Sorry but I added a link to the data you mentioned. My intent was not to echo or parrot your post but add to it with a link to the actual load data. Again, sorry if it looked like an echo.Must be an echo in here.
I wouldn't use it in a Garand
Note: For the lighter 150 & 155 grain bullets Hornady does not provide any load data using IMR 4895. The following was part of an email exchange with Hornady on the subject:
" I would suggest possibly a faster burning powder for the 150 gr. Wt. bullets, however the 168 gr. Wt. bullet data would be fine to start with for the 150 gr wt. bullets. Varget would possibly be my first choice for the light wt. bullets".
Like most I have sent countless 150 gr. bullets downrange using IMR 4895 as well as H 4895. Never had a problem. I merely quoted Hornady as to the use of IMR 4895 with the 147 & 150 grain bullets. Another source of data for M1 Garand loads is M1 loads (Courtesy of the NRA) Master Po. However, that said, this isn't about IMR 4895. The suggested NRA Master Po load data also has load data using BL[C]2 powder. As I mentioned, I never tried it. Questions concerning why Hornady does not suggest IMR 4895 can be directed at Hornady I guess having been there and done that. IMR 4895 and IMR 4064 have always been my M1 go to powders. As to Varget? I agree it is a relatively newcomer to the game and I did try it but never got really good results. Not in my rifles anyway.Me either. A Garand will still function with an out of spec op rod, just not accurately. I'd want to hear more about how Hornady tested their "M1 Garand Load data".
This makes no sense to me and makes me question Hornady's methods. I don't know of any Garand shooter who hasn't used IMR 4895 with 150 gr. projectiles sometime. Varget wasn't even invented until fairly recently, at least in my time frame. Its also a slower burning powder by all accounts
Laphroaig
Black letters on a white background do not convey humor, sarcasm, or any other emotion. It's just "black and white" with no inflection. Folks take it as it's printed...I'm amazed at how many snowflakes attend this forum, I guess it never occurred to any of you Mensa members that I might have been attempting to be humorous.
KMASH
Like most I have sent countless 150 gr. bullets downrange using IMR 4895 as well as H 4895. Never had a problem. I merely quoted Hornady as to the use of IMR 4895 with the 147 & 150 grain bullets. Another source of data for M1 Garand loads is M1 loads (Courtesy of the NRA) Master Po. However, that said, this isn't about IMR 4895. The suggested NRA Master Po load data also has load data using BL[C]2 powder. As I mentioned, I never tried it. Questions concerning why Hornady does not suggest IMR 4895 can be directed at Hornady I guess having been there and done that. IMR 4895 and IMR 4064 have always been my M1 go to powders. As to Varget? I agree it is a relatively newcomer to the game and I did try it but never got really good results. Not in my rifles anyway.
Ron
I think what happens with rifles like the M1 Garand, M1A or even AR-10 is many of us begin a quest for that ideal load. Eventually we find loads we like and just seem to settle down on those loads. M1 Garand I settled years ago on powders like IMR 4895 or IMR 4064 and just got in a routine. I am guilty as I began looking at other loads for other rifles.Ron, thanks for posting the link as it does give the OP some data to use with his stash of BLC2 (if that is what he has) powder. In fact, I have the Master Po link saved as a favorite but haven't referred to it in many years.
I wasn't questioning you in any way but just found it strange the comments regarding IMR4895. I'm pretty sure it was one of the powders used in Lake City M2 Ball ammo considering the availability of 4895 pull down powder in the past. I bought that stuff whenever I could find it and always used IMR 4895 data in several cartridges with good results. But now that I think about it, it was sold as 4895 not IMR4895.
Sorry for my rant and getting off track from the OP.
Laphroaig
Me too! In fact, after trying his personal favorite load of 47.0 grns 4064 under a 175SMK, it has become my favorite match load for both my Garands. Very accurate, No load tinkering required! LolIn fact, I have the Master Po link saved as a favorite