7.62x54R cast loads IMR 3031

[bubblesdee]

Hey there. Wondering if someone could confirm some load info
I have put together for my 7.62 x54r rounds

I have read C E Harris’ great post on loads for full size military cartridges and just want to confirm I have everything correct.

I am using bullets cast from the Saeco #305 mold, which dropped at .313 with a weight of 180gr

I am using IMR 3031 powder, 24 gr.

According to Harris’ article, I should have no issues with this load
Just wonder if anyone could confirm it for me ( safety wise).

I don’t have a lot of resources or people to help me, learning on my own

Thanks in advance

Tom

[Thumbcocker]

Please buy a loading manual.

[Glwenzl]

I am a newbie so take this with a grain of salt…
If you have not done so already, then be sure to slug your bore to get a groove diameter. The 7.63x54R I recently began working with has a larger measurement than I was hoping for. I am going to reslug/recheck to verify but this one had a groove diameter .3156”. It shouldn’t be a big deal for me since the mold drops a little large in diameter and I am powder coating… I believe that additional thickness of the coating will help get me there.

[Bigmancrisler]

I have mosins that range from .313-.316 and have heard of people having upwards of .319 so definitely slug it


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[Silvercreek Farmer]

You can “beagle” (search the forum) the mold with foil tape and/or powdercoat the boolit to pick up some more diameter. I’ve had good luck with Ed’s Red Dot and 2400 loads, but not sure if you will get a good burn at 24 grains of 3031 in the 7.62x54, so be cautious of a sqib/bore obstruction. You can probably work up to 30 grains and see if accuracy improves. Dacron filler (another forum search) LIGHTLY placed in the case neck may improve accuracy with lighter charges of 3031. Do you have a chronograph? 3031 is a very good cast boolit powder, but if you have Red Dot, Unique, or 2400, you might start there.