M1As and heavier bullets question

[TexasPatriot.308]

I got a Springfield Armory M1A standard loaded, walnut stock and love it. I been shooting 150 grain bulletts out of it, even though they recommend 168 grain bulletts which aint that common around here for some reason. I got about 1000 rounds of Remington 180 grain Core Lokts and thinking bout loading up my magazines for this weapon for hogs. I keep reading that a bullet bigger than 175 grain might affect the operating rod but in some reviews I have seen where the M1A will operate with 147-180 grain ammo. Any input from you experienced M14 (M1A) guys.

 

[Grumulkin]

You probably should stick with bullets in the 155 to 168 grain range.

That said, in my more ignorant days, I loaded up 220 grain bullets over Winchester 760 and they shot fine with no damage to the gun.

 

[BruceB]

When I still lived in Canada, I owned a pair of TRW-built M-14 rifles, as well as several M1As and FALs.

I used 180-grain Nosler Partitions in all of them when they were doing guard duty against black and grizzly bears where we lived in the Northwest Territories. Remember that 180s are only TWELVE MEASLY GRAINS heavier than the 'recommended' 168.... that's a tiny increase.

There were no ill effects on my rifles or anything else (except the bears), but I didn't use all that many rounds... mostly for testing and zeroing.

A few 180s won't hurt your rifle, but work up slowly and STOP increasing the load about one or two grains above where the rifle begins to operate correctly.

The action itself is amply strong, but the heavier loads will begin to batter the operating parts. I 'd definitely avoid the slow-burning powders, and use the mid-speed types around the 4895 burning rate.

You have a fine rifle; I bought my "loaded" model in 2005 and it's now fired almost 7000 rounds and given me perfect satisfaction.

 

[briansmithwins]

In theory the White patent cut off gas piston is self regulating.

In practice, keep track of bullet weights and powder and stop using ammo that causes excess wear or failures.

BSW

 

[Arizona_Mike]

In theory the White patent cut off gas piston is self regulating.

In practice, keep track of bullet weights and powder and stop using ammo that causes excess wear or failures.

BSW

The cutoff is self regulating in terms of barrel length past the port which removes one variable. Pressure at the port still matters. Many heavy bullet loads use slower burning powder and will have more pressure at the port.

Mike