[mcooper]

Hey guys, I've got my components together and would like to "one up" US <80 Ball for my M1a, I've got CCI #34 primers, 1000 pieces of USGI brass, Surplus IMR4895, and Hornady 150grain FMJBT bullets. My previous workup was pushing 2830FPS with a max charge of 43 grains of the IMR489, 42 got me about 2880. I was wondering what velocity M80 ball flies at? And also is 2830 a little to fast for my intent?


thanks for the help:)

[Mark whiz]

The mil-spec for M-80 (150gr projectile) is 2750fps. It drops to 2550fps for 168gr bullets.

As far as the speed being too fast, that depends alot on what you are shooting it out of. 2800+ is too fast for a M1A, but for a bolt action rifle it might work fine. Just make sure you are not overloading your cases, as USGI brass is thicker than commercial brass and requires about 12% less powder than a comparable load in commercial brass.

[USSR]

mcooper,

M80 ball calls for 2750fps + or - 30fps at 78 feet. Since you are measuring the velocity of your load at what I presume to be 10 to 15 feet, your load at 2830fps would fall into the velocity range specified for M80 ball. I would suggest that you save the #34 primers for the ball powder that they are designed to ignite. Winchester WLR primers work great with surplus IMR4895.

Don