Reloader 15 and LC brass M1A

[ATAShooter]

Looking for starter recipe using Hornady 150 FMJ/BT and Reloader 15 powder. Alliant's tech dept told me 41.0 ( low side ) to 44.0 ( hot side ), for th M1A, using a WLR primer ( I wanted to verify that RE-15 was a compatable M1A powder, They said it was ). But they did not stipulate GI brass or commercial. I'm guessing on the side of safety, they meant in commercial brass. I'm figuring that 41.5 would be an ok starting point with GI (LC) brass, then chrono from there. Does any of you have a RE-15 recipe that is for 150gr? All help appreciated.

 

[Grumulkin]

The 6th edition Hornady Manual gives a RL-15 recipie with their 155 grain A-Max bullets with Winchester WLR primers and Hornady cases specifically for the M1A a load of:

Starting: 37.9 grains
Maximum: (red line) of 44.6 grains

In my opinion, it would be safe to start with 38 grains of RL-15 in Lake City brass and work up the load from there. I would expect your maximum load to be 1.5 to 3 grains short of what loads you would use in commercial brass. I always stay short of maximum loads when loading for semi autos. I also load for best accuracy and not for highest velocity.

 

[ATAShooter]

OK, it worked out GREAT.... Here's what I did:

41.5 gr Reloader 15, LC brass, Hornady 150 gr FMJ BT #3037, WLR primer. Seated bullet @ lock ring, which put OAL at 2.70".

Chrono was: ( Lowest to highest ) 2515, 2525, 2528, 2530, 2537, 2548,2549, 2551

Pretty accurate little round, Not going to make groups the size of a dime or anything, but great shooter for 12" target at 100 to 150 yds. Function was flawless.

Very satisfied with this one.

 

[P0832177]

FWIW RL 15 is great powder for the M1A platform. Another go to powder would be IMR 4895 and 4064.

RL15 is what Lake City is loading the M118LR with, grante ATK runs the joint.