Gentlemen,

I've been working with some non-corrosive loads for my Yugo 48 and I thought it might interest others. If this belongs in the handloading forum, feel free to move it.

I bought a case (900rds) of 50s manufactured Yugo 8X57mm ammo for plinking in my Yugo 48. Good ammo, but corrosive. I decided to try to re-use some of the components to make up some non-corrosive loads to shoot on days when immediate cleaning may not be possible.

I pulled the bullets (198gr FMJ BT) and weighed the powder charges. They averaged 41grs and were VERY consistent.

I had previously formed some 8mm cases from Winchester 30/06 brass that I intended to use later for cast bullet loads. I primed the cases with WLR primers.

I reloaded these cases with 35.0grs of the pulldown powder. This is a 15% reduction in the powder charge, instead of the usual 10%, in deference to the reformed cases.

I seated the pulldown bullets to the original O.A.L. and did not crimp them.

I chronographed 10rds today, in 50 degree weather. At 8ft from the muzzle, velocity averaged 2076 f.p.s., with an extreme spread of 42 f.p.s. and a standard deviation of 14.7 f.p.s. It seems like a fairly consistent load, I can't wait to try it on paper soon.

FWIW, I feel this is a safe re-use of this powder since the only actual change to the components was the case and the primer. I feel that the 15% reduction accomodates that. I feel, however, that it is imperative to re-work a load if I ever switch to another lot (case) of ammo. Military ammo is loaded to a specific pressure, the powder can and will vary from lot to lot.

It may seem like a bit of work, but I feel it's worth the effort if I don't have to be so picky about cleaning the gun after a range session. Plus, these rounds are CHEAP. The original ammo cost about $0.10/round, so my reloads cost that plus about $0.015 for the primer. At this velocity, I imagine the brass will last a long time. I'd be hard pressed to buy bullets alone for this cost, and these FMJs seem to be fairly consistent in weight too. The proof will be in the shooting I guess.

Sorry for rambling, just thought someone else could use this info.

SSB

I reloaded these cases with 35.0grs of the pulldown powder.

FWIW, I feel this is a safe re-use of this powder since the only actual change to the components was the case and the primer.

So, if you use the same powder, how can you say it is a non-corrosive load?

Primers are what's corrosive in corrosive ammo.....
The powder isn't corrosive.So, Singleshotbuff's load should be non corrosive.

So, if you use the same powder, how can you say it is a non-corrosive load?


Powder is pretty much the same as powders made today, it's the primers that caused the corrosion.

Grew up shoting corrosive surplus, have no fear of it. Jut needs a differnt type of cleaning as the corrosive primers leave various types of salts...and salts are not soluable in oils....so need a water based cleaning to get the residue out. Normally will pour a pint of boiling water theough the bore...bursh the bore...pour another pint of boiling water through, then just clean it as normal with solvents and finish with a coat of oil. Check on it a few times in the coming days to be sure.

Density1,

As already posted, it's the primers that are corrosive, not the powder. The powder that I emptied smeels just like fresh IMR powder. It was obviously sealed in the case WELL for the last 50 years.

I shoot a lot of the corrosive loads for plinking, clean up is really simple with windex and ammonia. However, it HAS to be done on the same day the gun was fired. Sometimes this just isn't possible for me. I stop by the range (family farm) on the way to work some days, and don't have time when I get home from work that night to clean guns. With these loads I can put off cleaning until I have time. I can also shoot several days without cleaning.

SSB

singleshotbuff,

Your strategy does produce good ammo. I have been pulling down '50s Yugo surplus 8mm ammo for the same reason, for some time now. I have found that 37.0 grains produces the most accurate loads, in my rifle (an M48). By the way, I have done this with 1970's ammo, as well as the 1950's. I have not found the consistency in the charge weights that you have. My experience has been charges varying quite a bit (as much as 1.6 grains), within given batches of 1950's ammo. However, the powder is good stuff....and it is easy to develop accurate loads with it.

The Yugoslav military loading specs for the 8 x 57JS cartridge were 725 metres/sec (2378 fps) at 2900 atm (42,630 psi). So, even the full military charge is quite safe. Your reduced charge, even with different cases and primers (just as I use)....is certainly safe.

Tumbledown,

I'll be working up from my 35.0gr load, as soon as the weather breaks here in Ohio, in a search for accuracy.

Have you chronographed the 37.0gr load?

SSB

No, I haven't chrono'd that load. It is (with the FMJ bullet) only for target shooting....so I don't really care about the velocity... only accuracy.