question on powder grains for military brass

[elfster1234]

new to reloading... starting out with 7.62x51 military brass. i'm using sierra 175gr. hpbt matchking bullets and sierra's load data for 2400fps / benchmark powder is 37gr. Hodgdon's website shows 38gr for 2400fps / benchmark... How much do you reduce the load for military / nato brass? rifle is LMT MWS with 20" barrel

 

[wilecoyote]

Re: question on powder grains for military brass

startin'with relatively mild reloads,on a sound bolt action I m'never too worried about that_ on my mind,a true problem can really arise with semiautos only_ discard without remorse any case with suspect primer pockets,anyway:the worst euro-nato cases can harden fast&very badly,allowing gas escapes from here with related cooking of the bolt face_LC,if available,are far better_

 

[elfster1234]

Re: question on powder grains for military brass

some people are telling reduce 10% off max load,,, while others are saying take 1whole grain on powder load.. which do you do for military / nato brass?

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: question on powder grains for military brass

I work up a load FOR military brass

 

[Beef82]

Re: question on powder grains for military brass

If you're starting at the minimum listed loads in the book reduction is not neccessary. It is if you are sttarting at or in the vicinity of maximum loads that you want to back down a couple grains. As mentioned, work the load up in the brass you're using and rifle you're shooting, if either change start over, watch for pressure, do not assume that because jim bob loaded X grains in 762 brass that it will be ok or safe in your combination. Furthermore Benchmark is not generally regarded as ideal for heavy bullets.

 

[DT1]

Re: question on powder grains for military brass

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This!

Its ALWAYS advisable to ladder up loads starting well below max and look for pressure signs and accuracy nodes on the way up. This is regardless of what type brass you're using.

That said, some mil spec brass such as Lake City tends to be a little thicker than commercial brass. This compromises case capacity very slightly and, in theory, will increase pressure just a bit in the load w/ mil spec brass vs commercial brass (if everything else is the same between the two).

 

[elfster1234]

Re: question on powder grains for military brass

thanks for the good info guys. i really appreciate it. i'll try a different powder next time after i burn up with benchmark... i figured i would only start out with 1pound to see how it works.

 

[zuke]

Re: question on powder grains for military brass

I'd go 10% reduced and live to tell the tale.
So it take's a bit more time to get maxed out.
So what enjoy your shooting.

 

[NCHillbilly]

Re: question on powder grains for military brass

One thing to watch for if you use a lot of mil-surp brass.I've used some 7.62 brass that was extremely hard to resize(probably shot in some very worn chambers).It shot fine once,but upon very close inspection after firing,I could see the early stages of head seperation.The cases I was using were LC 91.If you get a batch and find some harder to size(considerably),segregate them and check them closely.