Reloading for the 91 & 93

[Freedom Fighter]

All,

With the $$$ for ammo, I'm considering reloading for the 91 & 93. Neither is poly rifled. 3 questions:

1. Should I full-length resize or neck size only? I believe FL is correct, but I just want confirmation.

2. How about using cast lead bullets?

3. Any recommendations as to favorite loads, powder & bullets?

Also, anything else you may want to add in terms of advice.

TIA,

[57Strat]

1. FL resize is a must for any auto-loading weapon.
2 & 3. Here's some info on using cast bullets in a .308. He also provides some load infio.

http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Rec/rec.hunting/2007-04/msg00163.html


Note: I have never heard of anyone using cast bullets in a HK91/93, so I do not know what kind of issues it may cause. My first thought is possibly the chamber flutes might get lead build up in them.

[Shattered Mind]

Agree on the full length resize.

I'm still not too good with lead reloads in rifle cal semis. I still do the surplus pulled bullets and tracer when available.

Both the 308 guns and the 223 guns respond very well to reloading, I'd even say better than factory ammo, considering I'm more of a hoser and less of a precision paper puncher.

[veeref]

I agree with the above on the FL resize. You may need/want to go a step further and get the 'small base' dies from RCBS. They're specifically designed to resize brass for use in semi-autos. I use them and they resize my .223 brass about .001-.002 to smaller in the body to prevent any extraction issues. They're not that expensive and if you just want the resizer die, they can be had for about $26 at Sportsmans Warehouse.

They make them in .308 as well.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=681255&t=11082005

In regards to using lead cast bullets, I would stick to FMJ bullets due to the velocities you'll be pushing these bullets. It'll probably be easier to clean your barrel as well. If you're intending to save money, you can buy FMJ bullets in bulk for less.

[Shattered Mind]

In regards to using lead cast bullets, I would stick to FMJ bullets due to the velocities you'll be pushing these bullets. It'll probably be easier to clean your barrel as well. If you're intending to save money, you can buy FMJ bullets in bulk for less.

True, dat.

Lead bullets in a bolt action might work well, don't think you're going to have a good experience in a semi or full rifle.

However, I shoot ALMOST nothing else BUT lead rounds out of ALL my subguns, from a Mac 380 right to the Thompson. ALL the barrels look like the day they were made, no wear at all, as far as I can determine.

And that's with 100 round Beta dumps in the seared SW5, up to 4 in a row (that's all I have). Same with the Walther MPL and MPK, I had C&S Metalworks make a one-off 72 round drum before they stopped production at the beginning of the last magazine ban. No barrel wear at all with 12 stick mag dumps followed by the C&S drum.

[hkmatt]

Most importantly you need to find the right bullet weight for the barrel twist you have. Too little twist and the bullet wont stabilize. I bought a smaller amount of a number of different powders and tested rounds out with more or less felt recoil. Make sure the velocity is still there but less felt recoil is usually a good thing as long as you reach the necessary velocity for effectiveness. I personally would not use cast bullets but then again my brother works at Midway so I get a pretty good deal on the nicer stuff.

[stubbicatt]

Small base dies are not necessary for use in these rifles, as the brass will become brittle more quickly due to excessive reforming of the cartridge casing. A chamber gage is a good idea. For reliable operation and good accuracy, use jacketed bullets of whatever weight you prefer. Get a port buffer for the 91, not so sure about the 93. Shoot and enjoy with a big dumb grin!

[convert53]

I've been loading 223 for about a year, go full size for auto loaders as other have said.
I started with 200 new 55 grain projectiles, then bout 1K of pulled tracers, nice n cheap for throwing lead 110 yards in the back yard. ( I have a berm in front of the tree line )
somehow I stumbled into a 30 cal ammo can full of pulled 62 grainers, so now I'm flush with former pulled reloads.
I like H355 best as it has real small powder grain and meters well, but this is a personal thing.
The AR has no problems with lighter loads, however the V93 will not always toss the spent case... so now all those loaded at the starting load are in a bag labeled AR only !
V93 likes them at 24.3 to 25 grains of H355 ( 55 gr bullet). ( max 25.3 grains for this powder and bullet)
I realized the 55 grainers are the best for the 93's rifling, but out to 100 yards I don't see tumbling of the 62 grainers yet. I imagine out at 300 yards they might do something else. At that range I would use new 55 gr. Most of the time I shooting a 15" by 24" plate of hardened steel, you know a hit by the SMACK right after the shot.

Has anyone had the ass end of a tracer round blow off 50 yards fro the muzzle ? this happen a few times through the 20" AR barrel, I haven't noticed it recently, but then again I have so much of the 62 gr steel core that I mostly shoot that
Ramble over ;-)

http://hi-techammo.com/
Here's where i got the tracers and the new 55 gr'ers.

[Freedom Fighter]

http://hi-techammo.com/
Here's where i got the tracers and the new 55 gr'ers.

Geez.......Hi-Tech is plumb out of pulled bullets of just about everything....to be expected with the future environment.

Anybody else have any sites that sell recycled 223/308 components?

[Shattered Mind]

Has anyone had the ass end of a tracer round blow off 50 yards fro the muzzle ?

Nope... not yet anyhow.

[Freedom Fighter]

Not only that, Midway is out of the .Redding 223 & .308 FS die sets with the competition seater that I'd like to use with my Dillon RL450 <sigh>.

One can only hope.........

[Shattered Mind]

Not only that, Midway is out of the .Redding 223 & .308 FS die sets with the competition seater that I'd like to use with my Dillon RL450 <sigh>.

One can only hope.........

Dooooode... You can pay some extra Jing and get that RL-450 upgraded to a 550. Didn't'cha know that? They sold a kit for that for awhile. Haven't seen it lately but that might be because they think everyone who is going to do it has done it. If interested, I would drop'em a dime and ask about it. The 550 makes setups soooo much easier.