Skeptic13
Member
I recently purchased a M1 Garand Service grade from the CMP. This is my first Garand and my first attempt at reloading 30-06 for a Garand. I looked up M1 Garand Service Rifle load data on hodgdonreloading.com and for a 150 gr bullet and IMR 4895 they show a powder charge of 49 gr – 50.5 gr and a COL or 3.25”. I loaded 20 rounds with 49.5 gr of IMR 4895 at the suggested COL and a 150 gr FMJ with a cannelure from Everglades Ammo and took them to the range. All of the rounds cycled in the rifle just fine and once I got the sights aligned were as accurate as my old eyes can be at 50 yards with open sights. But here are a few questions for those of you more knowledgeable about M1 Garands and reloading for them:
1. When I loaded these rounds at the 3.25 COL the rim of the cartridge was below the cannelure. Is there a problem if I seat the bullet lower and shorten the COL or should I leave it and not worry about the cannelure?
2. Is there a different bullet that would be better to use?
3. I got some weird ejection patterns. Most rounds ejected at 4 oclock but there were 4-5 that ejected straight in front. Is that normal?
4. Is there any other words of wisdom you can give me for reloading for this rifle?
1. When I loaded these rounds at the 3.25 COL the rim of the cartridge was below the cannelure. Is there a problem if I seat the bullet lower and shorten the COL or should I leave it and not worry about the cannelure?
2. Is there a different bullet that would be better to use?
3. I got some weird ejection patterns. Most rounds ejected at 4 oclock but there were 4-5 that ejected straight in front. Is that normal?
4. Is there any other words of wisdom you can give me for reloading for this rifle?