7.62x39 cast load advice

[fieldwalker]

Hello, I’m looking for a bit of advice. I’m currently loading a reduced load for indoor range use. I am using a CZ527 chambered in 7.62 x 39 and using a 160 grain cast bullet. I know I could probably ask on a different specialised forum but as I’ve been a member on here now for years, I feel comfortable asking on here. I’ve been scrolling through the Internet and everybody says different things so I thought I’d reach out to you guys. I have been currently using five grains of shotgun powder and I’ve had great results on the range but a quick search online today said this is highly unsafe!
A lot of people have said to use 6 grains of unique. I do not have any of that, but I do have N340 which is pretty much identical and the burn rate is the same. I have read that six grains of this will be perfect. What are your thoughts guys as I want this to be safe. No filler will be used inside the casing.

Many thanks

 

[takbok]

I would carry on as you are.

Pistol/shotgun powder is great for reduced loads. I've used Viht N310 for this purpose before.

 

[VIGILAIRE]

castboolits.gunloads.com is your friend. Plenty of info on 7.62x39 and all other calibres.

 

[Smellydog]

Carry on but I'd like a little more.
When I tried about 6 gn of red dot in my 3030 I got a stuck bullet.
Since then I use around 7.5 to 8.5 of unique.
I also have red and green dot and herco. I Work around 7gn with them and creep up until happy and no weird spike behaviour.

The real danger if any is accidentally double dosing a case! That could get things really interesting!!

I carry simple procedures to minimise the risk.
All primed cases are upside down in the tray.

A case selected for charging is placed in the upturned funnel which would reveal if a charged case was accidentally selected from spilling its contents.

Up turn the funnel and case and dump the charge into the case.

 

[The_Saltpeter_Sapper]

Assuming you are using the Lee mold, I shoot the same bullet in 7.62x54r through my nagant using 5.5gn of Bullseye.

I’ve had one failure to obturate in a few hundred of these loads, which I think was related to a rogue old work-hardened case. Not an issue if you are wearing shooting specs, know what the signs are, and immediately check the barrel is clear.