Cast loads for Mosin 7.62x54R ~> .32-40 clone

[wganzWork]

Would like to duplicate the .32-40 with my Mosin Nagant 1891 with a cast load. Right now don't have my casting set up redone so will need to buy hard cast bullets online. Primary will be used for range use but would like to take it on the family farm for occasional impromptu coyote & feral pig deflation.

What have you found that is successful?

[flmason]

Take a read through this. Covers cast loads for a number of energy levels:

http://home.comcast.net/~gavinsw/guns/castbulletmilitaryrifle.pdf

If you look close over at the Lee Precision website you'll notice the two molds aimed at this for the Mosin are C. E. Harris designs.

But of course, use all the general safety precautions that go with reloading.

Here's the relevant passage for your purpose...

The Workhorse Load - Mattern's "200 yard Target"

My favorite load is the most accurate. Mattern's so-called "200 yard target load." I expect 10 shot
groups at 200 yards, firing prone rapid with sling to average 4-5". I shoot high Sharpshooter, low
Expert scores across the course with an issue 03A3 or M1917, shooting in a cloth coat, using may
cast bullet loads. The power of this load approximates the 32-40, inadequate for deer by today's
standards.

Mattern's "200 yard target load" is easy to assemble. Because it is a mild load, soft scrap
alloys usually give better accuracy than harder ones, such as linotype. Local military collectorshooters
have standardized on 16 grains of #2400 as the "universal" prescription. It gives around
1500 f.p.s. with a 150-180 grain cast bullet in almost any military caliber. We use 16 grains of #2400
as our reference standard, just as high power competitors use 168 Sierra Match Kings and 4895.

The only common military rifle cartridge in which 16 grains of #2400 provides a maximum load, and
which must not be exceeded, is in the tiny 7.63x39mm case. Most SKS rifles will function reliably
with charges of #2400 as light as 14 grains with the Lee 312-155-2R at around 1500 f.p.s. I
designed this bullet especially for the 7.62x39, but it works very well as a light bullet in any .30 or
.303 caliber rifle.

[wganzWork]

Great link and good info. Didn't know that Hercules 2400 was regarded as 'position insensitive'. Am going to look at getting that Lee 180 grain mold since it is closer to the shape I want than the 165 grain. An 180 grain bullet at 1500 fps is right at what I was wanting.

[Richard P]

If you havent already, it would benefit you to ''slug'' your rifle throat. M/Ns vary in barrel diameter and with use. Many '91s on the market look like they have not seen much use. You should also check your bullet at the muzzle to see if it stops (nose first) on the rifling. Cast bullets need to fill the throat and to be supported on the nose if the nose section is long such as the RCBS 165 sil or 180 sil. 
You should have good success if you take time to match your bullet to the bore. For 1500 fps it doesnt need to be linotype hard. When I shot a Finish m-28, I had good success with a Lyman 314299 and SAECO 301.  I seated them long due to the throat. Only the gas check and a little more bullet were in the case neck.  It helped also to partial neck size. rp

[wganzWork]

Over the NYE weekend, found the mother lode of cast loading data. 

http://castboolits.gunloads.com