"The Load" by C.E. Harris in 7.62x54R Russian through an M44

[@farklestaxbaum4945]

Would love to see more early 1900s surplus rifle videos!

[@johnzx6r]

I'd like to do more, as well. I'll keep doing them if people are interested in them.

[@jamespollard1670]

My M44 shoots well with cast loads . 13 gr of Red Dot does well in it .

[@johnzx6r]

Yup! That is the magic combination!

[@Ford360CID]

I wish I kept my Russian 44 paid 75$ for it 18 years ago, fired 192gn lee cast bullets with gas check 13gns of red dot you got a keeper john.

[@johnzx6r]

I did have a couple more of these at one time. Like yours, I bought them pretty cheap, and they were in great condition. But back then I was just using the cheap Chinese surplus crap ammo, and blamed the guns for not being able to hit anything. So I sold those two (for a pretty good profit, at least) and held on to this one because it is not in the best condition and I didn't think I would get much for it anyway if I sold it. But now I have discovered cast bullets, and this thing is an absolute joy to shoot with them! I took it out to the range again just today and used the same ammo that I was using in the video. Of course, when I'm not filming is when I shoot the best! I couldn't miss today. I had 24 rounds with me and hit every time - same target as in the video and at the same distance. I wish I had known then what I know now, and paid more attention to cast bullets in rifles. Not only can they be less expensive to shoot, but some of the results you get from them can be pretty spectacular. I don't think I've seen any M44 shoot factory ammo as well as this one shoots cast bullets. You are right - it is a keeper!

[@Ford360CID]

@@johnzx6r I also used a 316" mold and sized to a .314 and fired great.

[@johnzx6r]

@@Ford360CID This one seems to do pretty well with them at .313". I think I have some .316" molds around here somewhere that I might have to try out.

[@Varmint.357]

I've tried this load in 7.65x53 Argentine, it's very fun. I could never get my M44 to do that clip eject thing.

[@johnzx6r]

That 7.65 Argentine is supposed to be a really good round. I unfortunately have never had a chance to try it out. The clip eject only seems to work with the real deal Russian clips. Those things used to be common as dirt but now are hard to find and expensive when you do find them.

[@luisangelruvalcaba]

I cannot find red dot anywhere does anyone know if there’s a substitute powder for red Dot for this load

[@johnzx6r]

Alliant Unique will work. It's a bit slower than Red Dot, but the recommended safe powder charges are similar for the 7.62x54, and Unique is available right now from a couple online stores.

[@mkshffr4936]

Wonder if it works for lighter bullets like 110-125gr.

[@johnzx6r]

It will, but if using lighter bullets I'd drop the powder charge a tad. As always, check for any signs of excessive pressure when working up a load.

[@mkshffr4936]

@@johnzx6r Thx.

[@snowydayssduhh9771]

Will you consider shooting and or showing off Pedresoli's double barrel percussion 20 gauge? I feel like it could be fun lol. Enjoyed the video 👍

[@johnzx6r]

Funny you should request that! I have one or two of those around here 😏, and I am going to do some videos on them. I am working on a revolver video right now, but once that one is done I did plan on doing the shotgun, so stay tuned!

[@mr.somebody1493]

Close your left eye when you shoot. I think you might be experiencing Eye dominance switching. Or eventually you will.

[@StevenMMan]

Not much recoil to this load at all.

[@johnzx6r]

Hardly any recoil whatsoever. Just a little push. It's a far cry from the wallop you get from surplus ammo out of one of these rifles.