Anyone have any load data for 85gr Hornady HP-XTP bullets in the 7.62x39? It should make a great varmint load. Rifle is a bolt action Bushranger and can handle higher pressures than SKS and AK. Thanks!

I've a Mini MKX mauser in 7.62x36 with 20" barrel. I use R-P cases with SR primers. Start at 24 gr of H4227 and work up. I'm pushing right at 2800 fps with that bullet using 27 gr H4227. You are in unchartered waters here so work up slowly. That .312 XTP bullet is explosive on varmints to say the least!

Larry Gibson

Great! Thanks for the info Larry, I'm going to work up a load this afternoon.

Larry thanks for your data. I've made some progress with load development with the 85 gr Hornady XP-HTP (.312" bullet for .32 S&W). I used PMC cases, CCI250 primers and South African Somchem S265 powder: 24gr S265 = 2785fps; 25gr S265 = 2813fps; 26gr S265 = 2884fps; 27gr = 2915fps (slight pressure signs, 100% load density). OAT - 32 degrees C, velocities are an average of 2 shots per load measured 2m from muzzle. Please note that these loads are safe in my particular rifle (bolt-action Bushranger 7.62x39, bore slugged at .313").

I still need to do accuracy tests and will probably settle on 25.5gr S265 for a velocity of around 2850fps. It should be a great short to medium range 'varmint' load.