Several years ago I bought a Russian Mosin Nagat for $89 and have been shooting spam can ammo until recently when the mil surplus ammo started to dry up. Earlier this year I started casting for the 7.62x54R using Lyman 314229 and the Lee C312-185-1R molds and have been testing with several powders, Alliant 2400, Unique, Alliant Reloader 7, H335, and Accurate 5744.
I have tested over 50 different combinations of bullets, powders, and charge weights. Most of the loads had groupings from 1.5 inches to 4 inches, at 100 yards. Yesterday I finally found a load that shot sub MOA from this $89 rifle.
The Load: 7.62x54R
Lyman 314299 cast at 202 grains with Lyman #2, sized to .313
27.0 grains Alliant Reloader 7
CCI large rifle primers
new PPU brass
COAL = 2.918"
I forgot to mention that I did have a scope on this rifle and the scope cost a lot more than the rifle.