Tempted to get back into M14

M

MartyK2500

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I am tempted to get back into the platform even more now that i reload 308.
Only had a question wonder if it makes sense.

If i use a shoulder bump die instead of a FLS die, i could bump 3-4 thous only and brass would last longer? (Bumping 7.62 ammo shot from said M14)
This would still put my reloaded ammo into 7.62 NO GO or FIELD territory, but if ammo is only used in that rifle it shouldn't matter?

If I'm anticipating an ugly headspace without a rifle in hand, owned 3x M305s in the past, all we're between no go and field

Cheers
 
Yup, doesn't matter as long as you measure your headspace and adjust your brass for it. That's what I do. Never found a measurable accuracy increase with using the body die to bump the shoulder and then collet neck sizing vs FL resizing with my M14. Somewhat better ES and SD though. I don't shoot my M14 as much as I once did, my bolt guns take up most of my time these days, but I did have it out the other day when Barney was in town. Was making hits on my 2/3 IPSC plate at 830 yards, was pretty cool to do that with a mostly stock chicom M14.
 
I reloaded for my M14s. The M14 is really hard on brasses. When I did my research, I read that it's good practice to shoot 4 times, trim twice and discard. (not in that order of course). I would not recommend anything else but a full length resize for any semi automatic rifle. The refiles are designed to work within a very specific set of tolerances. Get lake city or milspec brass if you can find it as it is thicker and more durable. Use only IMR4895, H4895 or IMR4064 powders as the gas system requires a powder which burns at specific speeds. Finally, google reloading for the M14 by Zediker for more detailed explanations.
 
Gobc said:
I reloaded for my M14s. The M14 is really hard on brasses. When I did my research, I read that it's good practice to shoot 4 times, trim twice and discard. (not in that order of course). I would not recommend anything else but a full length resize for any semi automatic rifle. The refiles are designed to work within a very specific set of tolerances. Get lake city or milspec brass if you can find it as it is thicker and more durable. Use only IMR4895, H4895 or IMR4064 powders as the gas system requires a powder which burns at specific speeds. Finally, google reloading for the M14 by Zediker for more detailed explanations.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I normally turf my brass after 4 firings. Benchmark is another powder that's in the right burn rate and is quite temp stable. Also stick to 168 gr bullets and under unless you swap in a grooved piston, the heavies are too hard on the gas system.
 
I always full length size for mine. I think that the fraction of an moa increase in accuracy from using a shoulder bump would be lost on a rifle like the M14 and definitely not worth risking the loss of reliability.
I've seen first hand what ends up happening when someone doesn't full length size for a semi auto. They are usually very frustrated and swearing at their rifle and themselves.

You could always install a barrel like the one in my fancy M305 build, has a Krieger barrel with an Obermeyer chamber which is a little tighter than a standard chamber which is a little easier on the brass from what I've read.
 
cr5 said:
I always full length size for mine. I think that the fraction of an moa increase in accuracy from using a shoulder bump would be lost on a rifle like the M14 and definitely not worth risking the loss of reliability.
I've seen first hand what ends up happening when someone doesn't full length size for a semi auto. They are usually very frustrated and swearing at their rifle and themselves.

You could always install a barrel like the one in my fancy M305 build, has a Krieger barrel with an Obermeyer chamber which is a little tighter than a standard chamber which is a little easier on the brass from what I've read.
Click to expand...

I don't see how there'd be any difference in reliability if you bump the shoulder back about 4 thou (vs say 2 thou with your bolt gun) with a body die then neck die vs FL resizing with your die set to push the shoulder back 4 thou? Just easier on the necks. Then again I still turf my brass after 4 firings anyways...
 
Thanks for the replies, it confirms my understanding of bumping the shoulders even if it brings me out of No Go territory.

Now I will sleep on this, get an M14, or save up more and get an NEA 102, the accuracy reviews will decide...
 
MartyK2500 said:
Thanks for the replies, it confirms my understanding of bumping the shoulders even if it brings me out of No Go territory.

Now I will sleep on this, get an M14, or save up more and get an NEA 102, the accuracy reviews will decide...
Click to expand...

So far it sounds like both rifles are capable of similar accuracy if some load development is done and a guy gets lucky picking a projectile it likes. Unfortunately it sounds like NEA/BCL still has some quality control issues and not everyone has been happy with their purchase.
 
That's what I am thinking exactly, looking for a semi gun with 2.5 moa expectations.

Either I go the classic battle rifle , M305 with many GI parts
or modern Ar10 style NEA 102, but waiting multiple reviews and possibly a new version before commiting to this one.
 
rugbydave said:
Yup, doesn't matter as long as you measure your headspace and adjust your brass for it. That's what I do. Never found a measurable accuracy increase with using the body die to bump the shoulder and then collet neck sizing vs FL resizing with my M14. Somewhat better ES and SD though. I don't shoot my M14 as much as I once did, my bolt guns take up most of my time these days, but I did have it out the other day when Barney was in town. Was making hits on my 2/3 IPSC plate at 830 yards, was pretty cool to do that with a mostly stock chicom M14.
Click to expand...

Yeah, #####ez... I used to neck size ONLY... that's when I owned a REAL M14 made by TRW back in 1985....

And yeah, we kicked ass with some hits on steel at that 0.66 IPSC target at 830 yards... sure was fun... :cool:

Cheers, :wave:

Barney
 
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