Is 7.62x39 a reloader caliber

[Jmccracken1214]

I keep wanting to pick up an AK, but the import ammo ban has me cautious.
I’ve got a stock pile of 556 brass, thousands of 55gr bullets and able to load range ammo for 16 cent a round.
Using powder and primers bought in the good days of years ago.

Is x39 components reloadable on the same level at 556?

I’m guessing not, I hate the idea of a semi auto that I have to only buy factory ammo for. Gets costly, quick.

 

[Evintos]

There are components for x39.

Starline brass is the most common however even Lapua makes x39 brass (expensive though).

Bullet selection is where you'll see potential issues. AK barrels can slug out anywhere from 0.308 diameter to 0.312 (depending on manufacturer/region). 0.310-0.311 diameter is most common for European made x39 barrels. US made barrels - 0.308. Some of the older stuff (Russian for example) goes as high as 0.312. The variation is where trying to load for max precision becomes a problem unless you slug the barrel. Ever since 300blk, there has been significantly more bullet choices for x39 loading.

As for dies, Lee, Hornady, RCBS and I think Redding also makes them. Same problem with bore size though in regards to sizing dies. Check carefully before you buy them as some are designed for 308 diameter whereas some are for the 0.310-0.311

 

[Darayavaus]

I've loaded and shot .308 bullets in 7.62 (.311) barrels, and not noticed any issues, even velocity-wise through the chrono. CZ and US-barreled AK.

 

[r.tenorio671]

I keep wanting to pick up an AK, but the import ammo ban has me cautious.
I’ve got a stock pile of 556 brass, thousands of 55gr bullets and able to load range ammo for 16 cent a round.
Using powder and primers bought in the good days of years ago.

Is x39 components reloadable on the same level at 556?

I’m guessing not, I hate the idea of a semi auto that I have to only buy factory ammo for. Gets costly, quick.

....yes, components are readily available as are powders. Many of the powders for .223/556 & 300BLK can also be used w/7.62x39. Brass available from multiple USA manufacturers in small primer format as well as Lapua ($). Bullets available from multiple USA manufacturers. Dies available from multiple USA manufacturers. BLUF, the AK cartridge became "mainstream" years ago and reloading components followed suit.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

I’ve loaded tons… they load up great.

Just beware steel ‘brass’ and discard. And Berdan primed cases. Which break priming pins.

Sirhr

 

[sirhrmechanic]

The other option is to buy an AK in 5.56. Available in all price ranges and configurations, dating back to the 1980’s Norinco’s and don’t forget the Galil clones.

Sirhr

 

[AZgeek]

Easy to reload. Back in the day you could also get tons IMI brass for x39 . 27.0 gr of AA1680, 123gr bullets, regular large rifle primers and your GTG.

 

[308pirate]

I've loaded and shot .308 bullets in 7.62 (.311) barrels, and not noticed any issues, even velocity-wise through the chrono. CZ and US-barreled AK.

If people were to stop and think about it, in your case there's .0015" of gap between bullet diameter and groove diameter with 50K+ psi behind it.

It will expand and obturate.