7.62x54R Heads

[john Brandon]

So, this may be a silly question, and i apologise if it sounds stupid, but I have a M. Nagant sniper, and already load .303. I have just managed to buy a set of lee dies 7.62x54R.
I also purchased, what I thought were a box of heads to fit. They arrived and are just marked 7.62. They seem a lot shorter than the factory loads that I've had in the past.

Is there any difference? Max length is 3.1 ins, (approx) mine come in at 2.7ins. (approx)
I have heard, although have not tried, that .303 heads are the same.

But i now have a box of 100 7.62's that i am unsure if i can use................ Help!!

Thanks

Information

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[WarPig1976]

Well, what do these 7.62's weigh.? 150g most likely an 150's are shorter then 174g bullets, also for MN they should measure .3105 or .311 or .312 all will work. IF they are .308 they will work but accuracy will suck, I use Hornaday 174g BTHP .312 for 3 different rifles. LE, T99, MN.
Not all 7.62's are created equal,,,

[john Brandon]

Thanks they are Privi 7.62 123gr
.310ins, but only .935ins long? much shorter than factory

[WarPig1976]

Just my 2c's,,, you will find better accuracy in the .311/.312 and heavier 150/174g bullets. Most MN's slug at .312 and even larger.!!
Not sure what factory rounds your using but I guarantee they're not 123grs probably 150's or 174's hence the longer length.
The bullets you have now are more appropriate for 7.62+39 "AK/SKS". You can use them as plinkers just make sure to use the appropriate charge weight.

[Mike 56]

Those are 7.62x39 bullets. Hornady 123gr bullets shoot well in all three Mosin Nagants they slug .311-.3125. Try IMR 4064 or Reloader15. The Hornady manual has data for 123gr .310 bullets. My Nagants also shoot .308 bullets good as long as they are not boat tail bullets. .311 bullets would be my first choice but Hornady .308 165 SP shoot well in my Nagants.

[WarPig1976]

John, curious,, is your rifle a PU or a sporter.?? My puter took a dump so I can't see where your from but I think your in the UK.? Anyway, FYI, if you can get it surplus is dirt cheap, not handloads but makes for a fun day at the range..

[jmoore]

Not sure what factory rounds your using but I guarantee they're not 123grs probably 150's or 174's hence the longer length.

Don't be too hasty! There were some East German 123gr bulleted 7,62x54r rounds imported to the US some time back. I have probably half an USGI ammo can full. (Could do photos if needed, but haven't uploaded anything in maybe two months!)

[WarPig1976]

I stand corrected, I'll take your word for it, you seem an honest man but then again we haven't played poker....

[jmoore]

I think they were either familiarization rounds or (more likely) "border guard" rounds, possibly for those odd "Bulgarian" carbines with the upper range of the sight setting markings milled off. Lemme Google it a bit...

---------- Post added at 05:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:10 PM ----------

Model 91/59 or 1891/59 Carbine. You'd think I'd be more knowed up on the subject since I have one...

[jmoore]

Found reference to the 123gr ammo here in the East German subsection (Scroll down a bit):

http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinAmmoID.htm

ETA: Here's some more detailed info:

http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinAmmo034.htm

About the same power level as the 7.62x39.

Sorry, i can't remember half of what's in my head after being up so long. Ready to call it a day...