Reloading 7.62X39

[gandog56]

Just got a Yugo SKS not long ago and was going to reload some 7.62X39. Still had some dies from an SKS I had years ago. Looked through my reloading manual, and the only load I could find I already had the powder was using 2400. Anyways went to the range today, loaded a clip, and fired. Action did not cycle. Hand cycled and shot another round. Action did not cycle again. Emptied the mag and put in a clip of some milsurp I also brought. Worked like a champ. The bad thing is these reloads were printing great groups on the target. But I don't exactly like shooting an SKS single shot. The recoil did not feel much different to me than from the milsurp. Kind of wondering if the 2400 is just too fast a powder and is messing with the workings. Have to shoot off the rest of the 100 rounds I made, then come up with a different recipe. Never going to use pistol powder on a rifle again.

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[NuJudge]

I have no difficulty getting a Chinese SKS to function with the Lee 150gr bullet. What powder charge are you useing?

Here's some threads:
http://www.castbulletassoc.org/forum...766&forum_id=8
Practical Dope on the 7.62X39 - Cast Boolits

[Andy]

I find that my SKS's shoot best with powders in the H322 burn rate range. About 28.0 grs with the 123 Hornady FMJ. Another good load is a near full case of H4895.

Fast pistol powders do not produce enough gas at the right pressure at the right time to reliably cycle the action. However, 2400 is on the slower side and I have heard of success with it with 15.0 to 16.0 grs.

[gandog56]

I find that my SKS's shoot best with powders in the H322 burn rate range. About 28.0 grs with the 123 Hornady FMJ. Another good load is a near full case of H4895.

Fast pistol powders do not produce enough gas at the right pressure at the right time to reliably cycle the action. However, 2400 is on the slower side and I have heard of success with it with 15.0 to 16.0 grs.

Maybe that was it. I was using 14.8 grains. Anyways it's back to my normal H4895. I only tried the 2400 because I ran out of the Hodgdon.