Reloading 7.62x25 - Where to find projectiles

[DoggyDaddy]

After selling my Tokarev pistol a few years ago, I got the itch to get another one, and it should arrive next week. I also ordered 500 rounds of PPU factory ammo (boxer primed, reloadable), but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on where to find projectiles. About the only .30 caliber projectiles I've seen are for rifles. 30 carbine projectiles would be close I think, but most of those are 110 grain and I'm really looking for 85 grain. Any leads appreciated!

ETA: Found some load data in my Lee manual, but it calls for a .309 projectile. It will be interesting to put a micrometer on the factory ammo when it gets here to see what they're using. I don't think I've ever seen .309 projectiles anywhere that I recall.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Actually Lee has data for 110 grain fmj, so I guess in a pinch I could use those. I'll have to look and see if I have any on hand. Honestly though, no more than I'm planning on shooting this pistol the 500 rounds will probably last me awhile. Not terribly expensive either (about .32 per round), so I may just stick with commercial ammo and not bother, but figured it would be nice to have it as an option if that changes.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

And it appears that Hornady makes both an 86 grain soft point, and 90 grain XTP which might work just fine. I guess I've answered my own question, but still open to other suggestions.

 

[1775usmarine]

I too would love to work up a load for my cz52.

 

[1775usmarine]

I'm also still looking for a good way to trim my brass.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I'm also still looking for a good way to trim my brass.

In my searching, I found out you can make 7.62x25 brass out of 5.56/223 brass. Probably won't do it myself but if someone shot it a lot, and already had an AR, at least it would be a good cheap source of brass as long as you had the equipment to cut it down (I don't). I think Starline makes 7.62x25 brass, but like I said, this 500 rounds will probably keep me in brass for quite awhile if I do decide to reload for it.

 

[1775usmarine]

In my searching, I found out you can make 7.62x25 brass out of 5.56/223 brass. Probably won't do it myself but if someone shot it a lot, and already had an AR, at least it would be a good cheap source of brass as long as you had the equipment to cut it down (I don't). I think Starline makes 7.62x25 brass, but like I said, this 500 rounds will probably keep me in brass for quite awhile if I do decide to reload for it.

I read about that and do have scrap 556 brass that trimmed too short. I read the harbor freight chop saw and their cheap drill press would do the job to make the brass. I've read several thread where people say you do and dont have to trim the 25 brass, but I would rather trim it and be safe.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I read about that and do have scrap 556 brass that trimmed too short. I read the harbor freight chop saw and their cheap drill press would do the job to make the brass. I've read several thread where people say you do and dont have to trim the 25 brass, but I would rather trim it and be safe.

I know Lee will custom make (some) quick-trim dies, but haven't looked to see if they offer them for 7.62x25 yet. For some reason, they won't make 8mm Lebel quick trim dies even though they sell the reloading dies. Seems to me they could just use the 8mm full length sizing die and modify it slightly to make the quick trim die but they don't/won't. I use the quick trimmer on all of my necked brass just as a part of normal case prep, if for no other reason than to clean up the edge and re-bevel.

I also saw that Harbor Freight chop saw mentioned. I might pick one up, because I've been wanting to make 6.5x53R brass out of 303 Brit brass, but haven't had much luck in trimming the 303 brass down to size using a cheap pipe cutter.

 

[1775usmarine]

I dont have my manual nearby but I think titegroup can be used. I thought about finding hard cast but unsure with how fast the round is.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I dont have my manual nearby but I think titegroup can be used. I thought about finding hard cast but unsure with how fast the round is.

I didn't run across any Titegroup data, but that would be awesome since I use that for a lot of my handgun calibers. Most data I saw said in the 1600-1800 fps range IIRC.

 

[AmmoManAaron]

There are not many bullets available in the proper size (.307"-.309"), but here is the most affordable that I have found. https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/29124

I haven't needed to trim my cases, but I use a Lee collet-style factory crimp die https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/7573 so trim length isn't critical for me. If you do want to trim, Lee also has some case-length gauge type trimmers available as factory overruns (not a normal stock item unfortunately), use the drop down menu here: https://leeprecision.com/custom-case-length-gauge.html

 

[DoggyDaddy]

There are not many bullets available in the proper size (.307"-.309"), but here is the most affordable that I have found. https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/29124

I haven't needed to trim my cases, but I use a Lee collet-style factory crimp die https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/7573 so trim length isn't critical for me. If you do want to trim, Lee also has some case-length gauge type trimmers available as factory overruns (not a normal stock item unfortunately), use the drop down menu here: https://leeprecision.com/custom-case-length-gauge.html

Thanks Aaron. That's not bad at all for the 71 grain from Graf's. I don't know if I'll ever get around to reloading for this or not, but at least I know I have options now. I typically crimp my handgun ammo when I reload it too. I have never had to trim my handgun caliber cases either, but I use the Lee Quick-trim dies for most of my rifle calibers.

 

[1775usmarine]

There are not many bullets available in the proper size (.307"-.309"), but here is the most affordable that I have found. https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/29124

I haven't needed to trim my cases, but I use a Lee collet-style factory crimp die https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/7573 so trim length isn't critical for me. If you do want to trim, Lee also has some case-length gauge type trimmers available as factory overruns (not a normal stock item unfortunately), use the drop down menu here: https://leeprecision.com/custom-case-length-gauge.html