornady SP loads I made up, using the RG4895 powder - but it looked like rain coming, and the range was getting busy - time to head home. I will check the lighter rounds next time out.
I also plan to remove the rear sight base from my Hex 91/30 rifle and install the Scout Scope on the fixed rail- try my hand loads in it. I should get a better idea of what they can really do, in a scoped rifle.
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