Reloading for 7.62x54r in an SVD

 

Saleen's Reloading

 

Reloading for these rifle, in this caliber is a challenge. Components can be more

expensive and common thought is to use 0.311 inch bullets. There is not a large

selection of bullets  in this diameter. The selection of 0.308 bullets is quite large. 

This diameter seems to work well in my Tigr. Graf makes brass for this caliber,

but I do not recommend it. Have had partially blocked flash holes on some and 

less uniform length of brass. Lapua brass is very uniform and is a bit cheaper than    

Norma. Midway USA has it, and you get a bit of a discount, if you have an FFL.

They accept either a standard FFL or an C&R . In my opinion, Lapua is the way to go. 

The bullet manufacturer Sierra has very good information on reloading for a semi-auto.

I recommend following this information.

 

The following information should be used at your own risk.  No warranty expressed or

implied. Each rifle is different, so reduce the powder charge, and follow your own reloading

manuals recommendation.

 

 Have been using CCI#34 primers for many years, in Garands,

with no issues, so I went with them.

This rifle/caliber load is a work in progress. I can't get passed the "first round effect" . The first round will

be low, then the rest of the rounds will group well. Believe, when the rifle loads a round, the bullet gets

extracted a bit, resulting in a higher impact. Have tried crimping the bullets in, but have had poor accuracy

with this method. Currently experimenting with neck annealing and neck resizing dies. Using one "seating"

round, prior to firing a group works, but would like not to have to do this. New brass seems to be less of 

an issue with this. 

 

Brass: Laupa

Length 2.085"

Bullet 0.308

Sierra 168gr MK

Powder

XMR2495 46.5 gr

Primer

CCI#34

COAL

 

Using a "seating" round, the first round will be near the other rounds. 

 

 

2016 Update



The first round effect seems to be cured. Between better brass cleaning and frequent annealing, groups have improved.

On the down side, .308 bullets do not group as well as they used to. Maybe the barrel is a bit worn now making it less

accurate with .308 bullets. The .311 bullets still group well.





Brass: Laupa

Length 2.085"

Bullet 0.311

Sierra 174  MK

Powder

IMR4064 46.0 gr

Primer

CCI#34

COAL

 

Sierra 174 grain .311 , IMR4064 46.0 grains. Group is 2.3" and was fired at 200 yards.

Velocity 2650fps, ES 30.03, STD 10.0, ten round average.

 

 

 

Brass: Laupa

Length 2.085"

Bullet 0.311

Barnes TSX 150 gr

Powder

IMR4895 45.5 gr

Primer

CCI#34

COAL

 

 

 

 

 

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