Prioritizing Safety: Your Cornerstone
Protective Measures
Before we delve into the specifics of reloading subsonic 7.62×39, let me reiterate: safety is paramount. The process of reloading involves working with potentially dangerous materials. It is crucial to understand the risks and take all necessary precautions. This isn’t a hobby where you can take shortcuts; every step demands meticulous attention.
Your protective gear is your first line of defense. Always wear eye protection designed for firearms use. Ear protection, be it earmuffs or earplugs, is non-negotiable. You’ll also want to protect your hands with appropriate gloves. Consider a well-ventilated reloading space to minimize exposure to fumes. A dedicated workspace free from distractions is crucial.
Component Inspection
Component inspection is a step you can’t afford to overlook. Inspect every piece of brass, every bullet, and every granule of powder before you begin. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks in the brass or deformed bullets. Damaged components can compromise safety and accuracy. Discard any suspect items.
The Foundation: Brass Preparation
Cleaning Brass
The brass casing is the heart of your ammunition. Correctly preparing the brass ensures consistent performance and longevity. This process starts with cleaning the brass. There are various ways to do this, from tumbling in a vibratory cleaner to ultrasonic cleaning. This removes any dirt, residue, and lubricants.
Inspecting Brass
Next, you need to inspect the brass. Look for any imperfections, such as cracks, bulges, or other signs of damage. Check for any weakness. This step is important to avoid any dangers.
Resizing
Resizing is a key part of the brass preparation process. The resizing die will restore the brass to the proper dimensions, ensuring a good fit in your rifle’s chamber. Full-length resizing is often recommended, especially if you’re using brass from different sources or if your rifle has a looser chamber. Neck-sizing is an option for those who want to extend the life of their brass and only shoot from a specific rifle, but it is not recommended.
Primer Pocket Cleaning
Primer pocket cleaning is another critical step. A build-up of residue in the primer pocket can prevent the primer from seating correctly, potentially leading to misfires. Use a primer pocket cleaning tool to remove this residue.
Trimming to Length
Trimming to length is necessary to maintain consistency. The 7.62×39 brass needs to be trimmed to the correct length based on your reloading manual. If the brass is too long, it can interfere with chambering.
Selecting the Right Pieces: Components for Subsonic Success
Brass: The Foundation of Your Load
You’ll want to begin by considering your brass selection. New brass provides a known baseline, while used brass can be reloaded multiple times. Consider the case capacity of the brass. Some brass manufacturers may have different case volumes, and this can impact your powder selection and required charge weight.
Bullets: Weight and Type for Quiet Precision
The choice of bullet is central to creating effective subsonic loads. Heavier bullets are generally preferred, typically in the range of 200-220 grains for the 7.62×39, as they tend to stabilize better at subsonic velocities.
You have several options for bullet types, each with its characteristics. Full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets are a popular choice for their reliability and consistent performance. Hollow point (HP) bullets can offer controlled expansion upon impact. Soft point (SP) bullets are another option. Selecting the right type will ultimately depend on your intended purpose, be it plinking, tactical use, or hunting.
Primers: Ignition and Reliability
Primers provide the initial spark that ignites the powder. Match the primer type to the powder you select. Using the correct primer type is important to guarantee reliable ignition.
Powder: The Heart of the Propulsion
Choosing the right powder is arguably the most critical decision. You’re looking for a powder that burns efficiently at lower velocities. Slow-burning powders are generally preferred for subsonic reloading. Be certain you find data that matches the components.
Be meticulous about your powder charge. Using a digital scale is strongly recommended for accurate measurement. Maintain consistency.
The Art of Assembling: The Step-by-Step Reloading Process
With your components selected and ready, it’s time to assemble the ammunition. Follow these steps meticulously.
Begin with brass preparation, referring to the detailed steps mentioned previously.
Priming is the next step. Make sure you are utilizing the correct primer. This will seat the primer into the primer pocket of the brass. Ensure it is seated properly, but not too deeply.
Powder charging needs careful attention. Use a precision scale. Use a powder measure to dispense the powder and then verify the charge weight with your scale. This double-check is essential to avoid potential problems.
Seating the bullet is the next task. Use a bullet-seating die. The seating depth is critical for subsonic loads. Use your reloading manual’s data as your guide. It affects the pressure and how the bullet performs.
A crimp is often used for ammunition. Decide if you need to use one or not. If necessary, choose a crimp type and apply it according to your reloading manual’s instructions.
Finally, a final inspection is crucial. Check the overall cartridge length and perform a visual inspection to ensure everything is as it should be.
Developing Your Load: Accuracy through Testing
Developing the perfect subsonic load involves experimentation and careful evaluation. This process goes beyond simply following a recipe. It’s about finding what works best for your specific rifle and components.
Start by consulting your reloading manuals. Research and gather all available data for your chosen components. Begin with the lowest recommended powder charge and increase it gradually.
Set up a shooting range. Record all data, including target groups, velocity, and any signs of stress on the cases. The consistency of the velocity is important.
If you notice any signs of excessive pressure, such as flattened primers, stiff bolt lift, or bulging cases, stop immediately. These are warning signs that you are exceeding safe pressure limits.
Common Issues and Solutions
Sometimes, even with the best preparation, problems can arise. Be prepared to troubleshoot.
If your rounds fail to cycle, consider increasing the powder charge or adjusting the gas system on your rifle. If accuracy is poor, consider changes in bullet selection, seating depth, or powder charge. A chronograph can help you assess your velocities.
The Quiet Reward: The Satisfaction of Subsonic Shooting
Reloading subsonic 7.62×39 cartridges is a rewarding endeavor. When done safely and carefully, you can create a custom load that performs to your exact specifications. The ability to tailor your loads offers an unmatched level of control. The results are well worth the effort.
Conclusion: Begin Your Journey
This guide has provided you with the essential information needed to begin your journey into reloading subsonic 7.62×39. Remember the importance of safety above all. This is not a process to rush or take lightly. With diligent attention and by following the advice, you can begin creating your own quiet precision loads.
Additional Resources
For additional information and detailed guidance, consult reputable reloading manuals from well-known manufacturers, and join online forums dedicated to reloading. By doing so, you can make connections, and get the most out of the hobby. Always follow all provided warnings.
