Hogdgon 335 For Garand Load

[FW]

I'm considering doing some handloading for a Garand and haven't done it before. From the information I've gathered so far, there are concerns about the op rod getting damaged from using slower burning powders. While I have a lot of 30-06 loading data, nothing seems to be specific to Garands.

I would like to try Hodgdon 335 since I already have some. It seems this would be alright since it is a "faster" rifle powder.

While I see a lot of load data listing this powder, I rarely hear of anyone using it for 30-06. What is being lost when when used for 30-06?

I also have a little AA2520 and some Varget I could try, but less quantity. Would these be okay? Would they offer any significant advantages?

 

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

Traditional Garand Powder

The WW2 ammunition for the Garand was 45 grains of 4895 moving a 150 grain jacketed bullet at 2,700 feet per second. Since 4895 became so popular with returning GI's is was no longer just a military powder but became a top selling 30-06 powder and is still popular and sold everywhere. 3031 is essentially the same and a civilian version also sold everywhere.

John Paul.

 

[Swampy]

FW,

H335 may be a bit TOO fast for good loads in a Garand, but if you can find decent loading info with it for 30-06, then by all means try it.

The optimum load for the M1 is as stated, a 150 gr. bullet over 4895. This duplicates the USGI M2 ball round.

For years, the top long range target load for the M1 has been a 168 or 175 grain match pill over IMR-4064. Try this one for sure if you are going to be shooting your Garand at 600.

The rule of thumb for handloading to avoid damage to the M1's gas system is as follows:

1) NEVER load bullets heavier than 180 grains.
2) NEVER load using powders SLOWER than IMR-4320

Also, AVOID commercial hunting loads OF ALL TYPES.

Some shooters report good results with Remington 150 Core Lokt loads (I've never tried any Commercial ammo in my M1's), but be very wary, especially with any other type. Commercial ammo makers WILL NOT TELL YOU what powders they use in their loads, and the type and amount of powder can change from lot to lot. Commercial ammo makers do not have "standard loads" for their ammo. They use non-cannister grade powders and vary the load from lot to lot in order to achieve a specific muzzle velocity from their test rig.

One lot of "X" ammo that may be just dandy and fine for a Garand can be changed in the next lot to a much slower powder that will do harm to the M1's gas system.

Particularly avoid any 30-06 ammo marked as "Plus P, or Lite Magnum". These are certain and for sure loaded with slow burning powders that will damage an M1. They are meant to be used only in long barreled turnbolt rifles.

Best to ya',
Swampy

Garands forever

 

[Steve in PA]

My Hornady manual lists a loading specifically for the M1 Garand and using H-335. I don't have the book downstairs......when I grab it I'll post the load.

 

[Steve in PA]

According to the Hornady manual, 5th edition.......45.1gr of H-335 and a 150gr bullet will give you 2,700 fps/mv out of a M1 Garand.