Loading 7.62x39 for the SKS - Getting started and shooting some groups

Published on August 9, 2021
Duration: 42:13

This video provides a comprehensive guide to reloading 7.62x39 ammunition for an SKS rifle, emphasizing critical steps like determining correct bullet diameter through bore slugging and preparing brass with custom expander mandrels. It details load development using various bullet weights and powders, addresses potential SKS slam fire concerns, and offers practical advice on bullet seating, crimping, and analyzing fired brass. The instruction is delivered by a knowledgeable individual with hands-on experience in reloading and firearm maintenance.

Quick Summary

Reloading 7.62x39 for an SKS requires careful attention to bullet diameter, determined by slugging the bore, which can be larger than the standard .310. Using appropriate expander mandrels for bullet seating and hard primers like CCI 200 helps prevent issues like neck splits and slam fires, leading to more accurate and reliable ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Reloading 7.62x39 for SKS
  2. 00:20Goal: Shooting Groups with SKS
  3. 00:25Powder Options for 7.62x39
  4. 00:54Bullet Selection: 123gr FMJ and Speer Gold Dot
  5. 02:11Larger Diameter Bullets (.311, .312)
  6. 02:27Importance of Bullet-to-Bore Fit
  7. 03:02Slugging the SKS Bore
  8. 03:54Bore Measurement: .312
  9. 04:12Safety Warning: Bullet Diameter vs. Bore Size
  10. 04:31Primer Selection: CCI 200
  11. 04:53Brass Acquisition: PPU and Once-Fired
  12. 05:24Recommendation: Starline Brass
  13. 06:06Once-Fired Brass Analysis (SB)
  14. 06:28Reloading Dies: Redding Set Issues
  15. 07:20Ammunition Loads for Testing
  16. 07:26Load 1: 123gr FMJ, 22.0gr Accurate 1680
  17. 08:06Load 2: 150gr Interlock, 22.0gr Reloader 7
  18. 08:14Load 3: 174gr Boat Tail, 24.0gr Benchmark
  19. 09:09Navigating Load Data Complexity
  20. 09:46Brass Cleaning and Preparation
  21. 10:06Sizing Brass
  22. 11:01Sizing Die Functionality
  23. 12:00Expander Ball Function
  24. 13:01Using Custom Expander Mandrels
  25. 14:40Primer Pocket Preparation
  26. 15:52Case Trimming and Deburring
  27. 16:26Detecting Neck Splits
  28. 17:10Primer Pocket Tightness Check
  29. 17:54Bullet Seating Process
  30. 18:16Seating 123gr Hornady FMJ
  31. 19:56Crimp Die Usage
  32. 22:31Seating 150gr Hornady Interlock
  33. 24:01Seating 174gr Boat Tail
  34. 25:23Magazine Fit Check
  35. 28:31Range Setup and Target
  36. 29:03First Shot: Test Round
  37. 29:38Shooting Group 1: 123gr FMJ
  38. 32:22Analyzing Group 1 Results
  39. 33:26Shooting Group 2: 150gr Interlock
  40. 35:54Analyzing Group 2 Results
  41. 36:56Shooting Group 3: 174gr Boat Tail
  42. 38:31Analyzing Group 3 Results
  43. 39:26Final Group: 123gr FMJ (Re-shoot)
  44. 40:22Analyzing Final Group
  45. 40:44Post-Shot Brass Inspection
  46. 41:03Chamber Sealing Observations
  47. 41:23Brass Condition and Reloadability
  48. 41:57Conclusion and Future Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you determine the correct bullet diameter for reloading 7.62x39 for an SKS?

The correct bullet diameter for reloading 7.62x39 for an SKS is determined by 'slugging' the bore. This involves driving a soft lead ball through the barrel to measure the rifling groove diameter. The presenter found their SKS measured .312 inches, which is larger than the standard .310 for this caliber, indicating a need for larger bullets.

What are the key components needed for reloading 7.62x39 ammunition?

Essential components for reloading 7.62x39 include brass (new or once-fired), appropriate bullet diameters based on bore slugging (e.g., .310, .312), primers (like CCI 200 to mitigate slam fires), suitable powders (e.g., Accurate 1680, Reloader 7, Benchmark), and reloading dies.

What are common issues when reloading 7.62x39 for an SKS, and how can they be addressed?

Common issues include incorrect bullet diameter leading to poor accuracy or pressure problems, neck splits from improper expansion, and potential slam fires. Addressing these involves accurate bore slugging, using correct expander mandrels for bullet diameter, employing hard primers, and developing loads with appropriate powder charges.

What are some recommended powders and bullet weights for reloading 7.62x39 for an SKS?

Popular powders include Accurate 1680 for lighter bullets (123gr), Reloader 7 for heavier bullets (150gr), and Hodgdon Benchmark. Bullet weights tested ranged from 123gr FMJ to 174gr boat tail, with varying accuracy results depending on the powder and bullet combination.

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