A9 vs. 2400? (Cast Bullet Loads for Military Rifles)

[LeadThrower]

Anyone use Accurate No.9 in their milsurps, akin to the recommended use of 2400? If you have tinkered with this and are willing to share your experiences, you have my thanks! My specific applications are powering the Mosin 91/30 and Steyr M95.
LeadThrower

[Maven]

LT, I can help you with the 7.62 x 54R, but not the M 95. I've been using WC 820 (AA #9 burn rate) in my milsurps and other rifles for years and am completely satisfied with it. In the 7.62 x 54R, I've been using 18.0 - 21.0grs, WC 820 (AA #9) with 195gr. CB's, principally Lyman #314299, but also a CBE fat Loverin (195gr.) For lighter CB's, e.g., Ly. #311291, use 17.5grs. AA #9. Hope this helps!

[LeadThrower]

Maven,
Thanks! I'll be calling Pats for certain.

Follow-up questions: have you chrony'd any of these, and have you tried using fillers?

[Maven]

LT, No, I haven't chronographed them, mostly because the sun is directly overhead by the time I get to the range and my Shooting Chrony F-1 doesn't ffunction under that kind of lighting. However, judging from my chronograph data for other cartridges, I think ~ 80 - 90fps per grain of WC 820/AA #9 is reasonably close. Btw, 21.0 grs. WC 820 is my self-imposed maximum. You may wish to make it yours as well. As for fillers, I wouldn't even think of using them with either of these powders.

[LeadThrower]

check, and check. It'll be a while, but I'll post a report when powder get here and I get them loaded.
Thanks for the help,
LeadThrower

[Mallard57]

LT, I can help you with the 7.62 x 54R, but not the M 95. I've been using WC 820 (AA #9 burn rate) in my milsurps and other rifles for years and am completely satisfied with it. In the 7.62 x 54R, I've been using 18.0 - 21.0grs, WC 820 (AA #9) with 195gr. CB's, principally Lyman #314299, but also a CBE fat Loverin (195gr.) For lighter CB's, e.g., Ly. #311291, use 17.5grs. AA #9. Hope this helps!


Hi Maven,
I was wondering how you established your data for these two powders? The reason I'm asking is because I was wondering about using them in my 7x57.
Thanks,
Jeff

[LeadThrower]

Thanks for the help!

I got the Steyr out today with my chrony....
Boolit: Lee's .338 sized to .334 (unchecked -- I don't have a .338 sizer yet)
Firearm: Steyr M95

5 shots
Load: 17.5 gr A9, Lee alox + JPW lube
average 1458 fps
es 79 fps
sd 40 fps
With a couple of the faster shots I slapped the sock with the barrel pointing up to position the powder on the primer -- I think this is the cause for the large es.

5 shots
Load: 36 gr Accurate 4350, Lee alox + JPW, filler - some milkweed fluff
avg 1460 fps
es 17 fps
sd 8.5 fps

5 shots
Load: 36.5 gr 4350, "
avg 1487
es 70
sd 26.7

5 shots
Load: 37 gr 4350, "
avg 1499
es 59
sd 27

I didn't measure the mass of any of the fluff -- just stuffed a little in. I assume that can be pointed to for some of the variations observed.

All comments welcome - help me learn. It was my first day using the chrony.

Thanks,
LeadThrower