Cast 165 gr. Bullets in M-14?

pontcanna

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Would there theoretically be any problems with using .30 cal, 165 grain .309 cast bullets (from Bullet Barn) in reloading for the Nork M-14/M-305 in .308 Winchester?

165gr.jpg


I believe the bullets are intended for Cowboy Action, but they're much more affordable than FMJ for what I want (which is plinking).
 
Gas checked would be better. Cast bullets work ok in M-14 and garand, but are not recommended in match rifles because you have to tear them down more frequently to clean the gas system fouling.

44Bore
 
Cast 165's are a bit light if you want it to cycle. I only tried a couple loads; but had some luck with GC-180's in front of 28-to-30 grains of 3031.
I agree that a gas-checked bullet would be better, unless you were thinking of subsonic speeds, then it wouldn't matter, and either way shouldn't add much work to your usual gas sytem cleaning.

I was thinking a short/blunt 190-to-200 grain GC would be ideal, if the bullet will stabilize with the M14 twist (hence needing a short bullet).
 
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