M1A Loads

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Riverine69

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I've been reloading a bolt action for many years, but am new to reloading for the M1A. I am looking for mid range loads (nothing hot, just middle of the road loads) for the M1A, especially loads using Vihta Vuori powders
Jim
 
I like shooting Sierra Match in 150 gr, 168 gr, and some 190 gr for really long distance, although that is probably pushing it. For powders, Varget, BLC(2), IMR-4895, and IMR 4064 are fun to mess with although I could probably add a couple more to that list. That would get you started in load development.

Sorry, I only use VV320 for pistols so I can't help with that powder manufacturer other than to qoute what's in the books.
 
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This is my favorite:

Caliber: 7.62MM NATO, M852 Match (duplicate)
Bullet: 168 gr. SMK
Powder: IMR 4895, 42.0 gr.
Case: LC
Primer: CCI #34 Arsenal Primer
OAL: 2.80"
Velocity: 2550 fps.
Firearm: Springfield Armory M1A, Loaded
 
I tried this 3 weeks ago it did pretty good:
168gr. Sierra Match hpbt
43gr. of IMR 4064

IMR 4064 is the slowest powder you should consider, IMO. From what I understand, the standard M-14/M1A load for years was IMR/H 4895 starting with 40.0 grs and working up in .5 gr incriments.
Have fun with your new toy...
 
Best info I've found on gas auto-loaders is from the Alabama Service Team site:

<!--C&P

Must reading for GAS RIFLE (M1/M14/AR15) type rifles.
http://www.exteriorballistics.com/reloadbasics/gasgunreload.cfm

I kinda feel like this is required reading. It's the best article on M14 / M1 reloading ever put down on paper. I would pay special attention to the SLAM FIRE stuff as well as powder choices. Mr. Zediker has written several book with Mr. David Tubb on high power rifle reloading and comp. Bottom line is these guys knows their rifles and how not to BLOW them up.

"You'll like this material, and, no fooling, if you have an M14 or M1 you best be paying attention to what's in it befo you hurt yoseff."

http://www.zediker.com/downloads/14_loading.pdf

/C&P-->

Glad I read it BEFORE I took my new Garand to the range.
Scott
 
I purchased N140 after it had been recommended by a VV rep for M1a’s. I tested it in a bolt gun, using a favorite M1a load with AA2495. My lot of AA2495 was identical for all practical purposes to IMR 4895. Same charge of stick powder AA2495 gave same velocities as a charge of IMR 4895. And Accurate Arms told me that they blended the stuff to duplicate the IMR 4895 pressure curve.

Generally I fire a “standard” load for calibration purposes, so you can compare my standard load against the N140 series.

Under no conditions do I recommend using Federal primers in a M1a. They are just too sensitive. I would recommend using CCI #34, or CCI standard. Winchester changed their primers in 1999, they are now brass colored, and they are now more sensitive. I do not recommend using them in a gas gun either.

Best accuracy was achieved near the 43.0 grain level, but I think I would use 42.5 grains of N140 and see if any thing strange happens when the weather hits 100 F.

While I did not have any pressure signs at 43.5 grains, I get worried when I am pushing a 168 at 2650 fps, because of the possiblity of high temperature pressure problems. I like to keep my velocities between 2575 and 2600.

I don’t use N140 in the 308, I am using it in .223. It is a superb powder in that cartridge all the way out to 600 yards, I am sure it would do equally well in 308. But I have lots of 4895 for that cartridge.


Pre-64 M70
24 " Douglas Barrel 1:10 twist


168 gr Sierra Match 41.5 grs AA2495 thrown, LC72 WLR
30 Dec 1999 T = 58 °F

Ave Vel = 2570
Std Dev = 23
ES = 66
Low = 2552
High = 2618
N=7

168 gr Sierra Match 42.0 grs N140 wtd, Fed cases, Fed210s OAL 2.800"
30 Dec 1999 T = 58 °F

Ave Vel = 2532
Std Dev = 14
ES = 48
Low = 2511
High = 2559
N=10

168 gr Sierra Match 42.5 grs N140 wtd, Fed cases, Fed210s OAL 2.800"
30 Dec 1999 T = 58 °F
Ave Vel = 2598
Std Dev = 22
ES = 78
Low = 2563
High = 2641
N=10

168 gr Sierra Match 43.0 grs N140 wtd, Fed cases, Fed210s OAL 2.800"
30 Dec 1999 T = 58 °F
Ave Vel = 2593
Std Dev = 9
ES = 32
Low = 2577
High = 2609
N=9

168 gr Sierra Match 43.5 grs N140 wtd, Fed cases, Fed210s OAL 2.800"

Ave Vel = 2641
Std Dev = 14
ES = 46
Low = 2616
High = 2662
N=9
 
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