cast loads that will function a VZ 52 rifle?

[vernz]

I would like to try cast loads in a VZ 52 rifle. Went through a search but came up empty. Has anyone come up with a cast load that will function the this old Czech semi-auto? I have some brass that was formed from 220 swift cases.

Thanks, Vern

[TCLouis]

Where did you get your 7.62X45 dies or are you using 7.62X39 dies?

[Frank46]

Use the privi carcano brass to make the 7.62x45 cases if your rifle is in that caliber.
Frank

[NuJudge]

I bought one of the Group Buy die sets. I have not used them yet. I also bought a pile of 6.5 Carcano brass to modify.

See these threads elsewhere:
http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?t=48435
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=26195
http://www.reloadersnest.com/detail.asp?CaliberID=551&LoadID=11704
http://neuralmisfires.blogspot.com/2007/07/tams-muse-is-back-in-full-stride.html

One of these threads suggests that if you load the ammo to factory specs, the rifle will fling all your carefully prepared brass into the next zip code, so load it just hot enough to function. I have no experience with reloads in 7.62x45 yet, but my experience with factory ammo leads me to believe this.

If you ask long enough (and loud enough), someone will probably be willing to part with theirs.

[TCLouis]

DANG . . .DAGNABIT

Missed these threads when they went around

[vernz]

Thanks for the links. A few years ago I bought a group buy set of Lee dies and then found an individual selling brass formed from 220 swift for not much more than I would have paid for the 220 swift brass. I'll try some 7.62x39 loads and see if I can get it to cycle. Should be fun.

Vern

[vernz]

I'm going to try a load for the 7.62x39 and see how that works. I didn't have good bullet for the 7.62x45 so I took some 311-413's and turned them down to 130 grains on the lathe. I got the OAL I need and the base does not extend below the neck. I'll see tomorrow if they operate the action and shoot well enough for my purposes. Here's a picture starting with the 311-413, turned down base, gas checked and lubed, finished cartridge and a few in a VZ52 magazine.


Vern

[MtGun44]

Yikes! They look real good.

Great for a start, but lathe turning your boolits will get old pretty quick,
I fear. What velocity are you planning to run them at? If only around 1600 or
so, not really necessary to use the gas checks. You can have the mold shortened
as a plain based boolit or just shoot the heavier boolits.

Bill