anybody cast for 7.62mm SKS? My father has one with chrome linned barrel. Will standard wheel weight lubed with alox work, or will I need to use gas checked? I don't plan on pushing the velocity beyond normal mil. load for this rifle.

Thanks

The Lee 312-155gn bullet was designed by C.E. Harris for the SKS and is the best bullet I have found, I have also had good results with the Lee 180gn RN bullet. I lube with 50/50 Alox/Beeswax lube. I cast WW with 2% tin water dropped from the mold. I size 0.312". You need gas checks for velocities over 1300fps with bullets of this composition. My best accuracy is at velocties of 1650-1750 fps.

Thanks, I'll check that mould out.

Will

Will,

Rob has the velocities right. To even meet military ammo velocity, you are likely to need a harder alloy, though miracles happen from time to time. Gas check, for sure.

I shoot a 120 gn .312 bullet from a Lee mold. It's a round nose, flat base, no gas check. My buddy's dad shoots coyotes with these and he swears they're the right medicine. I've only popped some armadillos (unshelled possums) with my SKS and they really roll them over. I believe I'm using 19 gn IMR4227 but don't quote me on that. PM me and maybe I can send you some bullets to try.

Phatdad,

Have you done a complete stripping of the gas system to look for lead? I made a front sight extension for my bull barrel Ruger target pistol many years ago. What happened that I hadn't expected was the huge build-up of lead that occurred on the underside of the extension due to gas cutting of the bullet bases as they exited the muzzle. I have always assumed you would get a bit of this lead spray entering a gas port as a lead bullet base with no gas check passed over it. I have never tried to find out if I am right? I've just stayed with gas-checked bullets in gas guns.

Will,

Do a forum search and you'll find lots of info on cast bullets & loads in the SKS.


Nick,

I never had any problems with gas-cutting or other leading of the gas ports on the SKS.

Unclenick, Yes, I have stripped the gas system. I found that the lead accumulates on the rear of the piston. It pops off easily. The rest of the gas system is clean. The great thing about the SKS is the large size and accessibility of the gas port. I have no problems shooting without gaschecks.

Rob is right on the money. I use that bullet, sized to .312", over 11.0-11.5 grns 2400, for great non-leading accuracy!

Thanks guys, I haven't convinced my father to let me load for him yet, but I'm working on him. He shoots maybe a box every two or three years. Eigther that or if I find a good sks I'll do my own loading and casting then I know he'll want some. :D

My situation was just the opposite. Dear old Dad was so impressed by my SKS with my cast bullets that he went out and bought one for himself.

He gets me to reload for his 45, but he realy doesn't shoot it much eigther.

What's the max wieght for the SKS? I've heard the Dragonov is only good for 150 grainers or you'll tear the action up. I'd love to get an SKS, especialy one like my fathers, he bought it about 15 years ago at Roses unissued. It's a Norinco china rifle.