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  #1  
Old 02-01-2010, 10:00 AM
David Sinko David Sinko is offline
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Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter?  
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Default Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter?

Does anybody bother to reload the 7.62x39? I am wondering how .308" bullets perform. A local gunsmith builds some nice AK-47s from kits and it would be nice if they work with .308" bullets. My Hornady Handbook says Hornady dies come with an extra .308" expander ball so that the bullets can be properly loaded, but I don't know if this works in reality.

Dave Sinko
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  #2  
Old 02-01-2010, 10:26 AM
ronnie gore ronnie gore is offline
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Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter?  
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Default .308 bullets

the bore diameter varies on guns, but i have had good luck with mine loading .308 bullets,you will just have to try them in your gun. ronnie
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Old 02-01-2010, 11:10 AM
Jellybean Jellybean is offline
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Yes, the .308 bullets will work in an AK-47, and yes the .308 expander ball will work just fine. I believe most die makers include both sizes now.

However, if you are expecting tack driving accuracy you are probably going to get pretty frustrated with any size of bullet. I've been trying to get an accurate load in my CZ but nothing so far is impressive. Especially when you consider the 7.62X39 case has spawned some of the most accurate cartridges ever made.
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Old 02-01-2010, 05:28 PM
alwslate alwslate is offline
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Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter?  
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308 bullets will probably give poor accuracy. I have tried 310 and 311
bullets in my guns and gotten both better accuracy and higher velocity
with the 311 dia bullets.
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  #5  
Old 02-02-2010, 04:25 AM
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Snapping Twig Snapping Twig is offline
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Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter?  
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Depends on the bore, but you should try them as they are easier to find in various configurations.

I shoot an old (189 series) Mini 30 with a .308 bore, so they work well for my rifle and I've heard of others using them in various other rifles with success.
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Old 02-02-2010, 07:53 AM
5906fan 5906fan is offline
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Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter?  
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Winny makes 123gr sp (and IIRC fmj) .310 dia.
Hornadys 123gr .310 dia VMax is available from Graf's.
both shot well in my M30 w/.310 bore. the VMax really well.
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Old 02-02-2010, 11:38 PM
Jellybean Jellybean is offline
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What I really hate is when I find a decent .310 bullet, work up an accuracy load for it, then it gets discontinued.
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Old 02-03-2010, 06:07 PM
cjw3 cjw3 is offline
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Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter?  
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They will work. I've loaded .308 diameter bullets to use in an SKS on and off for several years, 110 grains to 150. Accuracy seemed to be the same as with .311's, but with iron sights, aging eyes and the SKS it may (or may not) have made a difference.

Slightly undersized jacketed bullets can usually be worked with; undersized cast bullets are a different, and ornery, breed of cat.
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Old 02-03-2010, 06:58 PM
geomort geomort is offline
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Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter? Reloading the 7.62x39... bullet diameter?  
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Default bore size counts

You really need to slug your bore and measure it. Just use a soft lead fishing sinker and tap it through with a cleaning rod. I was surprised to find my AK barrel measure .315 a bit rough but with strong rifleing. Now a .308 bullet is going to be .007 under size and that's almost enough to paper patch! As many AKs were set up for auto use, the bore was loose to extend barrel life. Don't expect better than dinner plate size accuracy at 100 yards but you can easily hit dinner plates at 50 yards.

I have been thinking about swagging AK bullets at .316 then drawing them down to .315, .314, .313 to .310. One may have to turn the case necks to properly fit the chamber but you would at least have an accuracy round when needed. The bullets made for .303 British, Jap Ariskas, and J bore Mausers are all too heavy for the AK and it's smaller case. The 32 Winchester bullets could be drawn down but they are the not a good shape for the AK. Anyway, a bullet close to bore size would help an AKs accuracy potential.
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