My work buddy who has helped me greatly in my handloading journey has asked me a return favor since he is a non computer guy. he's looking some good load data for long range shooting with his M1 garand (500 plus yards). I wasnt very successful using google but I found this site and I was hoping some of you might have some info I could pass along. It sounds like powder is is number one question but all advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for any help you can provide.
M1 Garand hand loads
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flutedchamber
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As the Garand should be loaded with powder within a certain burning rate to prevent damage to the gas system, I think the best bet would be to call Hodgdon powder company and tell them what you want to do. They (or any other powder company) have far more experience and testing to rely on than any individual.
Grumulkin
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The Hornady manual has loads specifically worked up for the M1 Garand.
The things to do/avoid:
1. Avoid using too slow a powder. Doing so will increase peak pressures and may bend the operating rod. I like Varget myself.
2. Avoid using too heavy a bullet. The Garand was designed for 150 grain bullets though 168 grain bullets work well. Too heavy a bullet can also increase peak pressures.
3. Make sure the primers are seated deep enough. When using military cases, the residual crimp sometimes makes primer seating difficult. If not seated deeply enough, a slam fire may occur which I've heard is ugly. CCI makes a harder primer (don't remember the number) especially for military rifles to help prevent slam fires.
4. Some semiautos require a small base die to resize the brass or it won't chamber. I doubt you'll run into this problem with the Garand. It's pretty forgiving as far as what it will eat is concerned.
The things to do/avoid:
1. Avoid using too slow a powder. Doing so will increase peak pressures and may bend the operating rod. I like Varget myself.
2. Avoid using too heavy a bullet. The Garand was designed for 150 grain bullets though 168 grain bullets work well. Too heavy a bullet can also increase peak pressures.
3. Make sure the primers are seated deep enough. When using military cases, the residual crimp sometimes makes primer seating difficult. If not seated deeply enough, a slam fire may occur which I've heard is ugly. CCI makes a harder primer (don't remember the number) especially for military rifles to help prevent slam fires.
4. Some semiautos require a small base die to resize the brass or it won't chamber. I doubt you'll run into this problem with the Garand. It's pretty forgiving as far as what it will eat is concerned.
Lots of data out there, you just have to know where to look
Ask this question on the reloading section of the CSP page. http://www.jouster.com/. There are a bunch of Garand shooters on that page. But anyway a Garand is limited for all practical purposes to the 175 Sierra bullet. The gas system will recoil too quickly with heavier bullets. This bullet shoots very well in either the 308 or 30-06 at long range, but the Garand gas system really limits velocities to the 2650 to 2700 fps. Out to 600 yards the 168 Sierra will shot just outstandingly in the 30-06/308, but if your friend wants to shoot out to 1000 yards the 175 Sierra Match is the only way to go.
Ask this question on the reloading section of the CSP page. http://www.jouster.com/. There are a bunch of Garand shooters on that page. But anyway a Garand is limited for all practical purposes to the 175 Sierra bullet. The gas system will recoil too quickly with heavier bullets. This bullet shoots very well in either the 308 or 30-06 at long range, but the Garand gas system really limits velocities to the 2650 to 2700 fps. Out to 600 yards the 168 Sierra will shot just outstandingly in the 30-06/308, but if your friend wants to shoot out to 1000 yards the 175 Sierra Match is the only way to go.
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