Loading 7.62x39 for the SKS with a basic portable setup

Published on September 6, 2021
Duration: 45:09

This video demonstrates how to reload 7.62x39 ammunition for an SKS rifle using a basic portable setup. It covers setting up a reloading press on a table, preparing brass, charging cases with different powders (Alliant 2400 and Reloder 7), seating bullets, and verifying powder charges. The instructor, with clear E-E-A-T signals in his detailed explanations and practical demonstrations, also touches on troubleshooting potential issues like brass resizing difficulty and the importance of consistent technique.

Quick Summary

Reloading 7.62x39 for an SKS can be done with a portable setup using a press secured to a board spanning a table. Key steps include preparing brass, using pre-set dies and a powder measure with quick-change drums for efficiency, and verifying powder charges with a scale. Alliant Reloder 7 is a recommended powder, while Alliant 2400 showed limitations for jacketed bullets in this platform.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Portable Reloading Setup Introduction
  2. 01:26Loading 7.62x39 for SKS
  3. 02:07Load Data: Alliant 2400 & Reloder 7
  4. 02:54Pre-Setup Reloading Dies and Powder Measure
  5. 04:52Case Lubrication and Preparation
  6. 05:39Sizing Brass with Lee Quick Change System
  7. 08:21Bullet Diameter and Sizing Die Considerations
  8. 09:37Case Trimming and Mouth Cleaning
  9. 11:14Powder Charging with Alliant 2400
  10. 13:41Powder Scale Verification and Testing
  11. 15:14Scale Warm-up and Calibration
  12. 17:03Powder Measure Consistency Check
  13. 18:09Powder Measure Design Insights
  14. 18:49Visual Inspection of Powder Charges
  15. 19:00Bullet Seating Process
  16. 19:43Emptying and Cleaning the Powder Measure
  17. 20:43Powder Measure Drum System
  18. 21:04Powder Charging with Reloder 7
  19. 22:07Reloder 7 Charge Consistency
  20. 22:57Reloading Process: Charge, Inspect, Seat
  21. 23:51Tearing Down the Reloading Setup
  22. 24:09Range Conditions and SKS Setup
  23. 24:28SKS Modifications: Bayonet and Cleaning Rod Removal
  24. 25:09Shooting Conditions and Target Setup
  25. 25:59Testing Accurate 1680 Load (Previous Video)
  26. 27:25Accuracy Issues and Fogging Glasses
  27. 28:12Comparing Accurate 1680 Velocities
  28. 29:14Testing Reloder 7 Load with SKS Configuration Changes
  29. 31:52Reloder 7 Group Analysis
  30. 32:01Removing Forend Stop for Accuracy Test
  31. 32:26Reinstalling Forend Components
  32. 34:47Reinstalling Bayonet and Cleaning Rod
  33. 36:04Testing with Bayonet Affixed and Stowed
  34. 38:24Switching to Alliant 2400 Load
  35. 38:39Alliant 2400 Load Considerations for SKS
  36. 39:15Testing Alliant 2400 for Cycling Function
  37. 41:02Alliant 2400 Brass Pressure Signs
  38. 42:04Alliant 2400 Case Mouth Damage
  39. 42:23Alliant 2400 Group Analysis and Velocity
  40. 43:08Reflections on SKS Accuracy and Future Testing
  41. 44:23Future Plans: Brass Inspection and Cleaning
  42. 45:00Conclusion and Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good portable setup for reloading 7.62x39 ammunition?

A portable setup involves securing a reloading press to a sturdy board that spans a table, allowing for ample handle movement. Using pre-set dies with lock rings and a powder measure with quick-change drums for specific charges significantly streamlines the process in a temporary space.

Which powders are suitable for reloading 7.62x39 for an SKS rifle?

Alliant Reloder 7 is a popular and effective choice for 7.62x39 with 123-grain bullets. Alliant 2400 was tested at 14.5 grains, but it resulted in low velocity and inconsistent cycling, making it less ideal for jacketed bullets in the SKS for reliable function.

How can I ensure consistent powder charges when reloading?

Utilizing a quality powder measure, such as the Lee Deluxe Perfect Powder Measure with pre-set quick-change drums, is key. Always verify charges with a scale, especially when using a new powder measure or load, and visually inspect each charge before seating a bullet.

Does the SKS's configuration affect accuracy when reloading?

Yes, changes to the SKS's forend configuration, such as removing the bayonet and cleaning rod or adding a forend stop, can impact accuracy. Forend pressure can influence the rifle's point of impact and overall group size.

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