Is Hornady SUPERPERFORMANCE ok in M1A?

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Does anyone have experience with the new Hornady SUPERPERFORMANCE ammunition?

I am curious to know if it would hurt the gas system/rod/reciever on the M1A.

The Hornady website says that this ammo delivers 100-200 extra fps and I have always heard to stay away from "light magnum" type of loads with the M1A.

Here is the relevant info from the hornady website (http://www.hornady.com/store/Superformance/)

The Superformance solution is an elegant approach that utilizes specialized powders…at NORMAL charge weights, that impart ALL useable energy to the bullet reducing the ROCKET NOZZLE EFFECT at the muzzle while still increasing velocity!

Versatile
Superformance provides increased performance, and is safe to use in ALL firearms, including semi-autos, lever gun and pump actions.
 
In my opinion adding another 100-200FPS would steer me away from using them in a $1300+ rifle.

An extra 100-200 FPS, and the word "SUPERPERFORMANCE" are red flags to me, given the statement in the SAI manual. They may be just fine, or they may cause problems. To me, such a risk is only worth it if the ammo is dirtch cheap, and the rifle isn't cherished.

I would stick with 147-168gr loads at standard pressures & velocities.
 
You could always contact Hornady and ask them. Thats what i do and not rely on peoples impression of whats safe.
 
My impression was that the light magnum loads utilized a compressed charge whereas with the super performance loads they are blending propellants to reach the desired muzzle velocity.

In any event it is the pressure curve and specifically the pressure at the gas port that one needs to be concerned about on the M1A. Personally I would not use this ammunition in an M1A.
 
Unless your M1 or MIA is equipped with an adjustable gas port, you need to stick with ammo that produces a maximum of around 50,000 psi.
I have no doubt that the SUPERPERFORMANCE ammo runs close to the commercial maximum SAAMI pressures for that caliber. You do not want to run those pressures through a completely stock M1 or M1A, if you value that firearm.



NCsmitty
 
I thought the whole point of the White patent gas piston with the hole in the side was that it was supposed to be self regulating...

BSW
 
The company SAYS it is ok, they wouldn't lie to you in advertising, would they?
Well, they did warn against putting the previous generation of Light Magnums in autos.

But I fail to see where they find extra velocity without increasing chamber pressure and/or port pressure.

I also wonder what advantage there will be to the shooter. An extra 100 fps is not going to be a markedly better killer on game.
If you are buying factory match ammunition, I guess you can afford to risk your op rod.
 
I also wonder what advantage there will be to the shooter. An extra 100 fps is not going to be a markedly better killer on game.
Click to expand...

I think the real point of the .308 178gr Superformance is the extra range it brings, since it also has a new bullet with a claimed .530 BC. Out of a 24" test barrel it stays supersonic out to something like 1300 yards, far better than any other .308 Win option.

For punching paper at 1000 yards or less I see little benefit, and there aren't many M1As that are accurate enough to hit something small and/or living at >1000 yards where the extra performance makes a big difference. I do however like to see constant improvement and I think this reflects an improvement, even if it's of limited practical use.

As for the 165gr hunting bullet Superformance, I think any performance difference would be marginal and I would focus on accuracy and bullet placement instead. Or get a bigger caliber if truly necessary.

I'm a fan of the M1A, I own an M1A, and I wouldn't fire the Superformance in my M1A. I would be using 168gr BTHP match and happy with it, or maybe, with some hesitation, conventional 175/178gr BTHP LR match.
 
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