Does Lee C309-180-R work in 7.62x39?

[Stoats]

I'm having magazine troubles with the C309-160-R in 7.62 x 39 due to it loading a little short. Is the C309-180-R good in this cartridge, and does anyone have any loads for it?

My barrel is .308", with a tight throat, so the Harris bullets are right out as the nose section does not bore ride, rather engraves.

[Recluse]

I have the Harris 155 boolit mould--regular grooves instead of TL is the difference.

No loading problems whatsoever.

What OAL are you seating to?

[Stoats]

I have the tightest throat on that rifle that I could find, just to put it in perspective I cannot even chamber oversize .311" Lapua 123 gr Spitzers loaded to standard length. Essentially, the throat configuration is (at least as advertised) the same as .308 Palma Match, which is short and tight to wring the maximum performance out of 155 grain Sierra Match Kings.

Thus, the Harris bullet which is basically .308-ish right up to the ogive is an absolute no-go. This is why I went over to the .309's which have a bore-riding front portion.

[FAsmus]

Stoats;

.. Just a suggestion here; It might be a good idea to tell us what kind of rifle you're shooting the 7.62x39 in!

Good evening,
Forrest

[RU shooter]

If your dealing with holding a set OAL due to a box magazine you maybe better off with the Lee 309-160 .

Tim

[Stoats]

FAsmus - a custom Australian International Arms
RU shooter - Lee 309-160 is too short for reliable feed (see 1st post)

[kjg]

if you can find a lyman 311413 and 2400 you'll have a awsome combination my chicom just loves it the bullet weight is approximatly 162 grain ww, and accutrate as heck, better than i can hold.

[FAsmus]

Stoats;

I have loaded RCBS 30-180-SP into my SKS over 18 grs 4198 with reasonable accuracy. The LEE offering would be very much the same as per pressure. I loaded this bullet up to the 23 grain level of 4198 before running into difficult extraction.

I have loaded the 220 grain Lyman 311284 over the 18.5 grain level of 4198 with good results.

I have also loaded LEE C309-200R into the rifle over 5.5 700X with good short range performance.

These loads with your bolt gun should be easily tested .. my SKS is now exceedingly happy with an old oversize Lyman 311466 - which has truned out to be my "magic bullet" in the long-throat oversize military issue barrel.

Good morning,
Forrest

[Stoats]

FAsmus - thanks!

[TAWILDCATT]

lee makes two bullets for the sks 312-155-2r and TL312-160-2r.I know the 160 is great in a 1903.I have plenty of surpluse.

[Stoats]

lee makes two bullets for the sks 312-155-2r and TL312-160-2r.I know the 160 is great in a 1903.I have plenty of surpluse.

Thanks, but read the 1st post -- they won't work!