Fairly new to reloading and am very cautious about exceeding published data. I just starting to work up a load for my CZ carbine chambered in 7.62x39 using AA1680 and 123gr SSTs. The book max lists 28.6gr, but its my understanding this is the max for all firearms including all those surplus SKS rifles. Is anyone aware of any loads specifically for modern bolt rifles? I've seen this with other rounds such as the 6.5x55, but nothing for the 7.62x39. Thanks

I load for a Ruger bolt action. With 123gr SSP and 125 Nosler Bt's(.308) 25.5 gr AA1680 is a max load for my rifle. My old AA manual lists this (25,0 gr)as a max load so it was dead on for my rifle. 130 and above weight bullets were not as accurate in my ruger so I did not save any loads.

I bought two SKS rifles around 1990. A year or so later, I bought two of the Ruger 77MKII limited run "Davidson's" rifles. I shot many cast and jacketed loads in all four guns. Surprisingly, the SKSs would handle slightly hotter loads than the Rugers. Data varies a good bit; your 28.6 gr. 1680 load sounds pretty hot. Have you checked other sources?

The only 2 published loads I've seen are Accurate Powder which lists 28.3 as max and Speer which lists 28.0 max. I'm getting around 2500 muzzle velocity with 28.6gr with good accuracy and no pressure signs. I just didn't know if These loads were light to account for the sks rifles, but sounds like they may be pretty hot

I have yet to find a really accurate load in 7.62x39, but I get fair results with IMR3031 and Alliant 2400.

Most accurate load so far in my Ruger bolt-action is the Hornady 130 SP & 25 grs. Reloder 7, MV= 2200 fps. I've tried this load using the Winchester brass that takes large rifle primers and the older Remington brass (small rifle primers). I used CCI primers in both. Surprisingly, no difference in velocity or accuracy - around 3/4".