[UKWildcatFan]

I have several reloading manuals and manufacturer's websites that I review but I also wanted to ask on here what powders you've used that produced nice results. I'll be loading 150g bullets. I appreciate your input as I'll be going to the range next Tuesday with my father and we're both really excited for him to shoot this weapon for the first time since '62.

[gamestalker]

Are you searching for higher end performance, in terms of velocity. For me nice results, is a load that gets em out there quick, and still maintains good accuracy.

I load 30-06 but for bolt guns. I did load a couple boxes up for a buddy years ago, but I used the same load I was running through my 700. All of it shot well for him, if that helps at all. The powder I most often use for 30-06 is IMR-4350. Hogdon has a bunch of powder options on their web site.
GS

[56hawk]

I use IMR-4895. By the way, the gas system on the Garand operates within a narrow range of powder burn rates. If I remember correctly IMR-4895 is optimal, but IMR 4064 will also work.

[UKWildcatFan]

Oh, sorry to not include my goal here. Uh...I don't have any velocity goals or anything, just starting at baseline as I've never loaded 30-06 before. I don't have any IMR-4350 on hand, but I do have some Varget. I'm loading Hornady's 150g JHPBT. On their site I see for that load baseline as 47.0, producing 2808fps.

[LAH]

I use IMR-4895. By the way, the gas system on the Garand operates within a narrow range of powder burn rates. If I remember correctly IMR-4895 is optimal, but IMR 4064 will also work.

IMR4895 is what those Garands were built on. Since I have about 40 pounds of it that's what I'd use. But alas I own no Garand. Someone here does though & will give you the scoop. :)

[TNBilly]

As is been said 4895 is pretty well ideal and 4064 is as slow as you should go because of the gas system. 4350 will cause you problems in the Garand unless it's been modified with an adjustable port.

[USSR]

I don't have any IMR-4350 on hand, but I do have some Varget.

Don't use IMR4350, it's too slow and can damage your op rod. The Varget will work just fine with 47.0gr to 48.0gr behind your 150gr bullets.

Don

[rg1]

Treat your Garand right by using the correct speed powders. Powders between IMR 4895 and IMR 4064 are ideal. Expect velocity between 2600-2700 fps with normal charges. A common load with 150 grain bullets is with 46 to a maximum of 48 grains of IMR 4895. I shoot 47-47 1/2 grains of IMR 4895 with 3 or 4 different 150 grain bullets. I wouldn't go below 45 grains for a start load. I've shot Hornady 150 gr. FMJ's, 150 SP's, 150 SST's and military surplus M2 150 fmj's all with 46-47.5 grains of IMR 4895. I use RP, Win, and HXP brass with the above loads and my primer is Remington 9 1/2's.
Hornady lists Varget in it's 30-06 Garand section. Start load is 42.3 at 2400 fps, 44.2 at 2500, and a maximum charge of 46.2 grains for 2600 fps. They used a Garand for testing with Hornady cases and Win LR primers. Make sure primers are seated flush or below and inspect your cases closely for stretching. Most Garand chambers are on the long side of spec and case stretching can be more if you full length size pushing the shoulder back to "zero" each sizing.
Have fun shooting your Garand!

[rg1]

Garands need grease for lubrication not just gun oil. Search for Garand lubrication points and types of grease to use.

[UKWildcatFan]

Thanks, I sure will.

[1hobie]

You can use an adjustable gas valve that allow you to use different loads without damage to your M1.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/cid=0/k=m-1%20adjustable%20gas/t=P/ksubmit=y/Products/All/search=m-1%20adjustable%20gas

They work and can allow you more adjustments to your loads.

Regards,

Hobie

[mustanger98]

IMR 4895. That's the only powder I'll load under a 147gr BT-FMJ or 150gr flat base FMJ or SP. Period. 46grs did pretty nice for me.

[56hawk]

IMR 4895. That's the only powder I'll load under a 147gr BT-FMJ or 150gr flat base FMJ or SP. Period. 46grs did pretty nice for me.

That is the exact same load I use in my Garand. It's listed as a starting load, but cycles perfectly. No point in beating up a 70 year old gun.

[ArchAngelCD]

Like said above, 47.0 to 47.5gr IMR4895 over a 150gr Spitzer bullet is the classic M1 Garand load. I use a charge of 46.5gr H4895 under the same bullet which generates the same pressure and velocity as the 47.5gr IMR4895 load.

Also like said above, IMR4064 and Varget will also yield very good results. Building M1 Garand ammo is really no big deal as long as you use a powder in the correct burn rate range or use an adjustable gas plug.

You also might want to use CCI#34 NATO primers to prevent slam-fires. They are not common but can happen. If you can't find CCI#34 primers it's advisable to use Magnum strength primers because the cups are a little thicker. During the primer shortage I used standard CCI and Winchester rifle primers without issues but it's still better to be safe than sorry.

[greyling22]

any other recommended powders? generally I prefer to avoid stick powders because they don't meter as well for me.

[Kevin Rohrer]

I use IMR4895 in my M1s, but...

any other recommended powders? generally I prefer to avoid stick powders because they don't meter as well for me.

BLC-2 is a ball powder and works fine, also. That's what I use in my M1A.

[ArchAngelCD]

any other recommended powders? generally I prefer to avoid stick powders because they don't meter as well for me.
Accurate makes a powder that mimics IMR4895, it's 2495. They also make a Ball powder equivalent to both, it's 2520. I think AA2520 is exactly what you're looking for. BTW, the powder carries the nickname of "The Camp Perry Powder" so many feel it's very accurate.

[highbrow]

TAC works well.