Off topic since no S&W is chambered for that cartridge, but I thought this might be a good source of info anyhow. I'm currently loading 123g FMJ bullets over 25.5g of AA1680. Looking for good alternatives.
Thanks.

I'm pretty sure that is the exact load I used to use the most.

I also used IMR4198 and liked it fine; don't have the specifics at hand, it has been years since I loaded any 7.62x39.

I usually removed the piston in my SKS and used it as a straight pull to avoid losing/dinging the cases.

My most versatile load is the Hornady 123 gr. SP, 25.5 grs. of IMR4198 and the CCI 200 primer. It's the only load I've tried that shoots to the same point of impact as the generic Russian ammo in every single AKM that I have tried, and it's accurate too. And I have tried MANY loads.

I recently acquired a large number of the Hornady 123 gr. Z-Max and it seems to want to behave the same way when substituted in the above load. Time will tell. Hornady makes some fantastic bullets.

Another great load is the Barnes 123 gr. XTS, 25.0 grs. of Accurate 1680 and the CCI 200 primer. This is probably the single most effective bullet that can be loaded into this cartridge, for field use, that is. This load is accurate in most AKMs without having to readjust the sights but it can be very erratic in some rifles.

I own one SKS (a Yugo) and it is consistently accurate with everything.

Dave Sinko

[QUOTE=David Sinko;
Another great load is the Barnes 123 gr. XTS, 25.0 grs. of Accurate 1680 and the CCI 200 primer. This is probably the single most effective bullet that can be loaded into this cartridge, for field use, that is. This load is accurate in most AKMs without having to readjust the sights but it can be very erratic in some rifles.

I own one SKS (a Yugo) and it is consistently accurate with everything.

Dave Sinko[/QUOTE]

Dave, Have you ever measured velocity on your 1680 load? Charge weight seems on the low side, according to current AA load data. Published maximum used to be 25.5g. It is currently 28.3g.
Mine is also a Yugo.
Andy