7.62x54r Lee Reloader

[mcgimp]

I am new to reloading and have a 7.62X54R reloader.

An example of the load data that came with it is:
150 Grain Jacket H4895 34.3gr Starting to 40.9gr max.

An example of the load data from Hodgons web site:
150 Grain NOS H4895 46gr Starting to 49.5gr max.

What would explain these differences.

There is a note on the load data card with the reloader:
"These are reduced loads from a near same size cartridge"
From this it appears they are going with greatly reduced loads as they were not actually tested in the 7.62 cartridge.
Any thoughts?

Thanks, Ken
"

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[Mike 56]

Ken, I looked your load in my Lee Modern Reloading and Hornady manuals.

starting load max load
Lee Modern Reloading 46 grains 49.5 grains
Horandy 39.7 grains 48.9 grains

Years ago i used the dipper load that was on the Lee Loader load chart using IMR 4895 with 150 grain bullets. It shot pretty good but you could tell it was very reduced it left the cases real shooty and the ignition sporadic. The load on the Lee Loader card is a typo or it is a reduced load that Mr Lee used. The Lee Dipper Chart that comes with the Lee Dipper set shows the 2.50 dipper that came with your Lee Loader troughs 34.3 grains of H4895. The 2.80 dipper 38.4, 3.10 dipper 42.6, 3.40 dipper 46.7, The dippers work best for me if i fill a small container all the way with powder. I push the bottom of the dipper down into the powder then lift it straight up and strike the top of the dipper level. If you stay close to starting loads you should be ok the 2.80 or 3.10 dippers should be fine. When you can you should get a scale. I have seen Lee scales as cheap as 10.00 on ebay. If you learn how to use it they are accurate but slow. New ones cost around 25.00. Read the instructions good and their are lots of you tube videos on using them. If you can afford a RCBS 505 scale or better they are easier to use and much faster to use. I really like my RCBS scale but i used a Lee scale for years before getting my RCBS scale.

[mcgimp]

Thanks Mike.
I do have a scale and will be using Hornaday bullets so will use their loading data.

Ken

[mil-surp60]

i load a lot for the 7.62x54r and have always used hornady data, you can also use imr 4895,varget,imr 4064, ram shot big game lot of powders out there for that cartridge, all work pretty well for me varget usually gives the best groupings but has gotten impossible to get around here so i have been useing a lot of 4064 in my mosins with good results.

[Mike 56]

When i could not get 4064 i started using Reloader 15 i like it alot it has worked well for me.

[Merle]

I am new to reloading and have a 7.62X54R reloader.

An example of the load data that came with it is:
150 Grain Jacket H4895 34.3gr Starting to 40.9gr max.

An example of the load data from Hodgons web site:
150 Grain NOS H4895 46gr Starting to 49.5gr max.

What would explain these differences.

There is a note on the load data card with the reloader:
"These are reduced loads from a near same size cartridge"
From this it appears they are going with greatly reduced loads as they were not actually tested in the 7.62 cartridge.
Any thoughts?

Thanks, Ken
"

Two things come to mind;
first is a "generic" 150 gr bullet - the brand & style can make a substantial difference in charge weights.
second is as you noted - these loads were NOT tested in an actual rifle.
Therefore, they will only list very mild loads for safety's sake.

[Mike 56]

I think it has more to do with two more powders IMR and H4895 that can be used with 2.50 dipper that comes with the Lee Loader. The H4895 loads for 150 grain bullets in Lees Modern Reloading are not reduced at all.