M1 Garand .30-06 Handload Recipies

[Ignition Override]

I now have a first Garand, but have not bought the dies.

My only reloading began last Feb. and only for the Lee-Enfields, 150 grain bullets, 4064 powder: 38 grains.

A friend has a few hundred bullets for 30-06, which he says are 180 grain, to let me try out as a gift.
He is my very highly experienced Gun Guru (retired Navy Marks. Team), though I've read that 150 grain are better. The friend seems to use different powder brands, but really knows his material (set two AR iron sight records). My skills are still very modest, but would like to have consistent bullet trajectories at 100 yards.

Would IMR 4064 powder with Lighter Garand powder loads -combined with those heavier bullets- be able to:
A) reduce chances of op rod damage, but
B) also allow at least two-three reloads? Or are these the correct questions?

If a different type powder is better for a Garand than 4064, it would be safer to use the same type powder for the Enfield .303, but would rather not face changing the only routine used for those rifles: scales 38, powder meas. arm 2.83. This is a pretty safe routine.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you use IMR 4064 powder with a lighter powder load, would those heavier bullets not only:
A) reduce chances of op rod damage, but
B) also allow at least two-three reloads? Or are these the correct questions?

Ignition Override,
It's not the charge weight that does the damage, it's the burn rate of the powder. If a powder is too slow it's still building pressure when it gets to the hole in the barrel at the front. Since it's still building pressure it slams the action back and can bend the op-rod. The powders we are talking about including IMR4064 have the right pressure curve not to damage the op-rod.

In my experiance you will probably get 5-6 reloads from most brass. I've gotten 8 reloads from some military brass including the current CMP Greek brass.

IMR4895, H4895, IMR4064, AA2495 and AA2520 are all just about perfect for Garand ammo. Your Garand ammo will be just fine using IMR4064 like you use for your Enfield 303 ammo.

 

[Ignition Override]

Thanks very much for the perfect explanation.
Have read numerous times about the pressure curve risks of commercial 30-06 ammo but forgot to ask the key question.

My ammo is 60's Lake City, and this rifle acquired in early August (Service Grade:excellent bore) helps my shooting skills to appear better than they are.
The SA action/barrel are Jan. '55 and H&R op rod/trigger about the same vintage.