Mosin Nagant reduced loads

[docsleepy]

Some Mosin reduced loading data that I measured for those who would like less shoulder damage:
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174 grain Hornady .3105" FMJBT COAL 3.010 Varget 41.5 grains, 2400-2480 fps in different mosin nagants.* This is approx 2200 ft-lbs.
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110 grain Sierra .308, crimped, H4895 37 grains (this is a reduced load, but within the allowable loads per the Hodgdon white paper on the subject) 2190 fps = 1160 ft-lbs.* Going any lower on this powder and I had problems with necks not "sealing" and resultant powder being blown backwards.* Wear eye protection when testing!
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110 grain Sierra .308, Trail Boss 12.5 grains (this is a reduced load, but within the recommended parameters for this powder in rifle cases);* 1650 fps = 658 ft lbs.* Recoil similar to that of a .22LR rifle.** Going up to 14 grains, velocity increases to 1740 fps = 732 ft lbs, recoil somewhat more than a .22LR rifle.
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[tyeo098]

* Recoil similar to that of a .22LR rifle.*

Are you sure youre using a Mosin..?

 

[Cosmoline]

Good info!

With TB loads the recoil is barely a soft nudge. They're a lot of fun. If you combine TB with CAST bullets, it's even more fun and you can save money compared with jacketed. Just be sure to de-copper the bore before shooting much lead out of it.

I've also tried some of the 100 grain plinker rounds but got nervous about losing jacket material in the barrel.

 

[wgaynor]

Good info! I also use cast plain base bullets (170 grain from a lee mould) with Unique for some light loads that remind me of my .22lr

 

[HEAVY METAL 1]

I've used 13 gr red dot w/ 174 gr Horn RN and the recoil is ~ like a .22 Groups ok too. Drops way more than fullpower loads of course, but is an interesting gallery load. Should be adequate for small game.

 

[fireflyfather]

I've loaded as low as 7 grains of red dot in my 91/30. Don't even need a gas check with that load. (NO JACKETED BULLETS! ONLY LEAD @ THIS CHARGE WEIGHT!)

2400 is supposed to work really well with cast bullets in this cartridge.

For the Lee C312-185-1R you can go from 15.5 to 20.5 grains, according to Lyman CBHB 4th edition.

13 Grains of Red Dot (Promo) is my go-to load for this rifle using cast, gas-checked bullets.