Please rate these powders for a M1 Garand...

[ssyoumans]

So, I'm just starting out reloading for my M1 Garand I recently picked up (Winchester, Dec 1943). I'm a long time pistol reloader (20+ years), and 2 years in on reload for my AR15 & 30-30.

I'm looking for a better metering powder for the M1 Garand, which has very specific burn rate requirements. I just got done with loading up 30 rounds with W748 (meters awesome), and 30 rounds with Varget (not so good). I use a RCBS Uniflow powder measure, and I got (2) powder drops that were at least 20 grains low when using Varget, bridging? I was concerned too, if others would be high... anyhow, I found these while closely inspecting the loads after putting powder in all of the cases. I try to make a smooth continuous motion, but with the stick powder, it often times crunches, but I never back the motion up. So, I've decided to solicit some input on other good powders for the M1 Garand (and also possibly for a 308).

Rating W748 a "9", and Varget a "3", 10 being perfect, and 1 being not so good, how would you rate these with regards to metering?:

H 4895
IMR 4895
IMR 4064

I don't have any experience with any of these, nor any of the Alliant Reloader series powders. Also, perhaps Accurate Arms, I liked AA2230 in my AR15.

I've also got some BLC-2, which I like and also rate a "9" like W748, I can't tell if it is slower or faster, seems about the same as W748.

Anyhow, please rate the above, and if you have any others that are appropriate for the M1 (ie.. Not H4350, too slow).

Thanks..

 

[Gik-tal]

If you plan on using 150 grain bullets then I would rate IMR-4895 at 9 or 9.5. That was the powder the military ball was made from, and it shoots clean and accurate. If you are going for 168 grain match loads then the IMR 4064 would be better.

 

[45ACPUSER]

How about you get a Hornady Manual and check out the gas gun section for 30 06.
IMR 4064

 

[ssyoumans]

Yeah, I have Hornady #8, so not asking for load data, just powder metering / flow for powders I'm not familiar with. Hence why I didn't even mention originally what weight bullet I'm loading (150 & 165gr).

 

[ssyoumans]

If you plan on using 150 grain bullets then I would rate IMR-4895 at 9 or 9.5. That was the powder the military ball was made from, and it shoots clean and accurate. If you are going for 168 grain match loads then the IMR 4064 would be better.

Thanks for the input. I was a little disappointed in Varget after reading so many people use it in various calibers. Just didn't like it's metering characteristics. Guess I have been spoiled with ball type powders or Alliant (2400, power pistol, even unique and bullseye) in pistol.

 

[Mac Attack]

I am surprised you rated Varget so low as I have been using Varget for my M1 with exceptional results. I am however using SMK 168 great hpbt bullets and not 150 gr. My load is 47.0 grs of Varget under a 168 gr SMK.

The standard powder for the M1 is IMR4895. Both powders don't meter worth a darn in my Dillon powder dispenser.

 

[USSR]

how would you rate these with regards to metering?:

H 4895
IMR 4895
IMR 4064

Well, if you want a good metering powder, you certainly don't want IMR4064. So, the H or IMR variety of 4895. Personally, I shoot IMR4895 in all my Garands, as I managed to pick up a bunch of the last of the surplus about 6 years ago.

Don

 

[243winxb]

Guess I have been spoiled with ball type powders or Alliant (2400, power pistol, even unique and bullseye) in pistol.

Yes, your spoiled. IMR 4895 is a stick powder, it will not meter as well. But its much better then IMR 4350.

 

[Pat M]

I have not been having any problems with RL-15, Varget, or IMR4895 with the cheap Lee plastic powder measure. On the rare occasion I feel it hang up while cycling the handle, I'll dump that round back in. That one will be off by a few 10ths of a grain.

 

[cfullgraf]

I use H4895 in most of my Garand loads. Meters just fine for me. i use Varget in my match 223 Remington loads. Also meters just fine for me.

I am going to try Varget in some M1 loads with light weight bullets. Search the CMP forum for information.

IMR4895 is a backup for H4895. I have a load already developed for it.

I use AA2230 in 223 Remington for plinking/blasting loads as well as some varmint loads.

I have good luck with W748 but have gotten concerned about the temperature stability of the powder and have move away from it. I never had a problem with it though.

 

[ssyoumans]

Thanks all, I think I'll try some H 4895, see how it goes.

Regarding light loads, yeah, I'm planning on tinkering with some 110's and 125's once I get some standard 150gr loads down. Ceresco over there makes some good points and has some interesting loads developed.

 

[1KPerDay]

You guys who run H4895, does yours look like the pic above? Mine looks black like the IMR does in the pic. Mine came from a 20 lb paper keg.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I load a 150gr bullet in Greek military brass and I use H4895 with good success. IMR4895 will work just as well but you will use slightly more IMR4895 than H4895 to achiever the same velocity.

 

[243winxb]

You guys who run H4895, does yours look like the pic above? Mine looks black like the IMR does in the pic. Mine came from a 20 lb paper keg.

Reloaders in the USA think there is something wrong/strange about powder if its not black. One of the companys that manufacturers powder for Hodgdons uses an additive to blacken the powder. It does not change the burning rate. Photo above belongs to SlamFire

 

[mineralman55]

I have tried many of the powders you mentioned. I'm surprised you had so much trouble with Varget. In my RCBS Uniflo it metered very nicely despite its stick shape. Right now it is my go to powder for Garands.

However, if you want a great metering powder for the Garand, use AA2520. I've had excellent results with it using 168, 175 and 180 grain BTHP in my M1s. It doesn't burn quite as clean as some other more modern ball powders like TAC (spectacularly clean), but it isn't bad at all.

 

[rikman]

I have been planning on using Varget for my M1 loads. I just loaded and shot 308 Win loads for my Savage 10FCP. As far as accuracy it was awesome. I was surprised how accurate and clean it was. At 600 Yds. I got 1-8" groups.

Metering, different story....it sucks. But like others have said, common for stick powders. I am using a Redding 3BR Measure. I practiced throwing the charges then set it low on purpose and trickled up to the final charge with a Redding trickler. It wasn't too bad. I loaded 75 rnds. It was kind of fun. I'd like to get the RCBS Chargemaster, but can't justify $300 bucks for that,right now.

 

[737Driver]

Another vote for varget under 168 matchkings. It does meter poorly but it performs well enough for me to batch charge 50 at a time with a dipper.

 

[Slamfire]

I hardly ever shoot the ole thunderstick more than twice a year in competition. Maybe a high of three times in a year.

Anyway, with thrown IMR 4895 it shoots perfectly well.

A shooting bud of mine, who is an outstanding shot being a Distinguished HM, Pres 100, etc, etc, he uses IMR 4064.

But he weighs each charge.

I don’t have the time and I do well enough.







200 yards prone on the 5V target.