I'm trying to duplicate, at least get close, to the original Finnish, WWII, military loading of about 2250fps with a 204gr. bullet. Since I can't find jacketed bullets of that weight, I thought I'd try some cast pills. I have some 205gr, G/C, BHN 20, bullets that mike .311. My bore slugs .310.
I would like some advice on powder (I generally use IMR-4895), OAL (into the lands??), and other aspects you may feel important, OR if you think I'm barking at the moon, let me know. TIA

Use the slowest powder available that fills the case and offers top or near top velocity in the reloading manuals. Alliant 19 or similar might work.

MOA.

According to Lee #2, you are going to need harder bullets to meet your goal. With the bullets you have, 24 grains of H-4895 would be a likely starting point. 28 grains of H-335 is another likely place to start.

I've found the Lee formula to be a pretty decent predictor. The .308 Win is close enough to the 7.62x54R in capacity for data to be a reasonable guide.

The cast BR guys shoot allot of lino which is around 20 bhn. Those boys run the psi's awful hot for the most part. I suspect a 20 bullet is enough given a slow fuel with the French.

Harder would be nicer though.

MOA.

Appreciate the replies. Sorry about not including the caliber. It is a 7.62x54R (53R).
Generally, what are the thoughts on seating ? Close to the lands or jammed in ??
Would I be better off with a larger bullet than .311 ?? I have some .314's also, but .004 over seemed a bit large. What do you think ??
TIA, again.

I use a 208 grain cast bullet, there about, depending on the particular lot of alloy I'm using, in my 30-06 Winchester 95 at jacketed bullet velocities. I use the data for the next heavier jacketed bullet from the various loading manuals.I don't have the actual weight of the powder charge here at work, I'm using surplus IMR 4895 powder and worked my way up gradually.
The bullet mold was made by Mountain Molds, it's flat nosed, gas checked with annealed gas checks, bore riding. I use wheel weights with a bit of tin and chilled from the mold in water. It's proved to be accurate and consistant.
Jim

Well, 2250 FPS is not all that much faster than a 170 gr. 30-30 load, and I have loaded 175 gr. cast bullets to 2150 FPS and a 190 gr. bullet to 1950 FPS in the 30-30 with BHN 12 and 14 metal for deer hunting. So, if those bullets are in fact 20 BHN, and the .311" size turns out to be correct for the bore, I don't see too much of a problem attaining the velocity desired. Accuarcy will most likely be best with the bullet seated into the lands, but charges should be reduced slightly to avaiod pressure problems. Try fitting one of those bullets into the muzzle of the rifle. It should be either a tight fit, or actually slightly too large to enter the bore. If it wiggles at all while inserted in the muzzle, accuracy will probably be not as good as it would be with the tight fitting bullets.
I have some jacketed data for a 220 gr. jacketed bullet for the 7.62x54R from an older Lyman manual circa 1970.
They show IMR-4895 starting at 37.0 gr. for 1949 FPS to a max load of 41.0 gr. for 2217 FPS which is close to your desired goal.
There is one thing to consider though. This data is for IMR powders made by Du Pont. Not that the powder is made by IMR, the powder has changed slightly, and is faster burning. My pet load for the 30-06 and a 150 gr. jacketed bullet had to be reduced by two full grains.
Cast bullets, being much softer than jacketed ones should give you a slight saftey edge in that, I believe the starting load for IMR-4895 should be safe in your rifle. If you have a chronograph, slowly work up from there to the velocity level you seek, being alert for signs of excess pressure.
Paul B.

Appreciate all the excellent information.