New reloader for m1 garand

[silver2525]

Hello all.

Yes im new to guns..reloading. nice combo. im reloading for the M1 garand. i need info about bullets. i looking at using either

A) 30 Cal. M80 Ball 147 gr. FMJBT for 308 - US Pulldown, Polished. from HI TEC.

and also using

B) 30-06 150 grain US mil spec. ball flat based handpulled tips, no pull marks. These tips are in the round from poly gun bag.

will the 147 gr. will the fmjbt be accurate enough or should i just use flat base 150?

advice please.

 

[kimbernut]

147 BT vs. 150FB

At 100 yds I doubt you'll see much difference but I'd try a little of each before I bought a lot of anything. My Garand shoots both quite well.
Avoid unproven import projectiles- I got one lot that went .306-.313 diameter.

 

[rondog]

I use the (B) option with the same bullets from Polygunbag over 47 gr. of IMR4895, but I've read that Garands do very well with 168gr. Sierra Matchking HPBT bullets, also over 47gr. of IMR 4895. I haven't tried that yet though, but I do plan to.

 

[dmazur]

If you're new to reloading, you may want to search for topics like

full-length resizing for Garand
primers for Garand
primer seating depth for Garand

I believe the Sierra reloading manual has a chapter on "Reloading for Gas Guns" that covers these concerns as well.

I didn't know these details a few years ago, when I started reloading for a Garand...

Good luck.

 

[USSR]

Personally, I would go with the m2 pulls over the M80's. The problem with the M80's is they have very little bearing surface, which doesn't help accuracy.

Don

 

[rg1]

+1 on going with the 150 M2 fmj-fb bullets. They are better for the 30-06 Garand.

 

[Jdillon]

I load Sierra 150 gr. FMJ behind 47 gr. of IMR 4895 for my M1. Shoots well and close to M2 ball ballistics and no need to modify gas plug. FLS all cases and trim to spec. I put a light roll crimp into the cannelure. Also use CCI 34 primers.

 

[Steve C]

Make sure you use data for gas operated weapons that is compatible with the M1 as extra heavy bullets, fast or very slow powders can drive up pressures and damage the OP rod. Here's a website http://masterpostemple.bravepages.com/M1load.htm with data from NRA sources for loading the M1.

Most match shooters I know that reload are using Sierra Match Kings or Hornady match bullets but the 147gr pulled are fine for 100 yd shooting.

 

[mrbro]

150g Hornady FMJ BT over 48g 4064 in LC brass works nice in my Garand. I also use 168g Sierra MK over 45.5g 4064.

 

[silver2525]

the difference would be about $30.00 for 500 rounds. is 100 yard accuracy largely affected or is it minimal with bt rounds from HI TEC.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I've been working on Garand loads for over a year now and I finally found what I think it the perfect load for my Garand.

I'm using Greek military brass and CCI #34 primers.
Under a 147gr-150gr bullet I'm charging 46.4gr H4895.
That combination is just about the same as US military 30-06 Garand ammo. (it's very accurate too)

 

[silver2525]

thanks everyone.

 

[BBDartCA]

I'd go with the m2 over the 147g boat tail. The bearing surface comment mentioned above being on reason. Powders use these:

IMR 4895
IMR 4064
W748

I like 748 for the fireworks it gives of in my tanker