Range report on Model '91

[Capt. JEB Forrest]

Finally got to test some loadings for the Model 91 Mosin.

I had two sizes of 165 gr bullets, no suprise it prefered the .311 over the .309.

I had loads with four powders: 5744, 2400, Red Dot and Trail Boss.

It did not care for the 5744 or the 2400.

The Red Dot load was best with the Trail Boss close behind.

Going to tweak those two some and see about some heavier bullets.

[Dirty Brass]

Are you referring to the 91-30 Nagant in 54R?

[Capt. JEB Forrest]

No, the GAF elegible Model 1891, the original Mosin.

The 91/30 is the later version. Shot one of those, an ex- sniper. Was using .303 174 gr hpbt in .3105. Did ok, figured with the age and abuse rifle and operator had it did okay.

Found some 150 sp in .312. WOW! Better groups than I figured I could shoot with iron sights at 75 yds. Most happy, guess I will be loading .312 from now on!

[Dirty Brass]

Ahhh....funny how I can learn something new almost every day 

Thanks!

[Capt. JEB Forrest]

They are both in the 7.62x54.

Most of the Russian Mosins take larger diameter bullets than .308.

The model 91 I was using .311 cast. It is easier around here to find the .303 bullets in .3105-.312. Most of the bullets available for the 7.62 Russian are for the x39 and around 120 gr.

Got to look around for some 174 gr in .312.

[Dalton Masterson]

I do load some of those little 123 gr bullets in mine on ocassion. Out of my M39, they are darn accurate. My M91/P27 isnt bad either.
I need to work up a load with cast bullets and Trail Boss tho for GAF. I have a 170gr mold, but havent heated it up yet.
DM

[Drydock]

This works well to start:  http://www.surplusrifle.com/articles2008/trailbosskiss/index.asp

[pony express]

The bore diameters on those vary a lot. I've got two- a Remington and a Westinghouse. The Westinghouse is a good shooter with surplus, but I haven't done much handloading for it. The Rem has a really big bore, about .315 if my memory is correct. At best it shot "ok" with jacketed, but no great success with cast...if they're big enough to fit the bore, they won't chamber.