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Cast bullets in M1 Garand
PA Shootist
Member Posts: 691 ✭✭✭
Years ago I read at least a couple articles about shooting cast bullets in M1 Garands. I had no real interest or application then, and I do now. I haven't been able to locate much lately. Anyone out there have experience with such? If so, what sorts of accuracy are you achieving? How about semi-auto functioning? And any leading issues? I'm curious about which bullet design, what sized diameter, what alloy and/or hardness, what powders, what velocities,and any other issues.
Comments
I used to think that but got cured of it when someone told me they had fired several thousand of them without issue; so I tried it and lo and behold, they were right. So, I'd say that's a myth- IF you know what you are doing. With proper bullet fit, proper load, proper alloy, and proper velocity it is fine.
Now IF you don't do that then brier is right on the money.
Check out the cast boolit forum at castboolits.gunloads.com and they can surely help you out. Several guys there have gotten their master's certification using gas op guns with cast.
You should slug your bore and use a bullet 1/1000 over bore size with a gas check and good lube. Try chambering it first. I use .310 as my bore measures .309. Some chambers might not take that fat a bullet though (mine does.) I use Lyman #2 alloy made out of wheelweights and linotype. Generally I use either 4895 with a ballistic filler (gotta be careful there though, or you could ring your chamber) or 4198. Just enough to operate the action, about 1800 fps. I usually get about the same accuracy as with M2 ball.
I cleaned the gun that night and there was no lead build up in the gas port.