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M1 Garand load info

jonkjonk Member Posts: 10,121
edited May 2002 in Ask the Experts
I have a bunch of 147 and 150gr FMJ BT bullets. I am getting a Garand and would like to load some with these bullets. I have never loaded for a Garand before; I know you don't want to use too heavy a bullet (no problem) or too slow a powder or damage could result. Anyone know where to get some good loads?

"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf

Comments

  • Tailgunner1954Tailgunner1954 Member Posts: 7,734 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    COTW 9th ed
    M2 ball (30-06) specifactions
    2740fps (+-30fps @ 78ft)
    50,000psi
    152-3 gr bullet
    IMR-4895 50gr
    WC852 50gr
    CMR-100 45gr

    M72 Match (30-06) specifactions
    2640fps (+-30fps @ 78ft)
    50,000psi
    175.5-3 gr bullet
    IMR-4895 50gr

    48-49 gr of IMR-4064 works good in my garand, with a 150 gr Nosler bullet. (Nosler #4 shows a max of 52gr of 4064)
    Medimum rate powder and 2700-2750 fps should give you the best results with the bullets your using.


    Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Tailgunner, I think we both have the same book.

    Visit me http://www.geocities.com/gunsmithlee
  • Tailgunner1954Tailgunner1954 Member Posts: 7,734 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Most likly Lee I also have 'The book of cartridge conversions' handy for the weird stuff :)

    Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
  • davem3davem3 Member Posts: 75 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Jonk the NRA publishes a booklet on the M1 with a lot of info. on glass bedding,accurizing,improving the trigger, etc. plus loading data that will not damage the operating rod. IMR3031/48grs,IMR4895/49,IMR4064/50,Win748 ball/48,HodBL-C2/49,HodH-335/49gr. With 147/150-gr.bullets-eitherFMJ or HPBT. Military brass, reduce by 1.5 gr. to start. (My M1 likes 48gr IMR4895)

    davem3
  • erictheredericthered Member Posts: 244 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a garand and load for it. The best info I have found is that
    the rifle prefers a 165-168 grain bullet. My garand performs best with a moderately hot load.
    My best test numbers are as follow.

    1 inch group at 100 yds.

    Sierra 165 g boat tail hollow point with 47 grains imr 4895
    case sized to 2.485 " and overall length 3.214

    This load also performs at less than 1" in my M77
    ruger 30-06

    I believe 150 grain should be fine, but I should tell
    you that unless you get quality bullets, you may see
    groups of anywhere from 3 to 8 inches at 100 yds.

    If you want accuracy, get all the same brand brass, used is fine, weigh every charge to exactly the same, size to exactly the same cart length, seat the bullets so they are exactly centered, and test 4-5 or more trial loads to see what your rifle likes best.
    I load 6 to 10 rounds of each load. Get zeroed with cheap crap,
    then test for grouping. Doesn't matter where they hit on the paper, as long as the grouping demonstrates the bullet performance.
    Fine tune the sights after your favorite load is accomplished.
    They will all be a little different.

    Do NOT allow those fmjs to make you believe the rifle is
    inaccurate. Decent components are a must.
    My experience with inexpensive ammo or components forced
    me to leave all the cheap stuff alone. I absolutely can't
    stand to shoot crap that hits all over the place.

    ( It costs only about 5 bucks a box for superb ammunition.)

    Each one a work of art.

    Hope that helps.
    Eric



    thats'me
  • Shootist3006Shootist3006 Member Posts: 4,171
    edited November -1
    Both of my Garands like a load of W748/51gr. with the 150 gr bullet. With that load, both shoot far better than these tired old eyes.

    Quod principi placuit legis habet vigorem.Semper Fidelis
  • Laredo LeftyLaredo Lefty Member Posts: 13,451 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have been using 147gr fmj bullets with 48 grains of WC846. This is a general purpose load, not necessarily for matches. The starting powder charge is 47gr with max load 51gr.
    Good luck, Joe
  • colt100colt100 Member Posts: 90 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Davem3, where can I find that NRA book? I have been waiting for my CMP garand and have been reading like crazy about the garand. Thanks
  • davem3davem3 Member Posts: 75 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Colt100~ Got my copy at local gun show but they should be available direct from NRA. WWW.nra.org or try 1-800-336-7402 (catalog orders) Called "The M1 Rifle". Around $5.00 as I remember.

    davem3
  • colt100colt100 Member Posts: 90 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks, I'll have to check with the NRA.
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