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M44...7.62x54R
- Thread starter e-bear
- Start date
FrankenMauser
New member
The best bullet, in my opinion, is the Hornady 174 gr RN. The Sierra 174 isn't bad, either.
My particular M38 really likes AA3100, but I believe it has been discontinued.
AA4350 has done quite well. I haven't done much "serious" testing beyond those powders.
My particular M38 really likes AA3100, but I believe it has been discontinued.
AA4350 has done quite well. I haven't done much "serious" testing beyond those powders.
ligonierbill
New member
Can't say they're the best, but Sierra 0.311 Pro Hunters in 150 or 180 gr over IMR-4320 work well in my M91 (bbl shortened by 5"). Other mid-range powders work just as well, but I have a big jug of 4320. I kind of favor the 180s.
I'm loading 49.5 gr IMR-4320 for the 150s (about 2,730) and 48.5 for the 180s (about 2,570). Wolf commercial 180s go 2,552 avg out of this gun, and I aimed to match that. Could probably go hotter, but I have no reason to do so.
I'm loading 49.5 gr IMR-4320 for the 150s (about 2,730) and 48.5 for the 180s (about 2,570). Wolf commercial 180s go 2,552 avg out of this gun, and I aimed to match that. Could probably go hotter, but I have no reason to do so.
Last edited:
bamaranger
New member
PSL
Been loading the x54R cartridge for several years now for a PSL rifle. Sources say the 150 grain slugs are the heaviest one should use in that SA action. I experimented with .308 dia slugs, including 150 Match Kings which actually shot pretty well, but have decided that the Sierra .311, 150 gr Pro Hunter yields consistent accuracy in my rifle and is a genuine game bullet as well should I ever want to hunt with it.
I'm using Varget powder, enough to get velocities in the 2650 range.
Also, the price of the M44's has really jumped.......wish I'd have bought one a decade ago!!!!!!!!!
Been loading the x54R cartridge for several years now for a PSL rifle. Sources say the 150 grain slugs are the heaviest one should use in that SA action. I experimented with .308 dia slugs, including 150 Match Kings which actually shot pretty well, but have decided that the Sierra .311, 150 gr Pro Hunter yields consistent accuracy in my rifle and is a genuine game bullet as well should I ever want to hunt with it.
I'm using Varget powder, enough to get velocities in the 2650 range.
Also, the price of the M44's has really jumped.......wish I'd have bought one a decade ago!!!!!!!!!
m&p45acp10+1
New member
150 grain .311 Speer Hot Core loaded over H4320 make a very accurate hunting load.
For targets and fun. I like a 110 grain .308 loaded with Trail Boss. A nice gallery load for knocking down steel plates. It moves the swinger plates about the same as my .357 magnum loads do.
For targets and fun. I like a 110 grain .308 loaded with Trail Boss. A nice gallery load for knocking down steel plates. It moves the swinger plates about the same as my .357 magnum loads do.
"...not sure what is best..." Best for what purpose? With that wee cannon, a light bullet would be better than a 174, recoil wise.
"...a 110 grain .308..." Undersized. Lots of 123 and 125 grain .311" bullet around. Data is on Hodgdon's site. Little fellows are moving too. Start loads run at or a tick under 3,000 FPS.
'Ya'll' is already plural. snicker.
"...a 110 grain .308..." Undersized. Lots of 123 and 125 grain .311" bullet around. Data is on Hodgdon's site. Little fellows are moving too. Start loads run at or a tick under 3,000 FPS.
'Ya'll' is already plural. snicker.
ligonierbill
New member
Sorry, my Canadian friend, down here, "All y'all" is the plural. This Yankee has been corrected when he used it incorrectly!
FrankenMauser
New member
As others have mentioned, even .308" bullets often shoot well.
If there's something you want to try, go for it.
I have plenty of .311" and .312" bullets, though. As little as I shoot the M38, I'll probably never have to buy more.
But so is "All y'all."
Y'all can include an indefinite number of parties, which may or may not include everyone present.
All y'all, includes a definitive number of parties: all of them.
If there's something you want to try, go for it.
I have plenty of .311" and .312" bullets, though. As little as I shoot the M38, I'll probably never have to buy more.
It is.Ya'll' is already plural. snicker.
But so is "All y'all."
Y'all can include an indefinite number of parties, which may or may not include everyone present.
All y'all, includes a definitive number of parties: all of them.
ligonierbill
New member
Well, I had to take the old Mosin out today. I didn't have any of the IMR-4320 loads on the shelf, just some old H380s. Both 150 and 180 Sierra ProHunter over 52 gr H380. The 180s run the same velocity as my IMR-4320 loads and the Wolf commercial. The 150s run about the same, kinda slow for that bullet. (Don't remember why I loaded those.) Be it as it may, the 150s were pretty erratic. The 180s did well. The first 3 went under an inch, first 4 1 3/4", then they spread out. I was just banging away, not really letting the barrel cool. I need to do some more shooting, but right now, I will go with Sierra ProHunter 180 at about 2,550. YRMV