Reloading 7.62x54R - ep 3 - Bore slugging, fouling tests, 100yd test, and more.

Published on December 13, 2015
Duration: 59:32

This guide details the process of reloading 7.62x54R ammunition for a Mosin Nagant rifle, focusing on using Reloader 15 powder. It covers essential steps like bore slugging to determine barrel diameter, proper case resizing techniques for bolt-action firearms, consistent powder charging, and bullet seating. The video emphasizes testing for accuracy and understanding the impact of barrel heat on point of impact.

Quick Summary

Reloading 7.62x54R involves careful steps like bore slugging to determine barrel diameter, using a .32 caliber round ball to measure rifling impressions. A target charge of 41.0 grains of Reloader 15 powder was used, aiming for +/- 0.1 grain consistency. Accuracy testing showed a 100-yard group of approximately 2.87 inches, with barrel heat influencing point of impact.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction: Reloading 7.62x54R
  2. 00:30Previous Load Performance: Reloader 15 vs. IMR 4895
  3. 01:03Components: Reloader 15, .308 Bullets, CCI Primers, Norma Brass
  4. 01:40Reloading Plan: 50 Rounds, Fouling Tests
  5. 02:11Clean Barrel Test: First 10 Shots at 50 Yards
  6. 02:45Reddit Match: 25 Yard Standing
  7. 03:16Cold Bore Test: Last 10 Shots at 50 Yards
  8. 03:40Bore Slugging Explained and Demonstrated
  9. 04:03Tools for Bore Slugging: Round Balls and Rods
  10. 05:01Slugging the Mosin Barrel: Process and Challenges
  11. 09:31Measuring Bore Diameter from Slug
  12. 13:41Case Resizing: Reduced Sizing Technique
  13. 17:14Case Mouth Inspection and Priming
  14. 18:43Powder Measure Setup: Reloader 15
  15. 19:24Throwing Powder Charges: Consistency and Technique
  16. 28:17Final Powder Charge Verification
  17. 30:24Bullet Seating: Target OAL 2.82 Inches
  18. 32:59Factory Crimp Application
  19. 34:41Final Inspection and Preparation for Shooting
  20. 36:07Range Setup: 50 Yard Clean Barrel Test
  21. 37:05Shooting the First 10 Rounds (Clean Barrel)
  22. 40:1925 Yard Reddit Match Shooting
  23. 49:29100 Yard Shooting: 10-Shot Group
  24. 52:5250 Yard Dirty Barrel Cold Bore Test
  25. 54:44Match Score and Final Analysis
  26. 55:01Analysis: Barrel Heat vs. Fouling Impact
  27. 56:52Group Analysis: 100 Yard Performance
  28. 58:00Future Plans: Reloader 15 Load Workup
  29. 58:50Mosin Nagant Accuracy: Debunking Myths
  30. 59:23Conclusion and Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you slug a Mosin Nagant barrel?

To slug a Mosin Nagant barrel, you'll need a lead round ball (e.g., .32 caliber for 7.62x54R) and a muzzleloader starter. Gently tap the ball into the muzzle with the starter until it engages the rifling. Then, use a cleaning rod to push the slug through the barrel. The resulting slug will show impressions of the rifling, allowing you to measure the groove diameter with calipers.

What is the recommended powder charge for 7.62x54R with Reloader 15?

In this video, a charge of 41.0 grains of Reloader 15 powder was used for 7.62x54R reloads with .308 Hornady Interlock bullets. The reloader aimed for consistency within +/- 0.1 grains, achieving charges between 40.9 and 41.1 grains.

How does barrel heat affect accuracy in a Mosin Nagant?

Barrel heat can cause a point of impact shift. In this testing, the first shot from a clean, oiled barrel was high and right. Subsequent shots from a warming barrel showed a trend of moving lower and to the left, suggesting barrel heat is a significant factor in accuracy consistency.

What accuracy can be expected from a Mosin Nagant with reloaded ammunition?

With carefully reloaded ammunition using Reloader 15, a Mosin Nagant can achieve impressive accuracy. A 100-yard group of approximately 2.87 inches was recorded, with sub-2.5-inch groups for the first and second five-shot strings, demonstrating comparable accuracy to other well-regarded rifles.

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