M1 & M1A Match Loads
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Fatelvis
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Scroll down to the M1A and M1. John really knows his sh*t when it comes to accuracy. http://njhighpower.com/cart_tech.htm
30Cal
Member
I shoot 175's with 42grs of Varget, WLR and LC brass at 600 through my M1A.
I wouldn't put 180's in either rifle, but especially the M1. I don't think the meager benefits outweigh the added wear and tear put on the rifle, not to mention the risk of bending the oprod.
I wouldn't put 180's in either rifle, but especially the M1. I don't think the meager benefits outweigh the added wear and tear put on the rifle, not to mention the risk of bending the oprod.
Swampy
Member
444,
My Match Grade M1 in .308 has the Douglas tube, 1-10 twist. It likes the 168 SMK over Re-15 and the 150 SMK over 4895. For some reason it won't group the 175 SMK worth beans. Tried MANY loads with the 175... no joy.
Best regards,
Swampy
Garands forever
My Match Grade M1 in .308 has the Douglas tube, 1-10 twist. It likes the 168 SMK over Re-15 and the 150 SMK over 4895. For some reason it won't group the 175 SMK worth beans. Tried MANY loads with the 175... no joy.
Best regards,
Swampy
Garands forever
The reason I mentioned the 180s is because I read this article by Glen Zediker: http://www.zediker.com/downloads/m14.html
The one entitled "Reloading for the Match M14". He has a small section in there about the M1 and says: "Most M1s for some reason, really like a Sierra 180 MatchKing". I had never really thought about using a bullet that heavy in the M1 and was wondering if anyone else had.
In addition he mentions that keeping a 168 grain MK supersonic at 1000 yards is difficult, but is much easier with 175 grain MK. He also mentions how much better the 175 are in the wind. Again, I had never used a bullet that heavy in my M1A.
I am kind of a novice to serious rifle shooting and I have yet to shoot my first bullseye match, although I intend to start. I am currently shooting a more informal match using steel plates, sometimes out to 800 yards. The matches must be shot with "as issued" military type rifles.
The one entitled "Reloading for the Match M14". He has a small section in there about the M1 and says: "Most M1s for some reason, really like a Sierra 180 MatchKing". I had never really thought about using a bullet that heavy in the M1 and was wondering if anyone else had.
In addition he mentions that keeping a 168 grain MK supersonic at 1000 yards is difficult, but is much easier with 175 grain MK. He also mentions how much better the 175 are in the wind. Again, I had never used a bullet that heavy in my M1A.
I am kind of a novice to serious rifle shooting and I have yet to shoot my first bullseye match, although I intend to start. I am currently shooting a more informal match using steel plates, sometimes out to 800 yards. The matches must be shot with "as issued" military type rifles.
Swampy
Member
444,
A 180 gr. bullet is close to the edge of the M1's "safe zone" for the gas system.
I'm not saying you should not use that bullet, but it's probably going to be hard on your op-rod over time.
BTW, the two rules of thumb for M1 gas system (as issued) is:
1) NEVER load bullets HEAVIER than 180 grains.
2) NEVER load powder SLOWER than IMR-4320.
It would make things easier on the gas system to install an adjustable gas bleed lock screw (made by both Schuster and McCann) in your M1, but then it would not be "as issued". I use the McCann in my Match Grade M1 and it works as advertised.
Because of it's gas cutoff design, the M14 gas system is a bit more forgiving of higher port pressure than is the M1.
Best regards,
Swampy
Garands forever
A 180 gr. bullet is close to the edge of the M1's "safe zone" for the gas system.
I'm not saying you should not use that bullet, but it's probably going to be hard on your op-rod over time.
BTW, the two rules of thumb for M1 gas system (as issued) is:
1) NEVER load bullets HEAVIER than 180 grains.
2) NEVER load powder SLOWER than IMR-4320.
It would make things easier on the gas system to install an adjustable gas bleed lock screw (made by both Schuster and McCann) in your M1, but then it would not be "as issued". I use the McCann in my Match Grade M1 and it works as advertised.
Because of it's gas cutoff design, the M14 gas system is a bit more forgiving of higher port pressure than is the M1.
Best regards,
Swampy
Garands forever
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