7.62 x 39 brass prep

[Rustyshakelford]

Please read the reloading pictorial I did prior to this one. In the next few days I am going to show how to trim and prep 7.62 x 39 cases. I will be refering to the previous pictu-mentry for reference.

Before I start, you must understand why we will start out trimming this brass to a uniformed sized. In the history of the AK-47, there have never been two rifles made with the same headspace. And I have found some serious diferentiations in the brass, and I mean up to 1/4 of an inch!!! WOW!!!

Also be aware that if you are loading for the AK-47, SKS or any of the foreign built bolt rifles in 7.62 x 39 you will need .310-.311 projectiles. If you are loading for the mini-30 or the Ruger Bolt action rifles, you will need 308 projectiles. DO NOT LOAD .310'S FOR THE AMERICAN MADE RIFLES. YOU RISK SERIOUS BODILY INJURY IF YOU FIRE .310S THROUGH THESE RIFLES.

Please stay tuned for the pictorial.

[Rustyshakelford]

Postponed for a day or so. Feeling lazy this evening. If I change my mind, you will start to see photos.

[Rustyshakelford]

Second wind today. Ok. Today I am going to show you how to trim your brass. This is important for any bottle knecked cases. This is due to the head space of your weapon. What is that you ask? I am glad you did. It is to put it simply, the length between where your case starts, and where it should end. This is the place where the chamber ends and the barrel starts (yes, this is a simple explanation). It should be uniform. You do not want to jam your brass into the rifling, nor do you want the seated bullet to not touch the rifling. Every (and I do mean every) AK-47, SKS or Ruskie or comblock rifle had a different head space. The best way to judge is to save a spent case. This will give you the correct "end" of your chamber, as the case will not expand past this point. There are some exceptions like the HK 91, but we shall not worry about the exceptions.

You want to trim your brass to a uniform length. Photo number one shows the dimensions given in the Hornady manual.



This should be OK if you use this number.

This is a fancy case trimmer. There are many fancier that are motorized. I just crank mine by hand. You can also use a trim die. This fits in your press and when you run the case into the die it will stick out the top. You can then take a file and "cut" the brass to the correct length. I do not own any of these, so cannot provide a photo.




This is a close up of the set up. This Lyman uses the same shell holders that your press uses. You set your trimmer to the correct length and then trim each one. Piece-o-cake!! Note the nipple on the cutting end. This goes inside the brass while trimming to keep everything centered.

[Rustyshakelford]

Here is the Lyman in action.

[Rustyshakelford]

You will now notice that the brass is trimmed, but has a sharp edge, or maybe even a little bit of a ragged edge. You now need a deburring tool (I got this one for 50 cents at a pawn shop, new they are about $10.00. It looks like a rocket and is very simple to use. Use the "fin" end set it on the brass, do not push, just let the weight of the tool work for you and twist it once or twice. Turn it over, and deburr the inside of the brass. You are done!! Now you are ready to "bell" the brass seat the primer, put in powder and seat the bullet, See the previous post on how to reload. (And yes, it is ok to have a Guiness or two during this process).
Just a note here. These tools are high carbide and can break if dropped, and rust easily. Keep a little oil or WD-40 on them. Yes, that is blood in the first photo. Just a note, if you check in on this forum you will see a lot of my blood. I am kind of accident prone, but have very good luck. Nothing ever serious, but well, you know, I just always cut, scrape, or drop stuff on myself. Mom always said I could find a way to hurt myself with a plastic spoon.

[Rustyshakelford]

Yes, this is a simple, but necessary part of loading. Good luck, and keep your powder dry.


If you have any questions, post them here and I will do my best as a hobbyist to help a brother/sister out.

[Rustyshakelford]

If I am peeing into the breeze here, let me know. If anyone is using this info, let me know. I would hate to think I am wasting my valuable reloading time.

[Rustyshakelford]

Not too much interest I guess. I will discontinue until I hear otherwise.

[Rustyshakelford]

Suggestions always taken on any reloading subject you want me to do a photo essay on. If I cannot do it, I will find someone that can. Nothing too fancy please. I do not make wildcat or Ackley rounds.

[Rustyshakelford]

I did want to post another caution on the 762 x 39. There are large primer pocket ones and small primer pocket ones. R-P are small, the rest are large. Do not reload the 762 x 39 small primer pockets for the SKS, unless you want it to periodically "double tap" Why? Heck, I do not know, but I know it happens.

[Rustyshakelford]

Here is your finished case. Clean, crisp and ready to be stored or used.