Casting bullets for my 1944 M44 Mosin Nagant has been a real treat. With a groove diameter of .312, I size the bullets accordingly to .313". Accuracy is wonderful and it is a real treat to shoot. A few days ago I wandered into a Gun shop near Mount Airy NC and up in the rack was a beautiful Mosin Nagant Model 91/30 Dragoon made in 1925, with all but the floor-plate having the same serial number. Bore was exceptional for a rifle 101 years old and probably saw service in WWII. The price was workable as the rifle came out of an estate. Of course I purchased that gun. It was calling out to me!
Shooting cast bullet fodder is absolutely fine but I would like to ask the membership what your opinion is regarding jacketed bullets. With a bore diameter near .303" and a groove diameter of .313", I was wondering if using .312" jacketed bullets is OK. Most sources call for .311" bullets but they would seem a tad undersized to me in this barrel. They may obturate OK but I don't have any experience with this large a difference in a rifle. Some sources say it's OK to shoot .308" bullets and that may be OK in a post war production rifle with a smaller bore and/or less wear. As for me, I think shooting the .312" in a barrel with a groove diameter of .313" is fine.
Any commentary based on experience would be useful. Thanks!!
Groove Diameter
Bore Diameter
With rifle in hand, I confidently go forth into the darkness.
