7.62x39 with 2400

[SilverFoxNS]

I’ve searched a lot and read a lot of posts regarding 2400 working well with cast in the 155gr range in 7.62x39. Does the same data (12-15 gr) apply with heavier lead in 185 gr range? All I’ve seen for that weight is 4895 being used.

[popper]

That's about the same as my BO load. Runs about 1600 fps.

[SilverFoxNS]

That's about the same as my BO load. Runs about 1600 fps.

Thanks. I was just nervous about using the data for a lighter cast bullet with a heavier one. I have a lot of Lyman 314299 and 2400 I used in 303 Brit. Thought I’d see how it runs in a new sks

[jaysouth]

My favorite load is 14 grs. of 2400 with a 150 pb cast bullet sized .313. Beware double loads.

[Bloodman14]

There are 2 'stickies' right above this section, read them. Cast bullets for military rifles and practical dope on 7.62x39.

[405grain]

SilverFoxNS: 2400 is a great powder for cast loads in the 7.62x39, and I'm sure that you'll find lots of load data. I have a question though; In post #1 you said that you were looking for data for a 185 grain bullet. Then in post #3 you say that you want to try the Lyman #314299. All this is very doable, and I'm sure that you already know this, but the 314299 is a 200 grain bullet. Maybe you're talking about using two different bullets. I'm just making sure that you don't get the weights confused while you're looking up load data. Be safe.

[SilverFoxNS]

SilverFoxNS: 2400 is a great powder for cast loads in the 7.62x39, and I'm sure that you'll find lots of load data. I have a question though; In post #1 you said that you were looking for data for a 185 grain bullet. Then in post #3 you say that you want to try the Lyman #314299. All this is very doable, and I'm sure that you already know this, but the 314299 is a 200 grain bullet. Maybe you're talking about using two different bullets. I'm just making sure that you don't get the weights confused while you're looking up load data. Be safe.

Sorry that’s correct. I have 200 gr 314299 and I have Saeco 305 that are 190 gr (not 185). Brain fart in my part. But my question is after reading the stickies is am I safe with a bullet heavier than 155-160 using the usual 16 gr of 2400? I can only find reference to the lighter bullets with this powder. I’ve shot loads of both bullets out of Lee Enfields and Mosins, but the 7.92x39 is obviously a smaller case. Maybe I’m over thing this but I was worried about pressure.

[SilverFoxNS]

There are 2 'stickies' right above this section, read them. Cast bullets for military rifles and practical dope on 7.62x39.

Thanks I was both and maybe I’m missing it. But I don’t see anything about 2400 in 7.62x39 with heavier bullets.

[popper]

Just start lower and work up for real heavies.

[405grain]

I just ran some 7.62x39 loads using 2400 on GRT. I didn't see the 314299 so I ran data for the 311299 (same weight) in a 20" .308 barrel to see what the pressures and velocities would look like. I looked at 14.0, 15.0 and 16.0 grains of 2400 with the bullet seated .420" into the case. The gas check will be a little below the shoulder, but if the bullet were seated less the edge of the upper driving band 'might' cause an issue with the throat. (maybe not likely as an SKS can usually swallow a torpedo) If you seat the bullet out farther both the pressure and velocity will be lower, so that's moving away from danger, not towards it. With the bullet seated to this depth the cartridge should have an OAL of around 2.310"

At 14.0 grains of 2400 I get a velocity of 1593 fps at 31953 psi. At 15.0 grains of 2400 I get a velocity of 1661 fps at 37149 psi. At 16.0 grains of 2400 I get 1726 fps at 42868 psi. These loads are far below the 51488 Pmax for this cartridge. A 17.0 grain load triggers a high pressure warning, so I would advise against exceeding the 16.0 grain load. Keep in mind that these are computer generated loads from some random dude on the interweb. I'd recommend starting at 14.0 grains and working up in .5 grain increments. Stop when you either see the first pressure signs, or if accuracy suddenly starts to go south. (Same thing with the 190 grain Saeco load.)

[SilverFoxNS]

Thank you! I’ll do just that.

[SilverFoxNS]

Thank you! This is exactly what I needed.

[Bloodman14]

BTW, Junior Doughty (Junior1942) has a couple of articles on using LeveRevolution in the SKS with heavies; look for the sticky concerning Mr. Gibson's work and load data compilation. Not 2400, I know, not certain I would use 2400 in the SKS with heavies. Need more research!

[SilverFoxNS]

BTW, Junior Doughty (Junior1942) has a couple of articles on using LeveRevolution in the SKS with heavies; look for the sticky concerning Mr. Gibson's work and load data compilation. Not 2400, I know, not certain I would use 2400 in the SKS with heavies. Need more research!

Thanks I read Junior’s articles. Very good stuff. I have no LeveRevolution. I do have 4198, IMR 4895, and H4895 in addition to the 2400. I have a lot of N135 as well but that seem to be too slow.