Best Powder for 30-06 Garand Load?

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I agree with Dave P (4064, 4895) based on recommendations that I've researched. I have a Garand and have used 4895 with no problems yet.
 
I've loaded mine with IMR4320, but that's just because I have 4320 and not 4895.
 
Off the top of my head, there are three things to control.

Powder burn rate. The recognized spread is nothing faster than IMR 3031 and nothing slower than IMR 4064.

IMR 4895 was the powder used in 60's NM ammunition. It was a very popular Garand powder, giga tons were used in WWII and afterward. However, if a powder gave the proper port pressure, breech pressure, and velocity, (which WC852 does), and was cheaper, than the military loaded the low cost propellant.

I have shot both IMR 4895 and IMR 4064 in my Garands, M1a's. It is a matter of faith :scrutiny: whether one is more accurate than the other. I like IMR 4895 because it throws better. :neener:

I shot two pounds of estate sale IMR 3031 in my M1a/bolt rifle. That powder functioned the M1a perfectly. Given the design similiarities, I would have no hesitation using IMR 3031 in a Garand.

The second thing is bullet weight. Nothing heavier than a 175 grain bullet. Yes 180's were used, and you can use heavier, but you really have to cut the charge to almost nothing or you will get too much gas at the operating rod.

And I think heavy bullets are still hard on the gun.

Lighter bullets, like 125's, shoot well in the Garand and with the proper powders, are not hard on the rifle.

The third thing is port pressure. No one I know has a port pressure device, so control pressure by staying within known GI velocities. Spec value is 2750 fps plus or minus 50 fps. If you shoot American 50's era GI ball, you will find 150 grain bullets go around 2650 fps. The difference is due to the measuring device and how test barrels were calibrated, and ammo accepted in the test barrel, versus velocities in a sloppy GI barrel.

Go with the sloppy GI barrel velocity. Keep your velocities around than 2700 fps with 150 grain bullets, and around 2650 fps with 168/175 bullets.
 
I cannot get the numbered powders yet but have had good luck with Varget. It is close to 4895 in burning rate.

Tom
 
my favorite powder for the 30/06 is IMR 4895 and IMR 4350. they have always been great performers in bolt and autoloaders
 
Tried IMR 4064, really like it. I think it was 48 gr. with a 168 gr. bullet and CCI LR primers. Excellent load. Very accurate. Used virgin Winchester commercial brass.

Tried Hodgdon BL-C(2). Was shooting 46 gr. with a 168 gr. bullet and Win LR primers. Accuracy was good, but perceived recoil was higher. Used once fired Winchester commercial brass.

Have not tried IMR-4895. Also want to try Win 748. One of my friends pet loads is 168 gr. Sierra Match Kings over 47.5 gr. of Win 748 with Win LR primers. That might be my next trial. Also hearing a lot of good things about Varget, but thats pretty scarce for my area right now.
 
I just started loading for the Garand pretty recently, but I have gotten my best groups with Varget, and not with 4895. It should be noted that I still have more testing to do with 4895, and am not done testing with Varget either.
 
Since my last post, I have not seen a need to discontinue my use of IMR 4895

20 rounds, slow fire prone, with sling, in snow, 100 Yard reduced Highpower rifle match.

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