Need a little help with a 7.62x54R reload

[Cyberlink]

I seem to have run into a problem and need a little advice.

I have 7.62x54R rounds to reload and bought some bullets for them based on the info in my reloading book it uses a .310 diameter round. The guy at the shop handed me a box of 7.62 bullets and said that was the right one and the only weight he carried. I wanted a 200gn but got a 123gn. The 123gn is the size for the SKS and is short for the 91/30. The book lists the Minimum Overall Length as 3.037" but with this bullet the best I can get is 2.795"

Now looking on midway the only bullet listed for the 7.62x54R round is a .308 by Lapua. I guess the real question is which is right? will a .002" difference in diameter cause a problem with the 91/30 when firing it?

 

[country_boy]

Both Lee and Lyman shows anywhere from .310-.312. Lyman says some rifles will shoot a .308 bullet just fine. I dont think I would reload this round if its not 3.037. The bullets lyman has listed that are actually .311 and .312 are the sierra SPT #2305, 125 gr Hornady sp #3120 150 gr, hornady rn #3130 174 gr, Sierra SPT # 2310 180 gr. Remember this is a surplus rifle so the bores arent all the same. My 91/30 bore is actually .311 but, I just measured bullets of some prvi and some chezk surplus both have .310. Im curious why are you reloading this round??Midway sells a Prvi 150 SP for 15.79 a box as well a 180 fmj for 15.49.

 

[Cyberlink]

Both Lee and Lyman shows anywhere from .310-.312. Lyman says some rifles will shoot a .308 bullet just fine. I dont think I would reload this round if its not 3.037. The bullets lyman has listed that are actually .311 and .312 are the sierra SPT #2305, 125 gr Hornady sp #3120 150 gr, hornady rn #3130 174 gr, Sierra SPT # 2310 180 gr. Remember this is a surplus rifle so the bores arent all the same. My 91/30 bore is actually .311 but, I just measured bullets of some prvi and some chezk surplus both have .310. Im curious why are you reloading this round??Midway sells a Prvi 150 SP for 15.79 a box as well a 180 fmj for 15.49.

Ok, so I guess I should slug the barrel and find out what size the 91/30 is and I mite as well do the M44 while I am at it.

To answer your question as to why I am looking at reloading these rounds, Try finding match grade for it. lol

I reload all my own ammo when I can and have found that it greatly improves the accuracy. This is just the first time I have come across something with such a wide range of bullet suggestions.

I also have close to 1000 rounds of old steel case ammo for it but it is all steel core as well and none of the ranges around here will let you shoot steel core ammo.

 

[Charley]

Remington's 180 grain RN Coreloct, listed at .311 for the .303, has run at .3105 from every lot I have ever seen. They shoot exceptionally well in all my .310 bore Moisins.

 

[country_boy]

Well I hope your able to reload this round. I was going to but, the safety was a big concern so I didnt go forward with it.

 

[robocop10mm]

I would not use the 123's in the X54R. .310-.312 150gr-200gr are far more likely to be successful. The actual bore diameter can vary widely as these were expedient manufactured war time rifles.
If you are interested, I will trade 300 150 gr linotype gas check bullets sized to .310 for 100 of the 123's.