Mosin 91/30 test loads

[res45]

Was able to get out last weekend and test out some loads with a new custom bullet mold I had cut to fit the throat of my 91/30 I acquired and did some work on late last year.  The bullet is the Accurate 215 gr. .314" FP I had modified form a design in his catalog.

The powder I chose to use with this bullet is H-4895 as it give the bullet a nice slow push into the leads and the pressure curve take advantage of the longer 91/30 barrel, plus the powder can be download to 60% of the  MAX loads using a similar bullet weight jacketed or cast safely which allow me to drop the charge weight down low and work up to find best velocity / accuracy.  I shot two 5 shot test loads no chrono uses as I just want to see where I was at accuracy wise before I started tweaking the load. Well it appears I hit one of the accuracy nodes right off the bat,  but I will be testing the same 34.0 gr. load again as well as some 35.0 and 36.0 gr. loads with the chrono next time in a couple weeks.  I want to see just how fast I can push this bullet and still hold good accuracy.

[armymars]

  My 180 gr Lee bullet has not done that good.  4895 is a good powder.

[res45]

I've shot the Lee 185 gr. RN in the 91/30 and my M44 as well Using Alliant 2400.  2400 is good for velocity in the 1500 to 1700 fps. range and you can go up to 20.5 grs. with the Lee 185 gr. gas check bullet according to the Lyman Cast Bullet manual #4 but that's about it velocity wise and it being a faster burning powder it really accelerates the bullet quickly jamming it into the leads which in some case can torque the bullet and cause it to skid on the rifling. It's fine for everyday loads but if you want higher velocity H 4895 is one way to go.

Here is a load I shot with the same rifle using a Allaint 2400 load and the Lee 185 gr. RN bullet cast for water quenched wheel weights.  It shoot pretty well but I have to load it out long and lightly crimp it on the bottom driving band so it doesn't have such a long jump into the leads, it shoots great in the M44 as well.
 

 

[archer]

impressive.

[res45]

Actually this was the 185 gr. Lee bullet load.