reloading for FAL's

Mr Clean · February 15, 2001, 17:57

In advance of my FAL, I might load some ammo-
I have lots of brass from my M1A days before
switching to the Dark Side. My question is
whether or not the FAL tosses the cases very
far and/or damages the cases. I was looking at the new FN berdan primed brass that Widener's sells for about $70. They also
sell FN 147 gr bullets for about the same price. Your thoughts? Thanks, John

[This message has been edited by Mr Clean (edited February 15, 2001).]

Wadman · February 15, 2001, 19:03

It seems like any system with a fixed ejector such as an FAL will eject the brass a good distance. But a properly adjusted gas system should keep that to a minimum. Brass is ejected about 6 feet to the right and a bit forward for my rifles. Some thick tape with some foam might keep the brass from being dinged too much as well as keeping the dust cover free of brass marks.

JoeG · February 15, 2001, 21:15

Mr Clean, I have been thinking about buying the same primed brass from weidener's. My FAL tends not dent the brass, however it does throw the brass 10-15 feet away. M1A's tend to set the brass next to you. Also, you can't go wrong with 147-150 gr. FMJ's in a FAL. I use WW748 powder with WW rifle primers with great success.

Mr Clean · February 15, 2001, 21:56

Say, Joe, have you tried the surplus WC846
powder? It is supposed to be the same as
WW748. $87 delivered from Widener's. John

**BUFF** · February 16, 2001, 01:14

Mr. Clean:

I have shot some of the FN 147 gr. bullets and can't tell them from W-W or Hornaday by their performance. Good value.

OTOH- buy some reloadable brass. You will find most of what you shoot. It will be reloadable. Check Widener's on-line, or ask for their catalog, you can do better. After all, the FAL is no H&K91!

BUFF

HAMMER · February 16, 2001, 08:44

What is the barrel twist rate for an StG 58 ?

These barrels are not chrome lined, correct ?

Mr Clean · February 16, 2001, 09:38

Brass I have. Lots of since I switched to
.223 for competition. You can also buy
168 grain match bullets from Nosler for a good price - $10.50 per hundred. Thanks, John

Tristan · February 16, 2001, 11:40

What are your favorite loads for gas operated semi-autos in 7.62 NATO?

I have access to AA2460 and IMR4895.

I'm getting ready to work some up, so you're experience and knowledge is welcome.

Thanks!

TomJ · February 16, 2001, 14:12

Mr. Clean,
I wouldn't worry about how far your FAL ejects that brass from Widener's. You can't load it past the first load because it's Berdan primed. That has 2 tiny flash holes, not 1 central hole that you can easily deprime.

Mr Clean · February 16, 2001, 18:44

Tom, I was most concerned about my 1500+
pieces of LC & IMI match .308 brass. I no
longer shoot the M14, so there it sits.
I am really not sure reloading is truly worth it anyway, if I can get decent surplus
.308 like the Portuguez or other stuff.
How do those buffer attachments work? Thanks, John

**LAFAL** · February 17, 2001, 15:49

Tristan, here's what I have so far with IMR 4895
once fired LC and Win brass, trimmed, flash hole deburred.
CCI LR primer
147 gr Win. FMJBT
46 gr 4895
RCBS small base sized and Lee crimp die
This load gave me an average vel of 2860FPS,(tad faster than service ammo and tossed them about 10 ft rt and behind me),
avg dev of 11.4fps and an energy 6 ft from muzzle of 2670 ft#s. Gas system on 4.5,(I think),handguards on, sandbagged. I have some loaded at 43.5 grains I want to try and I'll have to look up my trim and OAL after work. Bummer working a weekend when the sun finally comes out. I had worked this load up from Lee's Reloading Book and RCBS data. I'm hoping to chrono the 43.5's Monday or Tuesday and try them both on paper.

Capnric · February 18, 2001, 10:05

Mr. Clean
I had to ask; where are you getting 168 grain match bullets for $10.50/C. TIA
Capnric

Mr Clean · February 18, 2001, 10:33

If you contact Nosler, in Bend, Oregon, and
ask about their "seconds," they will send you a monthly letter with their specials.
As for their "seconds," you would never know.
I have shot them in my 03A3, M1 & M14, and
got great results. They also sell the 155's
very reasonably, too. Sometimes these bullets
miss the box, or get put aside, etc, so they aren't packed with the rest. Good stuff.
John

Capnric · February 18, 2001, 11:00

Thanks for the info Mr. Clean.
Capnric

dick w. holliday · February 19, 2001, 18:55

i reload everything i shoot and try my best to use surplus powder,bullets ect. i bought 4895 from patsreloading.com along with some FN 147 FMJ. Best prices i've found. my load is 42.5 gr 4895 which is light but shoots around an inch in my enterprize/steyr. i use DSA mount and old 36 power tasco bench rest scope to test loads. after i got good groups i put on my 2X aimpoint on rifle for some fun blasting...Keep on load'n...Dick

mark · February 21, 2001, 08:53

IMHO.......I wouldn't use my match brass for a FAL. That stuff is trading material.

Find some used (M60 fired brass) for the FAL. I used to get them from a scrap dealer, he sold by the pound.

Wadman · February 21, 2001, 09:02

Sierra has a similar deal on "pulled" bullets but I think you have to be onsite to buy some. "Pulled" bullets are bullets pulled from the normal production line for quality control testing. Even if there's nothing out of spec, they still don't put it back on the line for packaging. I got about 450 168gr. Matchkings for $45 a couple of years ago.

What's the contact number for Nosler's Special list?

Mr Clean · February 21, 2001, 09:40

Nosler has a web site http://nosler.com
They have numbers, etc. They are nice people to deal with. I wish they would
offer .224 match bullets! They have monthly
specials. John

GySgt D · March 08, 2001, 05:31

Check my website for my recipes.
http://christian_patriot.tripod.com/index.html

------------------
Th' FAL is wifout a doubt th' finess rifle available fo' defendin' yer mobile home o' huntin' camp fum them uppity Federales. Yo' kin use it equally fine while jack-lightin' deer o' keepin' th' possum sheriff at a comfy distance.

CSAcavalry · March 08, 2001, 21:56

SSgt D,
Jes had to tell ya, yur rite on da monee suh,
dis FAL is de bess fer up cloze en pursonell.

CScav

February 15, 2001, 17:57	#1
Mr Clean Registered FALaholic #: 2394 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Albany, Oregon, Linn Posts: 40	reloading for FAL's In advance of my FAL, I might load some ammo- I have lots of brass from my M1A days before switching to the Dark Side. My question is whether or not the FAL tosses the cases very far and/or damages the cases. I was looking at the new FN berdan primed brass that Widener's sells for about $70. They also sell FN 147 gr bullets for about the same price. Your thoughts? Thanks, John [This message has been edited by Mr Clean (edited February 15, 2001).]

February 15, 2001, 19:03	#2
Wadman Registered FALaholic #: 1095 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: North East Illinois Posts: 2,820	It seems like any system with a fixed ejector such as an FAL will eject the brass a good distance. But a properly adjusted gas system should keep that to a minimum. Brass is ejected about 6 feet to the right and a bit forward for my rifles. Some thick tape with some foam might keep the brass from being dinged too much as well as keeping the dust cover free of brass marks. __________________ The low road is frequently a four lane highway with no speed limit. Help Save the Kitties

February 16, 2001, 01:14	#5
BUFF Old Fart Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 789 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 7,141	Mr. Clean: I have shot some of the FN 147 gr. bullets and can't tell them from W-W or Hornaday by their performance. Good value. OTOH- buy some reloadable brass. You will find most of what you shoot. It will be reloadable. Check Widener's on-line, or ask for their catalog, you can do better. After all, the FAL is no H&K91! BUFF __________________ BUFF

February 17, 2001, 15:49	#11
LAFAL Veteran Member Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 85 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,848	Tristan, here's what I have so far with IMR 4895 once fired LC and Win brass, trimmed, flash hole deburred. CCI LR primer 147 gr Win. FMJBT 46 gr 4895 RCBS small base sized and Lee crimp die This load gave me an average vel of 2860FPS,(tad faster than service ammo and tossed them about 10 ft rt and behind me), avg dev of 11.4fps and an energy 6 ft from muzzle of 2670 ft#s. Gas system on 4.5,(I think),handguards on, sandbagged. I have some loaded at 43.5 grains I want to try and I'll have to look up my trim and OAL after work. Bummer working a weekend when the sun finally comes out. I had worked this load up from Lee's Reloading Book and RCBS data. I'm hoping to chrono the 43.5's Monday or Tuesday and try them both on paper. __________________ -to AR is human. to FAL is divine!

February 21, 2001, 09:02	#17
Wadman Registered FALaholic #: 1095 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: North East Illinois Posts: 2,820	Sierra has a similar deal on "pulled" bullets but I think you have to be onsite to buy some. "Pulled" bullets are bullets pulled from the normal production line for quality control testing. Even if there's nothing out of spec, they still don't put it back on the line for packaging. I got about 450 168gr. Matchkings for $45 a couple of years ago. What's the contact number for Nosler's Special list? __________________ The low road is frequently a four lane highway with no speed limit. Help Save the Kitties

February 15, 2001, 21:15	#3
JoeG Registered FALaholic #: 326 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: US Posts: 17	Mr Clean, I have been thinking about buying the same primed brass from weidener's. My FAL tends not dent the brass, however it does throw the brass 10-15 feet away. M1A's tend to set the brass next to you. Also, you can't go wrong with 147-150 gr. FMJ's in a FAL. I use WW748 powder with WW rifle primers with great success.

February 15, 2001, 21:56	#4
Mr Clean Registered FALaholic #: 2394 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Albany, Oregon, Linn Posts: 40	Say, Joe, have you tried the surplus WC846 powder? It is supposed to be the same as WW748. $87 delivered from Widener's. John

February 16, 2001, 08:44	#6
HAMMER Registered FALaholic #: 2644 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 36	What is the barrel twist rate for an StG 58 ? These barrels are not chrome lined, correct ?

February 16, 2001, 09:38	#7
Mr Clean Registered FALaholic #: 2394 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Albany, Oregon, Linn Posts: 40	Brass I have. Lots of since I switched to .223 for competition. You can also buy 168 grain match bullets from Nosler for a good price - $10.50 per hundred. Thanks, John

February 16, 2001, 11:40	#8
Tristan Registered FALaholic #: 1979 Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 7	What are your favorite loads for gas operated semi-autos in 7.62 NATO? I have access to AA2460 and IMR4895. I'm getting ready to work some up, so you're experience and knowledge is welcome. Thanks!

February 16, 2001, 14:12	#9
TomJ Registered FALaholic #: 1014 Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 10	Mr. Clean, I wouldn't worry about how far your FAL ejects that brass from Widener's. You can't load it past the first load because it's Berdan primed. That has 2 tiny flash holes, not 1 central hole that you can easily deprime.

February 16, 2001, 18:44	#10
Mr Clean Registered FALaholic #: 2394 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Albany, Oregon, Linn Posts: 40	Tom, I was most concerned about my 1500+ pieces of LC & IMI match .308 brass. I no longer shoot the M14, so there it sits. I am really not sure reloading is truly worth it anyway, if I can get decent surplus .308 like the Portuguez or other stuff. How do those buffer attachments work? Thanks, John

February 18, 2001, 10:05	#12
Capnric Registered FALaholic #: 2427 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Antioch, TN USA Posts: 5	Mr. Clean I had to ask; where are you getting 168 grain match bullets for $10.50/C. TIA Capnric

February 18, 2001, 10:33	#13
Mr Clean Registered FALaholic #: 2394 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Albany, Oregon, Linn Posts: 40	If you contact Nosler, in Bend, Oregon, and ask about their "seconds," they will send you a monthly letter with their specials. As for their "seconds," you would never know. I have shot them in my 03A3, M1 & M14, and got great results. They also sell the 155's very reasonably, too. Sometimes these bullets miss the box, or get put aside, etc, so they aren't packed with the rest. Good stuff. John

February 18, 2001, 11:00	#14
Capnric Registered FALaholic #: 2427 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Antioch, TN USA Posts: 5	Thanks for the info Mr. Clean. Capnric

February 19, 2001, 18:55	#15
dick w. holliday Registered FALaholic #: 2116 Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 3	i reload everything i shoot and try my best to use surplus powder,bullets ect. i bought 4895 from patsreloading.com along with some FN 147 FMJ. Best prices i've found. my load is 42.5 gr 4895 which is light but shoots around an inch in my enterprize/steyr. i use DSA mount and old 36 power tasco bench rest scope to test loads. after i got good groups i put on my 2X aimpoint on rifle for some fun blasting...Keep on load'n...Dick

February 21, 2001, 08:53	#16
mark Registered FALaholic #: 284 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 81	IMHO.......I wouldn't use my match brass for a FAL. That stuff is trading material. Find some used (M60 fired brass) for the FAL. I used to get them from a scrap dealer, he sold by the pound.

February 21, 2001, 09:40	#18
Mr Clean Registered FALaholic #: 2394 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Albany, Oregon, Linn Posts: 40	Nosler has a web site http://nosler.com They have numbers, etc. They are nice people to deal with. I wish they would offer .224 match bullets! They have monthly specials. John

March 08, 2001, 05:31	#19
GySgt D Registered FALaholic #: 232 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: The Redneck Riviera Posts: 1,092	Check my website for my recipes. http://christian_patriot.tripod.com/index.html ------------------ Th' FAL is wifout a doubt th' finess rifle available fo' defendin' yer mobile home o' huntin' camp fum them uppity Federales. Yo' kin use it equally fine while jack-lightin' deer o' keepin' th' possum sheriff at a comfy distance. __________________ Th' FAL is wifout a doubt th' finess rifle available fo' defendin' yer mobile home or huntin' camp fum them uppity Federales. Yo' kin use it equally fine while jack-lightin' deer or keepin' th' possum sheriff at a comfy distance.

March 08, 2001, 21:56	#20
CSAcavalry Registered FALaholic #: 1888 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Check, VA, CSA Posts: 36	SSgt D, Jes had to tell ya, yur rite on da monee suh, dis FAL is de bess fer up cloze en pursonell. CScav __________________ "We are the last of our race. Let us be the best as well." --- Gen. Joseph O. Shelby, CSA

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