hello everybody, does anyone have any experience shooting cast in their fn-49? I am concerned with possible leading in the gas tube. that could be a pain to clean out.
This is a fairly desent shooter, but I thought if I could get cast to shoot well, this would make an incredible pig thumper.
Also if anyone has any loading data for the cast loads in this one, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, John

What caliber are you shooting since this rifle was made in several offerings? I have several FN-49 rifles, but have never shot cast bullets in them. My thoughts would be to follow the Lyman Cast Bullet manual loadings. It is likely that the pressure from cast bullet loads will not be high enough to cycle the action. I would not be too conncerned over leading in the gas tube and would just clean it after shooting. All the best...
Gil

I had a Venezuelian model in 7x57 for years. Agree with Gil on were to start. However, don't worry about it not cycling. You have two options 1) Turn gas nut (above barrel, in front of front sight) 180 degrees. This will turn off the gas (orginally for launching gerandes) 2. Just remove the top hand guard and adjust the gas system (since the SAFN is the daddy to the FAL)

hello everybody, does anyone have any experience shooting cast in their fn-49? I am concerned with possible leading in the gas tube. that could be a pain to clean out.
This is a fairly desent shooter, but I thought if I could get cast to shoot well, this would make an incredible pig thumper.
Also if anyone has any loading data for the cast loads in this one, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, John

Going to have to join in with the other posters. HAve shot them, and have shot cast bullets in them (a 30-06 version), but never got good functioning and good accuracy to live hand in hand. May just be bad luck.

As you are starting your reloads from way-way below max (or should be), opeing the gas port larger can help achieve funtioning at lower velocity...that may help accuracy. Using a heavier bullet seemed to help, as did staying in the powder range of 3031-4895.

BUT YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER TO RE-ADJUST THE GAS PORT FOR "BALL" AMMO!!!!

I gave up, left the adjustment right for "Ball", loaded lead bullets lightly, and used the rifle as a hand-operated-magazine-repeater. Problem with light loading is that it has to be light enough that the action doesn't 1/2 cycle...that will catch the case in the returning bolt and mash it. Either load to cycling, or load to no ejection, but not in-between
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Are right, eventually lead bullets will gunk up the works and they will need a good cleaning...may be as soon as 50 rounds, may be as long at 150 rounds. Even without leading, the lubrication tends to collect and solidify...but usually you'll also find little shavings of lead mixed in with the packed lube. Not really leading, suspect it's just a little "bite" take out as the bullet passes the port (which to the bullet, is just a big pit).

I can't beleive I forgot to mention it is 8x57, I have shot alot of ball ammo in it. I am just thinking about something different, I am contiplating 180 gn, rnfp
I did a google search last night at about 4:00 am, i read too much,too late.
I have been aware of the selective single shot, semi auto adjustment, as well as the adjustable gas tube, mostly wondering about the velocity for these military semi-autos, and how they handled cast loads. " gunking up"
Thanks everybody
John

I have a warning for everyone shooting an FN-49. Take it to the smith and have it cecked over! My buddy and I each had one several years ago. All was fine until one day I was at the range and all h*ll broke loose. I heard a tremendous bang and flash. I drooped the rifle and opened my eyes. I could see, thanks to my glasses. They had a few pieces of brass embedded in them. My ears were ringing, despite the earmuffs I was wearing. I looked at the rifle and the bolt carrier was sitting on the ground. I put everything away and went home. when I attempted to re-assemble the rifle, the bolt carrier was distorted and was sticking in the reciever. I never did fire that rifle again, and destroyed the reciever and other critical parts and sold the other minor parts to Gun Parts Corp. I thought this accident was my fault, due to the fact I was firing my own handloads, and didn't think much about it after that. Later in the year, my buddy was using his to hunt moose and went to the pit to fire a few practice rounds before the hunt and his blew up the same way usning factory loads!

Long story short, BE CAREFUL! Get it checked out!