.311 Pull Down Bullets

[cheech]

I have a bunch of surplus 147gr FMJ pull down bullets from 7.62X54R ammo that I'd like to use in my SKS. These are .311 diameter, so I don't think that's a problem but, they're significantly longer that the 123gr bullets I have. The 123gr bullets measure about .932" while the 147gr bullets measure about 1.260". I'm a little concerned that if I seat the 147gr bullets to the recommended OAL, they'll be seated a little too far into the case there by increasing the pressure. Is this something I should be worried about or not?

[running-man]

Don't think it's an issue at all cheech!  Russian/Eastern European steel cased 7.62x39 routinely comes in 154 grain SP varieties for hog hunting:


Additionally, compressed powder loads are certainly acceptable for 7.62x39 handloads as mentioned in this article:
https://loaddata.com/Article/BenchTopics/Handloads-for-the-762x39/101 

I would stick to the low end of your load data for the powder you're planning to use to see how your initial shots behave, but otherwise I don't see anything here that would raise a huge red flag for me.  Now if you were talking about using some monster 230 grain .308 bullet where zero load data exists in 7.62x39, that would be something I'd *really* research and creep up to if not think twice about...

Good luck, let us know how it turns out! 

[GuitarmanNick]

Just make sure you work up your charge starting near the minimum. Check your brass for signs of over pressure as you go, just like any other time you work up a load.

I have some 150 grain .312" bullets I was thinking of trying. They work great in my Mosin M-44 and the barrels slug the same.

Curious to see how you make out.