Reloading the M1 garand

[man151]

I am looking for a load that is good to shoot in an M1 garand. I have heard that standard 30-06 loads do not function well in the M1? Does anyone know why? Does anyone have a good load spec? Looking for powder, bullet, and primer combinations. Thank you.

 

[Roadkill]

This is a good start place:
http://forums.thecmp.org/showthread.php?t=94362

The problem with some factory 30-06 ammo is too much pressure and the result is a bent operating rod. Pick a powder and a bullet weight and do some specific research for it - tons of good info out there. I use 44g of RG4895 and a 168g pulled surplus bullets in my Garands.

 

[Sport45]

Start with a 200rnd can of HXP from the CMP. Save the brass and then reload with 150-168gr bullets and a powder with a burn rate between IMR3031 and IMR4320. H4895, IMR4895, AA2495 are good choices as are several others.

 

[Reloadron]

You may want to give this thread a read and pay close attention to the post, especially those by SlamFire. Also pay attention where case trimming is mentioned in that thread.

Of the powders mentioned and just starting out loading for the M1 Garand I would consider IMR 4895 and start with 150 grain FMJ bullets. I liked loads in the 46 to 46.7 range of IMR 4895 with Sierra 150 grain FMJ bullets. However, work up your own loads for your rifle and always inspect your spent cases carefully. I don't know the origins of your rifle so I suggest if not done already, have it inspected by a competent gunsmith familiar with the M1 Garand. My suggested loads worked well for me in my rifles. I again suggest you work up your own loads.

There are a few loading manuals out there with sections and specific loads devoted to the M1 Garand, I forget which ones at the moment but am sure another member will provide that information.

Ron

 

[cfullgraf]

The problem with some factory 30-06 ammo is too much pressure and the result is a bent operating rod.

Right but adding...

The problem with current commercial ammunition is the pressure at the gas port, not chamber pressures. The higher gas port pressures from commercial ammunition are harder on the operating rod.

There are after market gas plugs with pressure relieving features that permit one to shoot commercial ammunition in the M1 without fear of damaging the operating rod.

There are a range of powder burn rates that are safe to use in an M1. IMR4895 or H4895 two old, excellent standbys for the M1. There are a some others but consult some of the M1 specific loading data.

 

[45lcshooter]

Always shoot a lighter bullet such as 150gr. because the those old barrels can not take the pressure of the hot loads of higher grain bullets. Ive reloaded a lot for my Garand when i had it(still kicking myself 5 yrs later for selling it) and it was just happy happy happy with 150gr, with IMR4895(i dont remember the grain of powder i used, lost my cheat sheet paper) but it wouldnt take you long to find some thing you were comfortable with.

 

[greyling22]

my experience tracks with reloaderron. 150grn bullets and h4895. I started with 44 grains but had to move up to 46 and some change for reliable function.

 

[subdude]

Yep. Right on as above. 150 grain FMJ over 46 grains IMR4895. Great accuracy, doesn't beat up you or your rifle. My favorite load by far.

 

[Reloadron]

Please keep in mind my suggestions of IMR 4895 and 150 grain FMJ were just to get started. There are a good number of other powders out there and bullet choices. My accurate loads lean towards Sierra Match King 168 grain and other bullets. Also other powders like Vihtavuori N135 powder for my M1 Garand loads. That said I just think it best to start simple loading for the Garand and especially understanding the rifles capabilities. You do not want to beat the hell out of the rifle or worse hurt yourself.

Ron

 

[ssyoumans]

Another powder that works well and is in the correct burn speed is W748. I load a lot of Hornady150gr FMJBT, and some Mil pull downs rounds with it. Meters extremely well, use a LR Mag primer.
For my rifle, 47gr W748, 150gr FMJBT, 3.244", 2574 fps
48gr W748 2639fps

H4895, IMR4895, IMR 4064, and Varget are probably the most popular powders, but none meter as well as W748.

Enjoy your M1

 

[ArchAngelCD]

HXP Greek surplus Brass
150gr M2 bullets (collet pulled)
CCI #34 primers
46.0gr H4895

Be safe and have fun...

 

[leadbury]

Once you find a load that works-approx. 46 gr of 4895,try varying it by 1 gr increments to find your accuracy load for your rifle.I cut my groups down almost 4" this way.I agree with the 150 gr. bullett wt.,I use rem. core locks.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Once you find a load that works-approx. 46 gr of 4895,try varying it by 1 gr increments to find your accuracy load for your rifle.I cut my groups down almost 4" this way.I agree with the 150 gr. bullett wt.,I use rem. core locks.

Do you really use a full one grain increments or did you slip a decimal point somewhere?

 

[USSR]

Always shoot a lighter bullet such as 150gr. because the those old barrels can not take the pressure of the hot loads of higher grain bullets.

Please keep in mind my suggestions of IMR 4895 and 150 grain FMJ were just to get started.

I'm glad you qualified your first statement, Reloadron, because guys have been shooting M72 Match ammo with it's 174gr FMJBT bullet in their Garands for years. Anything 180gr or less with a suitable amount of 4895 powder will be just fine.

Don

 

[ArchAngelCD]

There are a bunch of very good powders for the M1 Garand.

They include
H4895
IMR4895
IMR4064
AA2495
AA2520

There are probably suitable Alliant, Ramshot and VV powders too but I just don't know which ones.

 

[Reloadron]

I'm glad you qualified your first statement, Reloadron, because guys have been shooting M72 Match ammo with it's 174gr FMJBT bullet in their Garands for years. Anything 180gr or less with a suitable amount of 4895 powder will be just fine.

Don

Hi Don and yes, I figured it was wise to qualify that statement but the first part of the quote you posted was not me? Post #6 by 45lcshooter had the first quote you posted.

Yeah, actually after all the years I still have a few boxes of LC Match 174 grain stuff laying around. I generally mention never to exceed a 180 grain bullet. When suggesting loads for a possible new hand loader I just like to suggest 150 grain FMJ bullets and powder like IMR 4895.

Ron

 

[leadbury]

Checking my log book,In 1996 I started with 45gr. of H4895 with a rem 165 psp.,went DOWN by one gr. increments for quick testing,settled at 41 gr. for best groups for my use.Groups shrank 4". Loaded 800 rds. Otherwise I usually start low and work up 1/2 gr.

 

[USSR]

Ah, right you are, it was 45lcshooter's post. Sorry about that Ron.

Don

 

[Ironbar]

I just did a test batch of Garand ammo, but have yet to shoot it.

147gr FMJBT bullets
Greek HXP Brass
Winchester LRP
47.5gr IMR 4895

We'll see how they shoot real soon. Hoping to get to the range next week.

 

[man151]

Thank you all for the info.