Any Finnish Mosin-Nagant Shooters out There?

[forrestdweller]

You may want to read this link!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.62_x_53R
I have been aware of the difference between cartridges for some time and have posted such in the past but it is info that need to be considered.
The 7.62x54R ammo is cheap and hard to resist shooting in your Finn.
I reload and have for a couple of decades reloaded for the 7.62x54R using .308 bullets because in the early days that was the most affordable and had very good results from my 7.62x54R chambered rifles. Later I aquired a Finnish SAKO rearsenaled Mosin-Nagant and did due diligence and researched the gun. Reading about the 7.62x53R cartridge I adjusted my cartridge selection accordingly. I do use reloadable Norma brass 7.62x54R but use .308 bullets for my prized finn.
What do I do about the gazillions of 7.62x54R rounds I bought up? Cry!
No may I suggest getting a Lee Classic Loader and Kinetic bullet puller and a stock pulled 146 to 150 gr mil surp .308 bullets. Pull the .311 bullet pour the powder back in the cartridge seat the .308. Safer ammo to shoot and buy a M-44 soviet Mosin-Nagant for $100 or so and a couple of boxes of reloadable brass and use the .311 bullets or shoot the 7.62x54R ammo in the M-44 and reload for the 7.62x53R.
Rough basic cost for the reloading kit under $60.
http://www.leeprecision.com/html/cat...leeloader.html
http://quinetics.com/puller.html

[carlnpa]

Forrest,

Attached here is the definitive source of barrel bores of the Finnish rifles.
The only Finn rifle that might be a bit tight in the bore are the 28/30 that have not have not been throated to accept the heavy Russian cartridge. Throated 28/30's have a "D" on the barrel shank, I have never seen one without the "D".

The rest of the Finn Mosins were all designed to be used with Russian ammunition. The slightly tighter bores contribute to the Finns generally exceptional accuracy.

This question has been beaten to death in years past over at Mosin Nagant.net

Shoot the Russian surplus in your Finn with no worries.

http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinSpec.htm

Do a search over here on this topic for more information.

http://7.62x54r.net/Forums/index.php...74e1&board=1.0

The wiki is partially incorrect on the Finnish rifles.

[dfrak]

As far as my experience goes with my Finns, I'll have to go along with carlnpa regarding using the surplus 7.62x54R. I have used it in my Finn M39s for years without an issue with no problems and great accuracy.

I slugged the bore on one of the M39s and it measured just over .309, so the difference is, compared to some surplus ammo, is .002. After firing the surplus ammo, I checked the fired brass for signs of high pressure and there were no issues.

It's certainly up to you and what you are comfortable with, but it works for me.

Dan