What Powder is best for 7.62x39 to run in a Yugo SKS?

[Jake McCracken]

I'm looking for a good powder choice for 7.62x39 to run in a Yugo SKS.I have a ton of 125gr FMJ to load up and I had some IMR4227 without a use and there was load data available so I gave it a go. It shot, but wasn't enough umpfh to cycle the bolt and chamber the next round. It was occasionally enough to almost eject a case. (in case anyone is wondering, factory rounds do cycle just fine, and the rifle and gas system are in good shape)

Without going out and buying a bunch of different powders in hopes of hitting on one that works, I was hoping someone here has used a powder with published load data that will get me going in the right direction.

Thanks!

[Mauser 98K]

i use H322 myself.. it functions my SKS with my 130gr loads without any problems..

[Mr Peabody]

AA1680 did just fine for me

[GhostHawk]

I use large for caliber cast lead, .312 185 gr Gas check. And a reduced load of IMR 4895. My thinking was I increased bullet weight by roughly a third, so I reduced load by a third and tested.

This shoots exactly to the sights on my Yugo SKS at 50 yards, is more accurate than Tulammo.

The other powder I would consider is 3031.

I do shoot some low end Red Dot loads but for those I turn the gas off and use it as a straight pull bolt.
Red Dot won't cycle the action. Pressures get too high to be safe before you get reliable action.

[RogerDat]

Anyone ever use Varget in SKS? Cycles a mini-14 well and I believe I have seen load data for it in SKS.

[Jake McCracken]

The other powder I would consider is 3031.

I hate to assume, so is the 3031 IMR also? I have load data for IMR 4895 I wrote down a few years back in my book, but I have no Idea where I got it from.

I should have mentioned I'm shooting 125 FMJ. But I will look at the load data for the above mentioned powders and see what I can use in other calibers I shoot too. Hopefully one of them will cover multiple cartridges in case they don't work out in the SKS.

[marlin39a]

I use CFE-BLK for 123 FMJ. 2400 for lead. Plenty of threads here on forum.

[GhostHawk]

Yes my bottle and data was for IMR 3031.

[Larry Gibson]

4227 is my preferred powder for milsurp duplication 7.62x39 loads. Try. 22.5 gr under your 125 fmj bullets. I have pressure tested that load and it falls under milsurp pressures.

[Multigunner]

4227 is my preferred powder for milsurp duplication 7.62x39 loads. Try. 22.5 gr under your 125 fmj bullets. I have pressure tested that load and it falls under milsurp pressures.

Thanks for the information. I'm assuming you've function tested this load in AK or AK clones as well as the SKS.
I've used 4227 in reduced 7.92X57 loads for a short barreled Persian Mauser carbine and a friend has used it for .303 loads for the No.5 carbine. Good velocity in short barrels with mild muzzle blast.

My AK clone was inherited, I've only fired it a few times before it was left to me by a relative. Haven't tried loading for it yet. I have a few Remington rounds and spent cases to experiment with.

I'm not much interested in the AK or similar rifles so I may never get around to doing much with it.

[Lloyd Smale]

1680 is THE powder for 762x39

[Reverend Al]

Yep, AA1680 was designed for the 7.62x39mm and it works great for me. I found some at a decent price and stocked up on it so I'm good for years to come ...

[MostlyLeverGuns]

If you are looking for 'factory spec' loads with 125 jacketed - AA1680.

[Jake McCracken]

If you are looking for 'factory spec' loads with 125 jacketed - AA1680.

Just looking for a load that cycles the action reliably.

Thanks everyone for the input!

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[pakmc]

while 1680 is the powder made for the 7.62x39 round, 4198 works just about as well.

[Retumbo]

while 1680 is the powder made for the 7.62x39 round, 4198 works just about as well.

3031 seems to work well for me

[turtlezx]

4198 or 335 h110 for cast wouldnt cycle 123 fmjs

[GONRA]

GONRA sez look for "680" and varients listed above.
U.S.& A. military powder for this caliber!

[Retumbo]

I'm looking for a good powder choice for 7.62x39 to run in a Yugo SKS.I have a ton of 125gr FMJ to load up and I had some IMR4227 without a use and there was load data available so I gave it a go. It shot, but wasn't enough umpfh to cycle the bolt and chamber the next round. It was occasionally enough to almost eject a case. (in case anyone is wondering, factory rounds do cycle just fine, and the rifle and gas system are in good shape)

Without going out and buying a bunch of different powders in hopes of hitting on one that works, I was hoping someone here has used a powder with published load data that will get me going in the right direction.

Thanks!

I use 3031 and have modified my gas system to be less violent .

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...as-System-Mods

[Jkrem]

Anyone loading for the SKS with 2400?