francis8709
Well-Known Member
I am in the process of trying to replicate M80 ball ammunition in order to standardize all my reloads for my one bolt gun. I have more than 1000 rounds of military surplus NATO 147/150 gr FMJ ammunition in sealed battle packs already.
I thought about ordering pulled or once fired 7.62 Lake City brass in order to standardize my brass so I don't have varying powder measurements to keep up with. I have a good handful of surplus and commercial brass already. I broke out the scale to see which brass matches closest to LC.
I wanted to post the results and get yalls opinion. All brass is de-primed, cleaned, sized, and trimmed. I took a random sampling of the varieties I have a lot of, usually 15+ samples. I am not sure of complete brand name by the headstamps on some but you might. Measurements are in grains:
LC - 176.16
WCC NATO - 176.3
FC (Federal) - 176.21
SSA - 179.79
Hornady Match - 166.72
RP (Remington) - 164.46
BHA - 168.16
MKE (ZQI from Walmart, M80 load) - 169.59
Winchester - 158.02
I am not a long time reloaded but know enough to start low and work up using the right powder and using multiple load sources. Metallurgical differences may exist but I don't see how it would affect the case capacity much.
I'm thinking LC, WCC, FC, and SSA are close enough to work for what I'm doing.
My main question is if there is anything I'm missing regarding case capacity in trying to duplicate this particular load?
Thoughts, opinions, tips are much appreciated.
I thought about ordering pulled or once fired 7.62 Lake City brass in order to standardize my brass so I don't have varying powder measurements to keep up with. I have a good handful of surplus and commercial brass already. I broke out the scale to see which brass matches closest to LC.
I wanted to post the results and get yalls opinion. All brass is de-primed, cleaned, sized, and trimmed. I took a random sampling of the varieties I have a lot of, usually 15+ samples. I am not sure of complete brand name by the headstamps on some but you might. Measurements are in grains:
LC - 176.16
WCC NATO - 176.3
FC (Federal) - 176.21
SSA - 179.79
Hornady Match - 166.72
RP (Remington) - 164.46
BHA - 168.16
MKE (ZQI from Walmart, M80 load) - 169.59
Winchester - 158.02
I am not a long time reloaded but know enough to start low and work up using the right powder and using multiple load sources. Metallurgical differences may exist but I don't see how it would affect the case capacity much.
I'm thinking LC, WCC, FC, and SSA are close enough to work for what I'm doing.
My main question is if there is anything I'm missing regarding case capacity in trying to duplicate this particular load?
Thoughts, opinions, tips are much appreciated.
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