reloading 7.62x54R

[NcongruNt]

So, I've been looking into reloading 7.62x54R. As opposed to pistol die sets, it doesn't seem like there's such a thing as a complete set of rifle dies for most calibers, but rather only the most common ones.

These reloaded rounds will only be for a single Mosin-Nagant 91/30, so I have no need for a full-length sizing die.

So here's what I think I need:

Neck sizing die/decapper
Expanding/powder die (do rifle dies do powder with the expanding die?)
Seating die
crimp die

Now, here's where I'm getting frustrated. The common practice for dies in this caliber is to size to .308 and use .308 bullets rather than the caliber-standard .311. I'd really like to use the proper size rounds, and there seem to be available bullets for this (Sierra carries Matchkings in this size for .303). The Lee kit for this apparently uses the .308 sizing die rather than the .311 that I want.

I've e-mailed Lee about my concerns and asked if it's possible to get .311 sized dies for reloading, so we'll see what they say. Failing that, I'm willing to go to RCBS or whomever else to get the setup I need. The problem is, I don't know if they do the same thing and make their dies to .308 or an actual .311. Has anyone had experience reloading 7.62x54R with .311 bullets and be willing to offer advice about this?

[ghostrider]

> Neck sizing die/decapper
> Expanding/powder die (do rifle dies do powder with the expanding die?)
> Seating die
> crimp die

rifle die sets are typically 2 dies: sizer/decapper/neck expander and bullet seater/crimper.

If you buy a set, it will be a full-length resizer; usually you'll have to buy the neck sizer separately.

crimping (or not) tends to be a subject of discussion, if not contention :-)
If a bullet does not have a cannelure, then do not crimp it.

I recommend hornady dies for rifles because you can get a micrometer seater that allows you to fine tune (and record) the seating depth for different bullet weights/brands/sizes. I believe Redding has the same feature, but costs more. With Hornady you'll have to be careful about the dies rusting though - I've not had this problem with other brands.

[Rifleman55]

If I was going to reload for mine I would use a full length sizing die, if the expander ball was set [abbreviated profanity deleted] 308 dia. bullets I would order an expander for the 303 British and use it alongwith 311 dia bullets. You can also slug the barrel, you may find that it is closer to 308 than 311, those old rifles varied a bit. Mine will not rechamber a case that has been fired in it.

[y5e06]

I reload x54R using .312 Hornady 150gr bullets. My bore slugs to about .3125".
as mentioned, I also use the .311 sizing pin from .303 brit, which I have die for but haven't reloaded for a while. You can also just order the pin itself from Lee. Or you can get a pacesetter die set for the .303 brit and just take the pin ($16 at cabellas). May cost a little more but you get the right size. Other than that, its the same as any ol' rifle. I use the full length sizer but would try a neck sizing die if I had one.
I just use the available load data, some if which is for .308. Just start at the low end of the charge and work up.

[NcongruNt]

Here's what I sent to Lee:

Hello,

I've recently started reloading and have started out with the 50th Anniversary kit, which I have been quite happy with.

My questions are regarding the sizing dies for 7.62x54R. My understanding is that the sizing dies included with the Pacesetter set for this caliber size the neck to .308, rather than the .311 standard for 7.62x54R. I understand that this is because there is a larger selection of rounds in .308, and that size bullet is commonly used in reloading for 7.62x54R.
I plan, however, on using .311 bullets (such as the Sierra Matchking #2315) for my reloads, and would need to size to .311 for this. I'm not stuck on using the Pacesetter set for this purpose, but would like to stay with Lee dies to keep things consistent and simple. The rounds are all for a single Mosin-Nagant 91/30, so I don't have a specific need for a full-length sizing die.

Is it possible to purchase a .311 neck sizing die for this caliber?
Also, I'm unsure if the diameter difference matters as much, but will the 7.62x54R Factory Crimp die work properly with a .311 bullet? Also, I'm not sure how the dimensions would work on the powder/expanding die, but would need to know if that matters at all when prepping the case for a .311 diameter bullet.

Thanks!

Here's what I got back today:

.308 & .311 Bullets

We have found that some military surplus rifles can have barrel groove diameters ranging from .308 inch to .311 inc. The 7.62 x 39 Pacesetter die set includes an expander suitable for both .308 inch and .311 inch bullets.

Rifles chambered for the 7.62 x 54R can also be found with either bore diameter. We include only the .308 inch decapper/expander with this die set because it can be used with both diameter bullets. If you have a rifle with the large bore diameter, you can order the decapper/expander from the .303 British die set, part #SE2358, $3.

A custom Collet Neck Sizing Die set is available for $55.00. We need 2 fired cases and a bullet.
The Factory Crimp Die will work with both bullet diameters.

[Griz44]

I use the Lee dies as is, with the .308 pin. I load the .311 bullets though. I get a good tight fit!
The .003 (three thousandths) of an inch just makes a good tight fit.