in2anity wrote:This calibre in this exact rifle really interests me - you have an insane amount of options considering its a 30 cal and the smaller case size means it's ideal for reduced loads. Whats the twist rate on this exact rifle?
bladeracer wrote:in2anity wrote:This calibre in this exact rifle really interests me - you have an insane amount of options considering its a 30 cal and the smaller case size means it's ideal for reduced loads. Whats the twist rate on this exact rifle?
Actually, 7.62x39 doesn't use .308 bullets so options are fairly limited, at least that's my understanding of it.
In my opinion, 300BLK is a better choice if you aren't willing to simply load down .308.
in2anity wrote:Umm the cartridge can use any 308 projectile from 110 to 220 man; tight twist - the bullet diameter is the same. It's just like a 30/30 can shoot spitzers (so long as you don't load more than one in the mag ). I mean I can't claim that I've done it - but google it dude. I'd try lead through your rifle tbh - gas checked RN 308 lead over Trail Boss should work well with a 1:10, and very economical and fun for plinking, if not a mid burn like 2207 or 2206. Maybe I'm wrong though that's why I asked
in2anity wrote:bladeracer wrote:in2anity wrote:This calibre in this exact rifle really interests me - you have an insane amount of options considering its a 30 cal and the smaller case size means it's ideal for reduced loads. Whats the twist rate on this exact rifle?
Actually, 7.62x39 doesn't use .308 bullets so options are fairly limited, at least that's my understanding of it.
In my opinion, 300BLK is a better choice if you aren't willing to simply load down .308.
Umm the cartridge can use any 308 projectile from 110 to 200 man - the bullet diameter is the same. It's just like a 30/30 can shoot spitzers (so long as you don't load more than one in the mag ). I mean I can't claim that I've done it - but google it dude. I'd try lead through your rifle tbh - gas checked RN 308 lead over Trail Boss should work well with a 1:10 and very economical for plinking, if not a mid burn like 2207 or 2206. Maybe I'm wrong though
bladeracer wrote:in2anity wrote:Umm the cartridge can use any 308 projectile from 110 to 220 man; tight twist - the bullet diameter is the same. It's just like a 30/30 can shoot spitzers (so long as you don't load more than one in the mag ). I mean I can't claim that I've done it - but google it dude. I'd try lead through your rifle tbh - gas checked RN 308 lead over Trail Boss should work well with a 1:10, and very economical and fun for plinking, if not a mid burn like 2207 or 2206. Maybe I'm wrong though that's why I asked
I'm sure you can load .308 bullets into it but do they work as well as the correct diameter bullets?
bladeracer wrote:Actually, I just had a bit of a Google, and it seems some modern manufacturers when chambering for 7.62x39mm are using a .309" bore. That would probably work okay with .308" bullets.
brett1868 wrote:According to the ADI site it'll take a .310", .311" & .312" projectile like the good old 303whereas the usual 30Cal is .308". Plenty guys running .308" projectiles through the .303" so it should be similar with the 7.62x39. Pity about the timing though as I used to buy spam cans of Russian ammo to feed my SKS & SKK.
in2anity wrote:I think it would vary from manufacturer to manufacturer - the official spec is .308, same as 308W and 30/30, but for example marlins are .309" - they always shoot .308" bullets though
in2anity wrote:The diameter is the same 0.308 inch (7.8mm) you should get into handloading (if you're not already) it's a lot of fun
bladeracer wrote:brett1868 wrote:According to the ADI site it'll take a .310", .311" & .312" projectile like the good old 303whereas the usual 30Cal is .308". Plenty guys running .308" projectiles through the .303" so it should be similar with the 7.62x39. Pity about the timing though as I used to buy spam cans of Russian ammo to feed my SKS & SKK.
I haven't had success with .308 bullets in my .303.
Maybe a long, blunt bullet might work though.
.264" spitzer bullets don't work in my Carcano at all, but the .264" Hornady 160gn RN does fatten up enough to build pressure.
in2anity wrote:Yes because the 303 is officially 4 thou bigger than 308 - actual 303 barrels may even be 5 or 6 You need at least a .311 for obturation in a 303
bladeracer wrote:in2anity wrote:Yes because the 303 is officially 4 thou bigger than 308 - actual 303 barrels may even be 5 or 6 You need at least a .311 for obturation in a 303
That's almost correct, .303 is usually specified at .3105" - mine is .311". And it's the same situation for 7.62x54R, and almost the same for 7.62x39mm (official bore diameter for the 7.62x39mm seems to vary a bit, but not as tight as .308").
bladeracer wrote:in2anity wrote:I think it would vary from manufacturer to manufacturer - the official spec is .308, same as 308W and 30/30, but for example marlins are .309" - they always shoot .308" bullets though
The official spec for the 7.62x39mm bullet and barrel is .310" or .311", not .308".
in2anity wrote:Lol righto stat-man I didn't realize you were the almighty technicality judge https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/.303_British - I say it varies between rifles. Anyway I'm not here to argue about 303s; we're side tracked - point is the 300 BO will shoot most 308 projectiles fine. I really want a nice 1:10 HB BO to plink lead with!!
bladeracer wrote:I just noticed
Go back to photos in the first post and note the bullet diameters Homer is using - .309" and .310".
in2anity wrote:Well damn it can handle the 309! I wonder what the official diameter of that barrel is!
bladeracer wrote:in2anity wrote:Lol righto stat-man I didn't realize you were the almighty technicality judge https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/.303_British - I say it varies between rifles. Anyway I'm not here to argue about 303s; we're side tracked - point is the 300 BO will shoot most 308 projectiles fine. I really want a nice 1:10 HB BO to plink lead with!!
Stat-man????
How did 300BLK come into a discussion about a Howa in 7.62x39mm?
Yes, 300BLK is .308", but you stated "This calibre in this exact rifle really interests me - you have an insane amount of options considering its a 30 cal and the smaller case size means it's ideal for reduced loads. Whats the twist rate on this exact rifle?" - regarding a Howa rifle in 7.62x39mm...or the numerous times I referred specifically to 7.62x39mm...
in2anity wrote:Sorry was confused between the two - my bad. The whole time I was imagining 300 BO for some reason.
bladeracer wrote:in2anity wrote:Sorry was confused between the two - my bad. The whole time I was imagining 300 BO for some reason.
No worries, at least your side of the discussion makes sense in that light
in2anity wrote:Yeah I read OP as 7.62x35 (aka 300 BO) instead of x39. That changes things completely; I'm not nearly as interested in the rifle now I need to go back and strike through my posts as a disclaimer. Sorry Homer, ignore my rambling. Although interestingly it did stabilize a 309"... maybe strangely there is some truth to running 308s through it.
Oldbloke wrote:IMHO. You would be better off buying a 308, or other more common calibre and down load. Less common calibres are often problematic when it comes to availability and cost.
Popular calibres are popular for a reason.
Gwion wrote:Get a Howa mini and have it rebarrelled to 300blk.