Heavy bullets for the M-14/M305 info

firebug08

firebug08

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hello all, i am currently reloading for my M305 and heard a rumor that the rifle doesnt like heavy bullets. i havent been able to take it to the range to verify these rumors but i was wondering if anyone had any insite on this. is there any truth to these rumors? and what loads have you guys found that works the best for hunting?

Cheers
 
Do you mean for accuracy or proper function/wear of the gun.

It is said the M1 Garand and M14 actions and mybe more so their oprods are designed to work around a certain pressure, not just the high end, but the curve of how this pressure builds. The powder type and weight of bullet both affect this. Bullets that are too heavy or powders of the wrong burn rate may over time or at once bend or damage the operating rod.

147-173gr bullets are usually what are recommended for these actions, and powders like W748, IMR or H 4895, IMR 4064 etc.

That being said there are lots of great 165 and 168 grain bullets that should work well in your rifle with a charge of IMR 4895 or 4064
 
ah... all i have been using thus far is BL-C(2) and RL15... i have just gotten a pound of Vargant as well that i have yet to try out but ill try those as well and we will see how it works.

and i was refering to overall functioning of the rifle.... thanks for the info

Cheers
 
firebug08 said:
hello all, i am currently reloading for my M305 and heard a rumor that the rifle doesnt like heavy bullets. i havent been able to take it to the range to verify these rumors but i was wondering if anyone had any insite on this. is there any truth to these rumors?
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i think you misunderstood the part about heavy bullets

if you say shoot 150g bullets you can shoot for a long time and not have any problems

if you to were shoot 180g your op rod could get bent and need replacing
the heaver load/ gas pressure puts more speed force into the bolt/ op rod
the more heavy rounds you shoot the more pounding the action takes

also if you are reloading for the M305 and your brass is taking a beating
primers are getting real flat and brass is only getting a couple or reloads before being replaced --- look for spare parts (just in case)
 
BL C 2 is also okay for these guns, and most seem to think RL15 and Varget are too, some argue they are borderline.
 
hk33ka1 said:
BL C 2 is also okay for these guns, and most seem to think RL15 and Varget are too, some argue they are borderline.
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BL-C(2) is more or less equivalent to WC 846, which has been used to load US 7.62 NATO ammunition.
 
just having some fun said:
i think you misunderstood the part about heavy bullets

if you say shoot 150g bullets you can shoot for a long time and not have any problems

if you to were shoot 180g your op rod could get bent and need replacing
the heaver load/ gas pressure puts more speed force into the bolt/ op rod
the more heavy rounds you shoot the more pounding the action takes

also if you are reloading for the M305 and your brass is taking a beating
primers are getting real flat and brass is only getting a couple or reloads before being replaced --- look for spare parts (just in case)
Click to expand...

i have shot 185gr bullets out of my rifle so far and it seems to function fairly well, however i was givven a box of 200gr sierra's that i wanted to try out.... i guess it would not be wise then hahaha
 
Usually 150gr for a FMJ Boat Tail. I'm sure there are other slightly different weights 147gr etc. Hornady and other brands offer FMJ bullets like this and if you're hunting or target shooting there are softpoints and match bullets in the same range.
 
I have fired 168 matchkings out of US Army M14s with no issues.The ammo was issued at the match.
The M21 should be able to shoot issue 173-175s as well.
Definately wouldn't go any higher.
 
A lot of guys in the States exclusively use 168gr Sierra Match Kings in the M14 platform. I've yet to try them in mine, but people love them.
 
do you think there would be an issue in shooting 200gr? i have a box that is just sitting here waiting to be loaded and figured i might as well fire them off for sh*ts and giggles
 
I think they are too heavy for that gun, some may disagree. I would use them for something else or trade/sell them.
 
firebug08 said:
do you think there would be an issue in shooting 200gr? i have a box that is just sitting here waiting to be loaded and figured i might as well fire them off for sh*ts and giggles
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i ran a box of 200s through my savage 99 ( which is chambered 308 win, btw) and had ALL of the cases show signs of HIGH pressure and split necks- and this was FACTORY ammo- unless you can sit the bullets up OUT OF THE POWDER in an over length mag like an 06 , you compress the powder directly beneath the bullet as the BULLET IS TOO LONG- the HEAVIEST load you can use in a 308 without running into sitting the bullet IN THE POWDER is 180 grains, and that sits the bullet just shy of the mag wall, so it doesn't bind- now when you start talking m305/m14 /m1a, you also have to add in the limiting factors of the action and whether or not you want to replace the oprod or modify the gas system to take the heavier round- my best advice- use the 200s in SOMETHING ELSE or TRADE OR SELL- DON'T USE THEM
 
thankyou for the info, i will get rid of them then. no point in flirting with the brave-stupid line that close.

cheers
 
Light bullets (147 - 155 gr) use fast powder. A fast powder drops pressure quickly and there is less pressure at the gas port.

Heavy bullets (175-190 gr) are usually loaded with slower powders. This would mean higher pressure at the gas port and it is is this higher pressure that beats up the op rod.

You can load heavier bullets (say, 180 gr). Just use the same powder you would use for a light bulllet, like 748, 4895, 4064 or varget. And load at least 2 grains under the book max for that bullet/powder.

It is not the heavuy bullet that beats up the op-rod, it is the slower powders.
 
Ganderite said:
It is not the heavuy bullet that beats up the op-rod, it is the slower powders.
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Everyone should read that three times everyone should read that three times everyone should read that three times.

If you use a powder that generates ordinary max pressure with the bullet you are using with a charge weight of 45 grains or less (for .308) or 50 grains or less (for .30-06), then it does not matter how heavy your bullet is, your load is producing gas port pressures within reasonable limits and you won't hurt your oprod.
 
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