Loads for a Garand

H4831

H4831

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
151   0   0
Location
BC
Do any of you Garand people know a good, safe, shootable hand load for a Garand?
I am aware that faster burning powder should be used, than would maybe normally be used in a 30-06 rifle.
I will use 150 grain pointed, flat base bullets, such as commercial Remington and would like a load very similar to the military rounds used in Garands.
It should be fun to shoot.
 
Tomochan said:
I use a mild load of 46.0g of H4895 with a 155g bullet. FYI The Hornaday reloading manual has a special section devoted to the M1 Gararnd.
Click to expand...

I'm just getting set up to reload for the Garand and thats exactly the same as I am planning. I will be using Hornady 150gr SP's for this load.
BTW, the Lyman 49th manual gives the same recommendation as the Hornady manual for the Garand.
 
Proven loads in many Garands with 150 gr bullets are 48gr IMR 4064, IMR 4895, or H4895 OAL 3.280. Some caveats when reloading for a Garand;
- stick to 150-168gr bullets
-use only the 3 propellants specified as they generate the correct gas port pressure to cycle the action safely and reliably w/o causing any damage. As a bonus they also produce excellent accuracy. A slight nod to 4064 for accuracy
- always FL re-size and keep brass trimmed below OAL
-don't try to get more than 5 firings out of a piece of brass. The rifle is hard on brass
-always seat primers slightly below flush with the casehead to avoid the possibility of out of battery detonations caused by the face of the bolt striking a high primer
- CCI No 34 MILSPEC primers are recommended as they have a harder cup to avoid the possibility of the inertia of the floating firing pin striking the primer as the bolt runs forward into battery. WLR, CCI LR, and Rem 91/2 primers are OK too, but avoid Federal primers as they have a softer cup

A good bullet to use is the Hornady 150gr FMJ. They can be bought in bulk and have proven to be the most accurate of the non-match FMJ bullets.
 
46-48 gr of 4064 to a Garand is like a nice bowl of porridge with brown sugar and whipping cream to an old dog like me!:p
 
why don't you start casting bullets for your garand?? lots of loads/powders available. bullets are cheap/easy to make/accurate. one 303b mold will work for 30/06, 308 but will need to be resized to approx 310. check out castbullits.com for more info.

have been using cast in my garand/m14 for a few years now without any issues.

regards
 
Last edited:
If you want to shoot 168gr Sierra/Hornady/Nosler match bullets in a Garand, a real winner is 46 or 46.5gr IMR 4064, OAL 3.330. This accuracy load also shoots very well in a M1903, a M1917, or any .30-06 for that matter.

The cheapskates among us, self included, should also praise IMR 4064 in the .30-06 because less of it in relation to slower burning powders, such as IMR 4350 or H4831, will produce similar velocities and excellent accuracy at less cost and with a bit less sound and fury. That said, I am a devotee of IMR 4350 and W760 with 180gr bullets in a .30-06 bolt action.

Yes, the Garand is a .30-06, but people should avoid anything slower burning than IMR 4064 in a Garand as the slower burning propellants do not generate the correct pressure pulse at the gas port to cycle the action w/o the possibility of damaging the op rod, a very expensive replacement if you can find one. The only exception here is if using the adjustable gas plugs in a Garand. I have no personal experience with these as I think they are mostly a solution in search of a problem, although they might be fine for an occasional shooter who does not handload and thus limits himself to factory ammo. Shooting thousands of handloads in Garands with either IMR 4895 or IMR 4064 and 150-168 gr bullets has convinced me that there is no need to look beyond this for these rifles.

If one can find it, both Federal and Nosler make .30-06 ammo specifically for the Garand. I saw that P&D enterprises was flogging the Federal ammo for $22 a box at the recent Kamloops gun show.
 
Last edited:
Tried and true, 47.2 grains of IMR4895 behind a 168 grain bullet of your choice, a super load, with the right pressure wave so you need not worry about hurting the op rod !
 
Thanks again, fellows.
Nice to see that all you experienced Garand shooters are basically working in the same groove. I don't suppose I'll be shooting it too much, but don't like to have a rifle around that I haven't shot.
If one of the competitions I see advertised using old military rifles was nearby, I would sure be in it, but none are around.
Purple has seen my Garand, but I'm pretty leary about letting Kjohn see it. He has talked me out of some of my best guns, so I have to be real careful with him! Especially if he has had that great porridge in the morning.
 
.30-06 / M1 Garand Loads Reloading Data
Printable Version
Load Image
Warning! Notes: All loads use CCI BR-210 primers, with single exception noted. Overall length of all loads is 3.34 inches. Warning: Powders such as IMR-4350, IMR-4831, H-4831 and others with similar burning rates, cause short cyclings, increased recoil, erratic port pressure and accelerated wear in an M1. They should never be used to reload any cartridge intended to be used in a Garand. (Handloader Issue #114)
Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.
Wt. Bullet Powder Manufacturer Powder Charge Velocity (FPS)
150 Sierra HPBT Match IMR IMR-3031 48.0 2,785
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 15; case: FC
150 Sierra HPBT Match IMR IMR-4895 48.5 2,711
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 17; case LCM
150 Sierra HPBT Match IMR IMR-4895 48.5 2,725
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 27; case: LC54
150 Sierra HPBT Match IMR IMR-4895 48.5 2,655
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 20; case: FC
150 Sierra HPBT Match IMR IMR-4895 50.0 2,866
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 15; case: FC

168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 44.5 2,599
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 24; case: RP
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 45.5 2,660
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 17; case: RP
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 46.5 2,674
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 17; case: RP
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 46.5 2,681
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 23; case: FC
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 46.5 2,694
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 12; case: WW
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 46.5 2,697
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 7; case: LCM
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 46.5 2,637
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 13; case: FC
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 47.5 2,661
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 21; case: FC
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 47.5 2,670
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 14; case: RP
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 47.5 2,676
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 8; case: LCM
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 47.5 2,668
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 10; case: WW
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 47.5 2,562
Remarks: without raising barrel before each shot; case: RP
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4064 47.3 2,585
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 21; case: FC
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4064 48.5 2,630
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 10; case: FC
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4064 48.5 2,627
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 6; case: RP
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4064 48.5 2,635
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 15; case: LCM
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4064 48.5 2,631
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 9; case: WW
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4064 48.5 2,535
Remarks: without raising barrel before each shot; case: RP
168 Sierra MatchKing Hodgdon H-4895 47.5 2,660
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 18; case: FC
168 Sierra MatchKing Hodgdon H-4895 48.0 2,691
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 10; case: FC
168 Sierra MatchKing Hodgdon H-4895 48.0 2,708
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 5; case: RP
168 Sierra MatchKing Hodgdon H-4895 48.0 2,706
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 7; case: LCM
168 Sierra MatchKing Hodgdon H-4895 48.0 2,706
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 6; case: WW
168 Sierra MatchKing Hodgdon H-4895 48.0 2,611
Remarks: without raising barrel before each shot; case: RP
168 Sierra MatchKing Winchester W-748 47.5 2,593
Remarks: only load using Winchester 8 1/2-120 primer; standard deviation (fps): 10; case: FC
168 Sierra MatchKing Winchester W-748 47.5 2,594
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 7; case: RP
168 Sierra MatchKing Winchester W-748 47.5 2,587
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 6; case: LCM
168 Sierra MatchKing Winchester W-748 47.5 2,580
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 6; case: WW

180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 44.0 2,592
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 12; case: RP
180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 45.0 2,631
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 10; case: RP
180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 45.0 2,628
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 4; case: WW
180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 45.0 2,630
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 4; case: LCM
180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 45.0 2,632
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 5; case: FC
180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 46.0 2,584
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 13; case: FC
180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 47.0 2,639
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 9; case: FC
180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 47.0 2,653
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 3; case: RP
180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 47.0 2,647
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 8; case: LCM
180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 47.0 2,624
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 4; case: WW
180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4064 46.3 2,528
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 10; case: RP
180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4064 47.5 2,575
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 4; case: RP
180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4064 47.5 2,580
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 8; case: FC
180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4064 47.5 2,579
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 7; case: LCM
180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4064 47.5 2,583
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 17; case: WW
180 Sierra MatchKing Hodgdon H-4895 46.5 2,551
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 17; case: FC
180 Sierra MatchKing Hodgdon H-4895 47.5 2,628
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 9; case: FC
180 Sierra MatchKing Hodgdon H-4895 47.5 2,653
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 11; case: RP
180 Sierra MatchKing Hodgdon H-4895 47.5 2,652
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 6; case: LCM
180 Sierra MatchKing Hodgdon H-4895 47.5 2,640
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 7; case: WW
180 Sierra MatchKing Winchester W-748 46.5 2,557
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 10; case: FC
180 Sierra MatchKing Winchester W-748 47.5 2,603
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 8; case: FC
180 Sierra MatchKing Winchester W-748 47.5 2,620
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 11; case: RP
180 Sierra MatchKing Winchester W-748 47.5 2,615
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 6; case: LCM
180 Sierra MatchKing Winchester W-748 47.5 2,597
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 9; case: WW
180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4350 53.0 2,608
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 17; case: LCM; see warning concerning use of IMR-4350 in the Garand, although this load functioned excellently through the test rifle
180 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4350 54.0 2,642
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 14; case: LCM; see warning concerning use of IMR-4350 in the Garand, although this load functioned excellently through the test rifle

190 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 43.0 2,387
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 11; case: RP
190 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 44.0 2,478
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 12; case: RP
190 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 45.0 2,540
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 2; case: RP
190 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 45.0 2,525
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 11; case: WW
190 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 45.0 2,562
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 6; case: FC
190 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-3031 45.0 2,554
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 5; case: LCM
190 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 45.3 2,497
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 7; case: RP
190 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 46.0 2,571
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 8; case: RP
190 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 46.0 2,563
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 6; case: FC
190 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 46.0 2,546
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 12; case: WW
190 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 46.0 2,571
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 2; case: LCM
190 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4064 45.5 2,431
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 9; case: RP
190 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4064 46.5 2,467
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 6; case: RP
190 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4064 47.0 2,524
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 4; case: RP
190 Sierra MatchKing Winchester W-748 47.0 2,497
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 11; case: RP
190 Sierra MatchKing Winchester W-748 48.0 2,534
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 11; case: RP
190 Sierra MatchKing Winchester W-748 49.0 2,577
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 6; case: RP
190 Sierra MatchKing Winchester W-748 49.0 2,579
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 12; case: WW
190 Sierra MatchKing Winchester W-748 49.0 2,579
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 5; case: FC
190 Sierra MatchKing Winchester W-748 49.0 2,589
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 7; case: LCM
190 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4350 52.5 2,580
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 10; case: LCM; see warning concerning use of IMR-4350 in the Garand, although this load functioned excellently through the test rifle
150 Sierra HPBT Match IMR IMR-4320 50.0 2,761
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 27; case: FC
150 Sierra HPBT Match IMR IMR-4320 50.0 2,790
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 20; case: LC54
150 Sierra HPBT Match IMR IMR-4320 51.5 2,862
Remarks: standard deviation (fps): 14; case: FC

Read more: http://www.loaddata.com/members/sea...ader=.30 Caliber Reloading Data#ixzz2U2oXC33d
 
Last edited:
I notice that this table includes some loads using IMR 4320 and IMR 4350. Both of these are excellent for the .30-06 in a bolt gun, but are too slow burning for a Garand. The table also shows loads for both 180 and 190 gr bullets. The rifle was optimized for bullets in the 150-168gr range. During it's service life the rifle used a gazillion rounds of M2 ball ammo which uses a 152gr bullet with IMR 4895. Same with AP ammo loaded with a 168gr bullet. Military match ammo was loaded with a 172/173gr bullet. Heavier bullets should be avoided.

Its interesting to see how well that the old "stone age" IMR powders, which were introduced in the 1930s, still perform in relation to the modern "wonder powders". IMR 4320 was developed for .30-06 match ammo using a 180gr bullet in the M1903 Springfield. You don't hear much about IMR 4320 any more, but it is still excellent for a .30-06 bolt gun. IMR 4064 was considered a slow burning powder, suitable for the .270 Win when it was first introduced in the 1930s. IMR 4350 followed it and has proven to be a standard load for the .270 ever since.
 
Only one that I can remember right off without looking is:

R&P brass
CCI #34 primers
147-150 grain spire point bullet
48.0 grains IMR 3031

Shot very well out to 600 yards.
I use IMR 4064 for several cartridge handloads. That specific load escapes me right now.
 
Many to chose from.

.30-06 Loads for Semiauto Rifles Reloading Data
Printable Version

Warning! Notes: For M1 Garands and other military rifles. All loads used Lake City Match cases with Federal 210 primers; overall cartridge length is 3.32 inches. Velocities instrumental at 15 feet. These loads are proven performers in match-conditioned Garand rifles, but also group well in bolt action match and sporter rifles. (Handloader Issue 139)
Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.
Wt. Bullet Powder Manufacturer Powder Charge Velocity (FPS)
125 Sierra Spitzer Hodgdon H-322 50.0 2,950
Remarks: outstanding bullet for offhand and 200-yard sitting rapid-fire National Match stages
125 Sierra Spitzer Accurate AAC-2520 52.0 3,000
125 Sierra Spitzer IMR IMR-4895 52.0 2,970
125 Sierra Spitzer Hodgdon H-4895 52.0 2,940
150 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 48.0 2,800
Remarks: the 150-grain MatchKing equals the accuracy of the 168-grain MK in the Garand, and approximates M2 Ball velocity
150 Sierra MatchKing Winchester W-748 52.0 2,775
150 Sierra MatchKing Hodgdon H-322 46.0 2,740
150 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4064 52.0 2,800
150 Sierra MatchKing Accurate AAC-2520 49.0 2,795
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4895 46.5 2,640
Remarks: best choice for an all-around match load for use up to 600 yards, and for accuracy testing
168 Sierra MatchKing Hodgdon H-4895 47.0 2,660
168 Sierra MatchKing IMR IMR-4064 48.0 2,700
168 Sierra MatchKing Hodgdon H-380 49.0 2,650
168 Sierra MatchKing Accurate AAC-2520 46.0 2,600
175 M118/M72 FMJ IMR IMR-4895 44.5 2,600
Remarks: these charges closely approximate M72 Match ammunition, working well in the Garand
175 M118/M72 FMJ Hodgdon H-4895 45.0 2,625
175 M118/M72 FMJ Winchester W-760 52.0 2,640
175 M118/M72 FMJ IMR IMR-4064 47.0 2,620


Read more: http://www.loaddata.com/members/sea...ader=.30 Caliber Reloading Data#ixzz2U3I7bRyM
 
Another:
.30-06 M1D Garand - 24 inch barrel Reloading Data
Printable Version

Warning! Notes: All group figures are for five rounds fired at 100 yards from a sandbag rest. All chronograph notes are for the same five rounds taken with a PACT Professional Model Chronograph with starting screen at approximately 6 feet. CCI 34 primers used. All bullets seated to give a maximum overall loaded cartridge length of 3.34 inches. All bullets seated with a Redding Competition Die, except the 150 Hornady Spire Points. They were seated in a standard Redding seating die and the case mouths crimped in the cannelures. All cartridges for all rifles were full-length sized in a Redding sizing die. Frontier brass was used. (Handloader Issue #239 - February-March, 2006)
Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.
Wt. Bullet Powder Manufacturer Powder Charge Velocity (FPS)
150 Nosler Ballistic Tip IMR IMR-4895 46.0 2,477
Remarks: group (inches): 3 3/8; 4 in 1 5/8 inches
150 Nosler Ballistic Tip IMR IMR-4895 47.0 2,504
Remarks: group (inches): 4 1/2; 4 in 3.0 inches
150 Nosler Ballistic Tip IMR IMR-4895 48.0 2,589
Remarks: group (inches): 3 1/8
150 Nosler Ballistic Tip Hodgdon H-4895 48.0 2,702
Remarks: group (inches): 4 3/4; 4 in 3.0 inches
150 Nosler Ballistic Tip Hodgdon Varget 46.0 2,560
Remarks: group (inches): 4 1/4; 4 in 2 3/4 inches
150 Nosler Ballistic Tip Hodgdon Varget 48.0 2,645
Remarks: group (inches): 4 1/8
150 Nosler Ballistic Tip IMR IMR-4064 47.0 2,585
Remarks: group (inches): 3.0; 4 in 1 1/8 inches
150 Nosler Ballistic Tip IMR IMR-4064 48.0 2,678
Remarks: group (inches): 3 3/8
150 Hornady Spire Point (crimped) IMR IMR-4895 46.0 2,436
Remarks: group (inches): 3 3/8; 4 in 1 7/8 inches
150 Hornady Spire Point (crimped) IMR IMR-4895 48.0 2,607
Remarks: group (inches): 5 3/4; 4 in 3.0 inches
150 Hornady Spire Point (crimped) Hodgdon H-4895 48.0 2,691
Remarks: group (inches): 2 1/2
150 Hornady Spire Point (crimped) Hodgdon Varget 48.0 2,613
Remarks: group (inches): 2 1/4
150 Hornady Spire Point (crimped) IMR IMR-4064 46.0 2,485
Remarks: group (inches): 4 1/2; 4 in 1 7/8 inches
150 Hornady Spire Point (crimped) IMR IMR-4064 48.0 2,668
Remarks: group (inches): 4.0; 4 in 1 7/8 inches



Read more: http://www.loaddata.com/members/sea...ader=.30 Caliber Reloading Data#ixzz2U3IgBhPg
 
My go to load is 48gr of RL15 with hornady 150gr fmj....accurate and just enough pop for a good neck seal, but light enough to shoot all day.
 
As has been recommended previously, I use 46g IMR 4064, 150g, 3.300 OAL or 48g IMR 4064, 168g, 3.300. Works fantastic, I did a lot of reading prior to starting to load for the Garand and went on the conservative side. Both work so well, I haven't had the urge to start playing around with other recipes (I have other rifles I'm playing with)
 
if anyone wants i have a good . 4 page info / article scanned from american rifleman magazine on reloading for the m1 garand . send me a pm with your email and ill send it ..........ITS VERY GOOD / INFORMATION.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom