7.62x54R reloading dies

[walnut red]

I'm getting ready to buy a set of dies for my Mosin. Do all factory crimp dies neck size to the same size? Reason I ask is I've run into variations in different calibers between the manufactures. For example in 38 S&W my Lee dies seem designed to crimp a .358 bullet but my Hornady dies seem designed for a more proper .360. I'd like my 7.62 dies to be set up for a final crimp with .312 bullet.

[Dragunov sniper 777]

my lee factory crimp works with .308 to .313 bullets ....

[walnut red]

Thanks, I knew the Lee dies only came with a 308 expander but I didn't know the FCD worked for both diameters.

[desdem12]

I like the lee dies. I used both size expanders for the fun of it but i like the .308. All the bullets will go in the neck and i used the crimp die on them just fine. I used some .308 and .311 so far.

[rlchemist]

I currently only handload for .38 and .40 with a Lee Turret Press but am also considering getting some Lee dies for the 7.62x54 rounds. What type of powder do you guys recommend???

[walnut red]

I'm still in the research stage on powder but my first loads will be using the same powders that work well in my 30-06. H4895 and Varget to name two.

[bunkysdad]

I have used 4895, Varget, Red Dot, and several others. You match the powder with the bullet with the load manual. Just like baking a cake. Always start with a cookbook. Then you can look at the data, choose your bullet, match up the required powder, and start on the safe end of the load data and slowly, safely work your way up till you find a sweet spot, to be determined through patience and multiple trips to the range for testing. Red Dot is one of those powders that go well with cast lead bullets, just as my favorite powder, 2400, does also. The 4895, Varget, and a number of others are great powders for jacketed bullets in the 150 grain area.

[rlchemist]

Thanks guys, this will give me a starting point when I get the dies. It will be a while before I get all the equipment/supplies set up and if rifle primers are anything like small pistol primers then I'm in for a little wait until things settle down out there.