M-1 Reloading

[giggitygiggity]

What do you recommend as far as loading for the M-1 Garand? Is it worth it? What kind of powder, primers, bullets, etc do you recommend? Any other suggestions? By the way, I have Lee Pacesetter Dies for .30-06. Thanks.

 

[cfullgraf]

Yes, it is worth reloading for the Garand.

There is a short list of powders that are acceptable for the Garand. They include IMR4895, H4895, Varget, and a few others. Damage can occur if your powder is too slow. Current factory hunting ammunition is not appropriate for the Garand without the use of a relief plug in the gas cylinder such the ones made by Shuster.

Hornady's manual has a Garand specific section on reloading. Regular 30-06 data can be used, but care must be exercised to stay around the mid range. 2700 fps for 150 grain bullets.

Sierra Bullets has a great article on reloading for gas guns.

Standard primers work just fine for the Garand. Make sure they are installed properly. CCI milspec primers are fine, but not necessary.

Full length resizing dies are necessary for the Garand. Generally, small base dies are not needed. Neck sizer dies will not work.

General recommendation is to use bullets from 150 to 180 grains. Folks have used lighter and heavier with success but with care. Any .308 diameter bullet should work just fine.

Crimping bullets is not necessary.

I use 150 grain in front of 46 grains H4895. Check that against a reputable source.

Check and search the CMP forum. Great information on reloading for the Garand.

 

[giggitygiggity]

Thanks Chuck. Good info to know!

 

[ReloaderEd]

Unless you shoot 30 caliber rifle matches, I would load about 5 boxes and then reload as you go. the 150 gr. A2 bullet is good, when young I used the Remington broze tip for matches. The standard load is 48 grs of IMR4895 with a 150 gr bullet. Winchester large rifle primer or equivalent. Keep it simple and test off a bench for the best accuracy. Be
Safe!!!

 

[dmazur]

Even though surplus ammo is still available, I reload for my Garand.

I use Hornady 150gr FMJBT's, 46.0gr Varget, WLR primers and Winchester brass. (I use a light crimp into the cannelure, but others ignore crimping for the Garand and don't have any trouble.)

I have an adjustable gas cylinder lock screw ("gas plug") and it is adjusted for the above load.

Full-length resizing to 0.002" or 0.003" below fired cartridge length, and primers seated below flush are the two cautions I know of.

 

[giggitygiggity]

I've heard people talk about the gas plug. What is it and what does it do exactly? Thanks.

 

[cfullgraf]

The adjustable gas plugs are designed to keep gas cylinder pressures at a safe level for the Garand operating rod.

Modern powders are slower burning than the powders that were originally used for the Garand. This raises the pressures in the gas cylinder and there is a risk of damaging the op rod. Modern 30-06 hunting ammo usually is loaded with the slower burning powders to improve performance in modern 30-06 rifles.

The adjustable gas plugs vent some the gasses reducing the pressure in the gas cylinder. The adjustable plugs work well and are a must if using Modern hunting ammo in the Garand, but they must be readjusted when changing ammunition.

The adjustable gas plugs are not needed when using powder appropriate for the Garand, surplus 30-06 military ammo, or modern Garand safe ammunition (Hornady and Federal make some).

Here is some more information

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=777146

 

[ATAShooter]

46.5 gr of IMR-4895 and a 150 gr FMJ, keeps my OP-Rod happy

 

[196scoutmaster]

I use 45-46 grains of H 4895, Winchester brass tho if I have some I'll use military brass (Lake City stuff I pick up from competition). I prefer CCI large rifle primers and Hornaday 150 gr FMJBT. I'm going to try some 168 gr loads next spring - Sierra or Hornaday - for 600 to 1000 yd targets. And I picked up some IMR 4064. You'll find there's a WONDERFUL variety of loads to try. And of course an awesome community here on THR to get feedback.

And if you don't have one - get a copy of Hornaday's reloading book. They have a section in there just for the M1 .30-06. Have fun

 

[Kernel]

Check out Sierra's primmer on...

Reloading for Semi-Autos and Service Rifles

http://www.exteriorballistics.com/reloadbasics/gasgunreload.cfm

 

[NuJudge]

Look way down at the bottom here:
http://radomski.us/njhp/

 

[Kernel]

I think NuJudge ment this...

http://radomski.us/njhp/cart_tech.htm

 

[mallc]

8x57 and 8x57J

Sorry - meant to start new post...:^(