Need help with first Garand load

[45Badger]

I've got a ton of brass, 1000 rounds of 150gr FMJBT, lots of primers, and a pound of IMR4895.

Need to find a general plinking (starting) load to feed my three Garands. I've seen 42-44 grains recommended, but can't remember where or when.

Safety is my priority. No need for broken oprods, hands, or head. Thanks!

 

[P95Carry]

Dawson - I don't load for this but in case you don't have Lyman #47 .... for 150 grain and 4895 ..... they mention starting grains as 46 .... (2680 fps and 36,900 CUP.

Then they list max as 51.5, 2958 fps and 49,200 CUP.

Your 42-44 grains mention seems whimpy to excess. If I was working on these figures I'd probably start at around 47-48 ... just me tho.

Other thing too IMO - worth checking for bullet engagement with a dummy round and bullet - get OAL right for say, a 20 thou bullet jump - at least anyways a safe distance rather than too short.

 

[Slamfire]

I tested some Sierra 150 grain match bullets with 47.5 grains of IMR 4895. This load was mild, as indicated by the backed out primers in the picture, and the velocities were below IMI ball tested the same day. Attached below are chronograph data in two different Rack Grade Garands, with GI barrels, using this load. I have no doubt that 150 FMJ’s would not provide overpressure ammunition in this rifle. You must learn never to hot rod a Garand. This rifle was developed in 1936, the ammunition then was a lot milder, loading some of today’s factory loads in this rifle will open the action too soon and beat up the op rod. Try to keep velocities with 150 grain bullet below 2700 fps and all will be well. And the best powder to start with, is IMR 4895. I have not found a better in these gas guns.

M1 Garand 5 8XX,XXX


150 gr Sierra Match HPBT 47.5 IMR 4895 CCI#34 190 grs ≤ WWII cases ≤ 195 grs
OAL 3.290" 24 Mar 04 T= 70 ° F

Ave Vel = 2619
Std Dev = 27
ES 101
Low 2559
High 2660
N = 16


150 gr IMI Ball
24 Mar 04 T= 70 ° F

Ave Vel = 2759
Std Dev = 37
ES 104
Low 2690
High 2794
N = 5


M1 Garand 5 9xx,xxx



150 gr Sierra Match HPBT 47.5 IMR 4895 CCI#34 190grs ≤ WWII cases ≤ 195 grs
OAL 3.290" 24 Mar 04 T= 70 ° F

Ave Vel = 2630
Std Dev = 32
ES 109
Low 2580
High 2689
N = 16

 

[Steve in PA]

47.0gr of IMR-4895 and 150gr FMJ is the favorite load for my M1 Garand.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Since you're loading for a Garand:

150 grain bullets: 46-48 grains of 4895 is a good range. Choose the load that gives you the best accuracy. Work up in half grain loads. Do ten to twenty rounds of each, place in ziploc bags with labels, shoot to test accuracy at 100 yards. Battle sight zero rifle with Winchester white box.

175 grain bullets: 42-44 grains of 4895. Follow above procedure.

Something you can do to greatly increase accuracy in this rifle is to buy a chamber length gauge, identify where your rifle's throat begins and load your cartridges to within .020 of this length. Makes a huge difference if you minimize the distance the bullet has to jump.

BTW, you'll get much better accuracy out of a 175 grain bullet in that rifle's 1/10 twist.

Regards,

Dave

 

[GCW5]

I've been using BL-C2 for mine since it flows through the powder meisure consistantly. I use 165 gr Hornady SSTs with 48 gr of powder, with reliable function. I still haven't run them through the crony yet, but they shoot well and work good on coyotes & deer.

 

[USSR]

45Badger,

Assuming your Garand is still a .30-06, 47.0 - 48.0gr of IMR4895 is where you want to be.

Don

 

[Sunray]

"...backed out primers..." Backed out primers is a bad thing. It's an indication of bad headspace and/or excessive pressure.
"...developed in 1936..." The rifle was accepted by the U.S. Army for general issue in 1936. All the developement and testing was finished.
"...velocities with 150 grain bullet below 2700 fps..." W.W. II .30 M2 ammo used a 152 grain bullet at 2800fps. The rifle was designed to use .30 M1 ammo with its 174.5 grain bullet, not .30 M2.
"...my three Garands..." You'll have to work up a load for each rifle. No two rifles will shoot the same ammo the same way.
150's are ok for plinking with 46.0 to 51.5 of IMR4895. If you want the best accuracy with that bullet, you'll use 48.0 to 53.0 of IMR4064. 4064 gives more consistent accuracy than 4895.
The rifle really likes 165 grain hunting bullets and 168 grain match bullets with IMR 4064. You'll still have to work up a load for each rifle though.
There's no need to use the CCI 34 primers either. They're a marketing thing. Regular large rifle primers will do nicely.

 

[scrat]

the loads you guys mention sound ok. you have plenty of cases and bullets but that one pound bottle is not going to get you anywhere with those types of loads. you need to spend some money on 8lbs of powder.