Reloading for the L42A1

Anyone out there do any reloading for their L42A1? There isn't a lot that I've been able to find except the standard "just use the .308 Winchester specs." I kinda expected as much, but thought I'd see if there are any other viewpoints.

Being new to the L-42 game, I'm thinking that the best round to mimic might be the Radway Green stuff that was floating about in the mid 1980's that everyone lusted for. Need to find a box of that and tear it down, for bullet weight, type, powder type, charge, etc. Sounds like a good project.
I bet its been done before.
Isn't that the round that would have been used with this rifle?

I've got 1 box (20 rounds) of 1981 Radway Green 7.62 and then thats it.

I'd be interested in any 'pet loads' / Radway copies for use in my Enforcers

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You won't have the exact same case, powder or bullet as the British Military rounds so pick some loads and try them out. It all boils down to barrel vibrations and ballistic uniformity and how tight your bedding still is.

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Even the amount of head space you have can effect accuracy. :rolleyes:

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I'm in the best of groups when I drink Yuengling. ;)

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This should be good.
...LOL...

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I, for one, would also be interested in gaining any tips that may be of use for reloading for an Enforcer. I do have my eye on 750 rounds of Radway Green, but who knows how long that stuff will be available at prices that even I can afford??

I roll my own,

175 Matchking with 44 grs of Varget or
147 FMJ with 45 grs of Varget

Powder is very stable good pressure curve, SAFE! Accurate

Here's a thread that may help:
Ammo for L42A1 and L39 - Military Surplus Collectors Forums

Brad

Have shot all the common weights w/ no dramas, but only load 150- 155 gr bullets now. I use the Sierra recommended powder & charge weight for "accuracy load". Redding bushing neck dies (for minimal cold work on the case neck) / carbide expander ball for uniform I.D. Body die for when cases get hard to chamber. Case neck turning seems to be a waste of time in these rifles.

Hi, I'm new to this form but have been reloading a while. I'm in the process of prepping some hand loads for my L42 as we speak.

As mine is a working weapon used primarily for deer stalking, my first load will be Hornady 155gr A-Max ballistic tips. They are a match rnd with an in built 'predictable expansion' but having spoken to some very knowledgable US friends of mine are almost identical in both make up and tgt effect to the V-Max hunting projectile.

My second load will be the Hornady V-Max 110 gr then finally some Nosler 150 gr ballistic tips (for 'punching paper'). Due to the numerous and somewhat confusing 'what is the max load for No4 actions' debate I'm maxing out at 155 gr as that is sufficient for all UK game.

If anyone is interested i'll post the results when complete. I'm planning this in the next month but I'm serving military so.... we'll see what Mr Brown plans for me eh??!!

Deano

It's a secret.

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I've used the Nosler 150gr Ballistic tips on deer (back when I used BIG calibers like 308 Win.) and it's quite devestating. Fist sized "hamburgered" area through both shoulders is typical. (I've heard the bullet gets unpredictable at MVs over 3000 fps, but that's not a "problem" w 308W/7.62x51. Accurate bullet too! Only it costs more than most "match" bullets.