M1 Garand "M1 Ball" Load options?

[theBIGone2087]

So I have a nice M1 Garand that I had re-barreled (Fulton Armory did the work), my hand loads that I used (150gr FMJBT and 168-Gr AMAX) dont shoot the way they did so I am starting from scratch.

I will most likely go back and use the 150gr Hornady's and get some Speer's as well... my question is has anyone cooked up a nice 'old school' M1 Ball round, using a 173gr projectile? The idea is intriguing.

 

[SKIP]

I never shoot any ammo heavier than 150 grains.

 

[molonlabe]

I use a 168 gr HPBT bullet. That has been used in matches for years. It is suggested because of the potential to bend the operating rod to keep the powder around 4895, That is what I do. Some people used a faster burning powder like 3031 but I do not except in my Bolt action rifles. Here is some suggested load data from the NRA.
http://web.archive.org/web/20000620055732/home.att.net/~Masterpo/M1load.htm

 

[paxfish]

I've been using 46.0 gr 4895 behind a 168 HPBT - The same load my Dad used in this rifle 40 years ago.

Just enough to run the action, not enough to punish you, and very accurate.

 

[byf43]

I use a 168 gr HPBT bullet. That has been used in matches for years. It is suggested because of the potential to bend the operating rod to keep the powder around 4895, That is what I do. Some people used a faster burning powder like 3031 but I do not except in my Bolt action rifles. Here is some suggested load data from the NRA.
http://web.archive.org/web/20000620055732/home.att.net/~Masterpo/M1load.htm

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!


This is exactly what I was trying to find, for Mdeng!!!

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!


OP: I worked up a load for a DCM rifle many years ago, using Sierra 168 gr MatchKing boolits, LC (69 and 72) cases and W-748.
47.7 grains of 748 produced some really good groups at 100 yards.
This is a little-known load, and is easy on the oprod and your shoulder.

This load doesn't shoot worth a crap out of my DCM M1 Garand w/ Marlin barrel. (That Marlin barrel is a correct replacement barrel, btw.)

 

[theBIGone2087]

OP: I worked up a load for a DCM rifle many years ago, using Sierra 168 gr MatchKing boolits, LC (69 and 72) cases and W-748.
47.7 grains of 748 produced some really good groups at 100 yards.
This is a little-known load, and is easy on the oprod and your shoulder.

This load doesn't shoot worth a crap out of my DCM M1 Garand w/ Marlin barrel. (That Marlin barrel is a correct replacement barrel, btw.)

W-748 is the same powder I used behind my 168gr Amax and LOVED IT. Not so much any more :-(

 

[byf43]

W-748 is the same powder I used behind my 168gr Amax and LOVED IT. Not so much any more :-(

The difference in performance COULD be the boolit.

Instead of those Hornady A-Max boolits, try the Sierra MatchKing 168s.

I haven't messed with my Garand in a lonnnnnnnnng time.
I've got a couple of cans of M2 Ball, and haven't really worked up a load using 168s.

 

[molonlabe]

You should always keep a copy of this on the wall of your reloading bench.
http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Burn Rates_121211.pdf
I would also suggest getting a chronograph they can be had for 99 bucks from midway. I use it when I work my loads then I put it away. By knowing the fps you can very easily calculate the drop at different ranges. For matches I weigh each round and use a powder trickler to bring the scale to the right weight. That is only part of what has to be done when making match loads.

 

[stu929]

Check out 155 nosler custom comps over 46-48 of 4895 or varget. Great round.

If you don't have any 155s or never tried them, I have some I could part with if you want to try some out. I believe I have 2 100 packs I could part with.

I also have some 168 custom comps.

 

[ItsGarand]

I've been using 46.0 gr 4895 behind a 168 HPBT - The same load my Dad used in this rifle 40 years ago.

Just enough to run the action, not enough to punish you, and very accurate.

168gn HPBT or 168gn Hornady Amax
46.3gn VV N135

 

[8milimeter]

load

168 Amax 46.5 to 47.0 Varget
155 Nosler 48.0 Varget.

 

[Pinecone]

168 AMAX is a good bullet. A lot of long range shooters use them.

Do a load workup using the OCW method.

http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/

 

[Song Dog]

As far as the Garand, experts strongly suggest MV below 2700 fps for the op rod

We use 48.0 IMR 4064 Hornady 168 A Max