Reloading for CMP Garand

Ambrose

A friend expects to receive a Garand from the CMP in a month or so. We are going to reload for it. I expect to concentrate on 165/168 gr. bullets and plan to use powders in the medium burning rate range like IMR4064, Reloader 15, Winchester 748, Varget, or one of the 4895's. I'm not new to reloading; been doing it for 50+ years, just never loaded anything expressly for a Garand before. Suggestions would be appreciated.

bpost

My experience with 4895 has been very good. 46-48 grains pushing the 168-174 grain match bullet gave great accuracy and proper port pressure.

jonk

I find I get a little better accuracy with the 4064 but any of those should be fine choices.

I use 48 gr of IMR-4895 with a 150 grain bullet, or 45 with a 168. Just what my gun likes. The 4064 is a few grains up from that- 50 with a 150 and 47.5 with the 168. But then, you should start at the start loads and work up both for safety and to find the sweet spot for your gun.

sandwarrior

I do believe the 48 gr. of 4895(now IMR 4895) jonk mentioned was THE load used during WWII for that rifle.

hk-91

I'm new to reloading and only do it for 300 win mag. I have alot of powder in H4831 and a poop ton of 168 grain wich is what my 300 win mag is made for for target and long range f'n around ( coyote, fox, straigh cat, ect ). I need a load for my m1 springfield garand for these. I have about 500 rounds reloadable surpluse for this and would like some load data.

PA Shootist

hk, H4831 is a relatively slow powder, that used in the M1 Garand could possibly have too high a port pressure remaining and could cause damage to your rifle, namely op rod bending. As originally stated, powders in the medium-burning range will work best, e.g. 4895.

Ambrose

I ran across a box of Sierra 175gr. HPBT match bullets, today. Anybody got a favorite Garand load for these bullets. Also, I noticed on my bullet shelf, Sierra HPBT match bullets in 190, 200, and 220 gr. weight. I'm guessing those are too heavy to use in a Garand. Any thoughts?

(The Garand is here!)

XXCross

I think you'll find that the M-1 will digest the 190 and 200 grain
bullets without any problem whatsoever. The 190's were a favorite
of mine, backed up with 4064. (it was a very common loading among
high-power shooters for the 600 yard stage.

jonk

175 grainers are fine.

You can use 4831 in 2 ways- either buy an adjustable gas plug to releive some of the pressure on the op rod or use light loads. 42 gr with a 200 gr cast bullet works well. I'm sure it would be fine with jacketed too but you won't get top velocity (if that matters to you).

But a full load of 4831 could bend the op rod, yes.