7.62x54R load information

[halfMOA]

just aquired a M91-30 that has been semi sporterized with a synthetic stock. I plan to hunt with this rifle. No more than 100 yard shots. I shot some surplus at a coke can at 50 yards and it shot the center of it out with all 5 rounds making a hole the size of a golf ball. I have acess to a Dillion press, and would like to check out some load information, but there seems to be a lack of it along with loaded hunting ammunition. I just recieved two boxes of S&B 180gr softpoint and they use boxer type primers that I have matched up to the CCI large rifle primers. Can I use the .308 bullets in this rifle and expect to hit anything?I have a few boxes of 165gr Nosler Ballistic tips that I used for my 30-06. Or do I have to use the .310-.311 bullets? I dont see a Nosler listing, but I think I can use the Speer 303 caliber. What weight bullet is best with this rifle's rate of twist?(which I have no idea what it is) I have not shot any of these S&B stuff yet, but if it is as good as the surplus then Ill hunt with them until I run out. By then I should have tailored a load. Any information would be greatful.

[halfMOA]

I know sombody has done a load with this, I guess Ill start and find out.

[Joe in KY]

You should be able to use .308 dia. bullets with no trouble. You may want to try the expander ball out of the '06 die set so that the smaller diameter bullets will hold tight enough in the case. I don't know if the manufacturers have started including both 308 and 311 expanders in 7.62x 54 dies or not,( I have Lee dies I bought about 15yrs ago they size the cases so that a 308 dia bullets holds well) this is the same situation as 7.62x39 loading. I have loaded for 7.62x 54 for several years but it is a Finnish model 28/30 with a 308 bore diameter. I know Hornady has a lot of data for this round.
I have been developing a 150 gr hunting load for an SKS with 308 dia bullets, accuracy is exactly the same with either diameter bullet so at least in my case the slight differnce in diameters do not make any difference.
I believe the Soviet's issue ammo for the 91/30 used a 147gr fmj bullet so the twist would probably be about the same as our standard 30 cal ie 1-10 or 12 so a 165 gr bullet should do fine.

[halfMOA]

Thanks for the info. Ill order some out of a Midway that I got the other day. I have the Russian 91-30 that was made at the Izmash factory in 1942. It sluged .3105 so I could go both ways. Ill try a batch with the .308 165gr, and Some with a 303cal .311 150gr that I have on order. I think Im going to go with the Varget powder and see what the rifle likes. Ill post results after testing. Thanks again for the information.

[Tailgunner]

Normal spec is for .308 bullets. Even though the bore may be oversize, the chamber may not be. You need to check the chambers neck diameter, as it often isn't. Pinched necks are not cool.

Try dropping a .311/.312 bullet into the mouth of a fired case, if it dosn't slip in easy don't use it.

[halfMOA]

I dont have the .311's yet, but I droped a .308 down a spent case and that is what it did. It fell down to the bottom with just the help of earth's gravity. Im thinking .311s should work better. I also started shooting the S&B to get my brass. I was shooting at a 7/16" thick steel boiler and it was punching through like it was paper. This is with the 180gr softpoints. They were going through one side and leaving a nice dent on the other. Id like to see what the tungsten core bullets do.

[Swede]

The barrel of my 91-30 snipper slugged at .3105". I bought some .310 129gr for the 7.62x39. I've been told they work good but I haven't had a chance to try them yet.

[eldeguello]

Originally posted by halfMOA@Nov 5 2003, 04:14 PM
just aquired a M91-30 that has been semi sporterized with a synthetic stock. I plan to hunt with this rifle. No more than 100 yard shots. I shot some surplus at a coke can at 50 yards and it shot the center of it out with all 5 rounds making a hole the size of a golf ball. I have acess to a Dillion press, and would like to check out some load information, but there seems to be a lack of it along with loaded hunting ammunition. I just recieved two boxes of S&B 180gr softpoint and they use boxer type primers that I have matched up to the CCI large rifle primers. Can I use the .308 bullets in this rifle and expect to hit anything?I have a few boxes of 165gr Nosler Ballistic tips that I used for my 30-06. Or do I have to use the .310-.311 bullets? I dont see a Nosler listing, but I think I can use the Speer 303 caliber. What weight bullet is best with this rifle's rate of twist?(which I have no idea what it is) I have not shot any of these S&B stuff yet, but if it is as good as the surplus then Ill hunt with them until I run out. By then I should have tailored a load. Any information would be greatful.
Some Moisins have oversize bores, which could conceivably make accuracy with .308" bullets a little rough. But I use .308" 's in an M1909 7.65X54 Argentine, for which the Arg. ball ammo bullets measure .314" ,and in a couple of .303 British SMLE's with perfect satisfaction! The Argentine is very accurate with .308" bullets, as good as with .311" 's! :huh:

[ar15deadeye45]

I am reloading for a 91/30 and just getting started. What are your favorite powders? I have some h335 on hand, initial tests seem ok, but need to test more. Anybody used this?
God bless and good shooting,
Danny

[ar15deadeye45]

Addendum to previous post: I'l be loading 125gr, 150gr bullets, .311 dia. Will try some heavier stuff later. Love this old rifle.
God bless and good shooting,
Danny

[Swede]

I pulled some bullets. One is a silver tip and one is Russian both 150 grain ball. Both are from surplus ammo bought from Aim. They both measure .310". I have heard, but not tried yet, .308 bullets will work in some rifles.

Hodgdon's website has a good selection of 7.62x54r loading info now.