Finally getting to my M39 and started to dig through the old Shooters.com archives for loading data. The Bore chamber is slugging right at .310 (by the way I got the Lee blank 6 cavity mold, have not had time to drill out for creating slugs). Mold selection is starting wth 311291. Now what is the general consensus for powders. From Lyman's cast reloading, Hornady and old Shooters.com comments all I hear is Unique, 2400, Red Dot, 4895, 4198, 4227 and maybe stuff in the 4350 range. What powders do you think I should put as the top three to begin with?? Thanks, Bill.

Bill, I have two M 28/30's and one M 39, in which I use only cast bullets, specifically #311291 and #314299, respectively. Three powders to consider are H/IMR 4198, IMR 3031 and AA XMP 5744. The latter is similar to 4198 in terms of speed or burning rate, but gives lower velocity spreads and standard deviations. One relatively inexpensive milsurp powder, WC 860 (47 to 48gr.) also works well with #311291 in the 7.62 x 54R cartridge, but you'll need to use mag. primers with it. ...Maven

Paul, what are you using for a starting load with the 4198 in the 311291 and 314299. I've got 8 lb's of it sitting idle. Thanks, Bill.

Bill, IMR 4198 is one of my favorite CB powders since it works in all of my rifles, i.e., from the .243Win. to the .45-70. In the M 39 with the -291 and /or -299 I'd start with 24gr. (~1,750 fps) and carefully work up to 2,000 fps. Btw, I wouldn't even think of pistol powders for this velocity. Also, you may find your accuracy is between 1 and 2 m.o.a. at 1,750 fps. ...Maven