Hornady FTX 160 grain bullets in a Garand

[Swift]

My son bought some Hornady FTX 160 gr bullets by mistake for his .308. He's pretty new to reloading and this is his first centerfire rifle. He opened them up to look so returning them is not an option. I've got a couple of Garands that I load 168 gr A Max's with IMR 4064. Is there any reason I couldn't use the FTX's to punch holes in paper? I don't have a 30-30 and have no plans in the near future to get one. Just wondering if the FTX's would cause any problems as long as I'm not shooting critters with them. Thanks.

 

[kwg020]

I'd be more concerned about using the 4064 than the FTX160. Supposedly, 4064 burns slower than 4895 creating more pressure as the gas port and eventually bending an Op Rod. Check out the CMP forums for more information. I have not reloaded for a Garand but that's the information I get from the CMP forum. The FTX 160 and a Garand actually sounds like an ideal combination.

http://forums.thecmp.org/forumdisplay.php?f=94

 

[cfullgraf]

IMR 4064 is about the slowest powder you want to use in a Garand but it is Garand friendly.

Here are a couple threads on the subject. I'm sure many more can be found.

http://forums.thecmp.org/archive/index.php/t-23630.html

http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-264716.html

Yes, the CMP forum would probably get faster answers on whether there would be any issues using the 160 FTX.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Why can't your son load those FTX bullets for his .308? He can load them on the light side and they will still expand reliability. I'm fairly sure they can be used on deer in a .308...

 

[Swift]

He probably can load them for the .308, I just wasn't sure how they'd behave if he pushes them hard. He has intention of using the .308 to hunt hogs, but since we live in north central Iowa, that's going to involve traveling a fair distance. We have hogs everywhere around here, but they're all in buildings, no wild ones (thank God!). I just though I might shoot them through the Garands as I don't load them very hot due to the op rod issues. I couldn't find any 4895 and I found a lot of info saying that 4064 could be used safely, and I just happened to have some!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

He can easily load them at the starting charge weights of the powder used or slightly higher for accuracy. That would be fine for a thin skinned animal but for hogs they may expand too quickly to insure penetration especially if they hit the shoulder plate.

Oh well, one of you are going to have to buy a levergun now...

 

[Nature Boy]

I agree. Sounds like a great excuse to buy a 30-30.

I messed up and ordered a box of .30 208g AMAXs. To heavy to shoot out of my .308s but they might make a good soup starter for a .300 win mag

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree. Sounds like a great excuse to buy a 30-30.

I messed up and ordered a box of .30 208g AMAXs. To heavy to shoot out of my .308s but they might make a good soup starter for a .300 win mag

Now that's the way to think!!!