M39 with cast

[simo99]

Hi there. Have recently picked up a very nice 1944 VKT M39. Was hoping to shoot cast out of it eventually. It shoots jacketed (125 sierra .311) superbly. Was hoping for some appropriate cast recipes that will work in it. Looking to drive the Gas checked bullets around the 1700-1800 fps mark. Probably looking at 170-180 grain projectiles. I have a Ranch dog NOE copy already to try. Rifle is used for Service rifle competitions. This is the reason for the proposed velocity I'm looking for as rounds have to make 75% of the energy of the original service round. Thanks

[skeet1]

I also have a 1944 VKT M39 and I shoot the Lyman 314299 with 2400. The harris load of 16 gr. works very well in mine and is certainly a good place to start.

[30calflash]

I have an SKY that I've shot only cast through it. The load was with a Lyman 311291, sized .310 lubed with alox. Norma brass with Win primers and 20 grains of IMR4198. It shot outstandingly well. Under 2MOA with a couple near 1 MOA. Never messed with the load.

If you have a regular 30 cal mold already, try it. The barrels on these are tighter than a typical MN.

[Piedmont]

Simo, You need to slug your barrel. The 39s are not as tight as the earlier Finns in my experience and they vary. Good results start with proper fit, so you guessing at a bullet diameter is poor procedure.

[Maven]

Simo, You need to slug your barrel. The 39s are not as tight as the earlier Finns in my experience and they vary. Good results start with proper fit, so you guessing at a bullet diameter is poor procedure.


+1 to what Piedmont wrote!

[Calamity Jake]

Yep slug that bore, I slugged one yesterday for a friend it was .313 just ahead of the throat.

[jonk]

Mine does best with the 311284 sized to .311, with 42 gr of IMR 4831; a mosin use of the Bob S load, I guess you could say.

[simo99]

Thanks guys. Good suggestions all round....

[Eddie1971]

I've done some experimentation and I got some really good loads for my M-39 made by VKT in 1942. My bullet is a Lyman 314299 (I think the greatest mold ever made!) powder coated, gas checked, and sized to .314. I used a variety of powders and shot at 100 yards:
* 35-40 grains of IMR4350. All printed nice groups, tended to shoot low, needed to have sight at 350 meter setting.
* 30-35 grains of IMR4895. Again all printed real nice groups. 35 grains was right on point of aim on target and made nice 1 3/4 - 2 inch groups.
* 35-36 grains of W748. Awesome groups, the best performing and the 36 grain load was slightly better than the 35 grains of
4895. made 1 1/2 - 2 inch groups
* 39-40 grains of W760. 40 grains seemed to do the trick, and made 2 inch groups and was point of aim at 100 yards.