I have a CZ 527 bolt action carbine I have just started casting lead bullets for, I have a Lee 155 grain, .312 diameter mold, I hope to find a good load for it that comes close or exceeds 2000 FPS. I am casting these bullets from a harder lead, probably 80% Linotype and 20% wheel weights, will lube them with a Lyman Sizer and install a gas check.

I've had good results with .312 diameter jacketed bullets in this rifle, hope to get similar results with cast lead....

So, what is your favorite recipe for 7.62 X 39 cast lead in a CZ bolt action rifle?

Thanks,

Canoeguy

UPDATE:

Well, I took two loads and tried them today. All bullets are from the Lee 155 grain mold, lead spire point, cast hard with about 80% linotype, 20% wheel weights. Lubed with a Lyman sizer, sized to .312 diameter, gas check installed.

First was 15.5 grains 2400, shot about 2" at 100 yards, mild recoil and report. Don't have a chronograph, but I'm betting somewhere around 1500-1600 FPS.

Second was 19.5 grains 4198, published velocity around 1900 FPS. Almost identical accuracy, 2" at 100 yards, a little more noise and recoil, but still quite mild. No leading evident, shot 40 rounds total with both loads and bore was bright and shiney This will probably be my "Go To" cast lead load for this rifle, good accuracy, and cheap to shoot. Should be capable of taking small deer and varmints....

I will probably cast the bullets not quite as hard next time, probably 50/50 linotype and wheel weights.

Thanks for your help in this reloading experiment!

Canoeguy

I don't have a CZ rifle, but the new Lyman Cast Bullet manual lists several loads for that bullet. If you'd just like the data, I can list them.

Imashooter,

If you could post a few loads using BLC2 powder, 4895 and 3031, that would be great. My Lyman Cast Lead Handbook is several years old and doesn't list 7.62 X 39....

Thanks,

Canoeguy

I'm afraid they don't list any of those powders. Here's what they do list that will make the 2,000 fps you're looking for:

7.62 X 39, Lee C312-155-2R:
IMR4198, start 15.0 gr (1356 fps) max 20.3 gr (2004 fps)

Alliant Reloder 7, start 15.5 gr (1426 fps), max 22.0 gr (2052 fps)

AA2230, start 19.0 gr (1479 fps), max 27.0 gr (2085 fps)

Thanks, Shooter2, looks like I need to go buy some different powders...

Canoeguy

I would suggest that if you are trying to shoot 2000fps with a cast boolit that you consider one that has a gas check. Also a good lube like White Lable's Carnuba Red or BAC. Good luck with your project.

Here's a link to a reprint of a great article by C.E. Harris on the X39

C. E. Harris "Practical Dope on the 7.62x39"

I haven't ever loaded for a bolt gun but I've had real good luck with the Lee TL mold and water dropping straight WW alloy and using a GC over Reloader 7 powder. IIRC I was getting a little less than 2000 fps but in a SKS the velocity would be lower than a bolt gun.

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Andy

I shoot that bullet in a Handi-Rifle over 28 gr of IMR-4895 with good accuracy. It cycles in an sks but I have never chrono'd it. My alloy is air cooled ww and I think you may be a little too hard for what you want to do. You might consider 10%-20% Lino with the balance ww. Good Luck.

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Front sight and squeeze

If you can locate a copy of HANDLOADER magazine #177, October, 1995, there is an article with a lot of cast bullet data - nine bullets ranging from around 160 grains to over 200. Loads were developed in a Ruger bolt-action.

Well, I bought some 4198 and 2400 powder today, read the great article by C.E. Harris, all I'm waiting for is a top punch for my Lyman Sizer, ordered it from Midway, should be here Tuesday, so I'll have a range report by the end of next week.

I've casted up about 50 Lee 155 grainers, they look really pretty with that hard mix of linotype and lead. I will try less linotype in my next batch, probably 50/50 or less linotype to wheel weights....

Put a Redfield 2X7 compact scope on the CZ carbine, I'm getting 1.5" groups at 100 yards with that combo and Fderal American Eagle facotry ammo, hope to improve on that wiht my cast lead bullets.

Which .312" jacketed bullets are giving you good results?

I know I have some .314" bevel base cast bullets meant for the .32-20 stashed away somewhere. I have considered trying these in my AKM but I'm not so sure it would be a great idea. Much of my time with this cartridge is spent trying to put together a good 123 to 150 gr. SP for field use. I have to admit this is a real challenge and so far I have not been able to put together anything that is as accurate as the cheap Russian ammo.

Dave Sinko

David,

I have had good results with Hornady 123 grain FMJ projectiles, and Speer 123 grain jacketed soft points. I haven't tried them since I put the scope on the rifle, but they gave equal groups to the Federal american Eagle factory 123 grain FMJ's using the iron sights, so they should group as good, 1.5".....

Updated range report in original post...

Canoeguy

FWIW, 15.5 grains of Alliant 2400 gets 1,739 fps average for me in the larger .30/30 case under a Lee C309-150-F. I suspect you are probably getting at least that...