M1 Garand - Handloading

[PeterPan]

I wonder what are your recepies for loading M1 Garand,
powder -kind and weight,
bullets,
primers,
OAL, and so....

THANKS

 

[p-17]

I normally use 50 grains of Varget with a 165 to 168 grain bullet. You have to work up to this load. It's fine in my Garand, but it might not be OK in yours.

Primers, brass and OAL will depend on your rifle.

 

[Rob 22]

Normally 44g Varget 150g Hornady SPBT seems to be most accurate load in my Garand and no problems with cycling the action

 

[Garand]

47.5 grains IMR 4895 pushing 150 grain Hornady FMJ, 3.290" OAL

 

[PeterPan]

I forgot to ask, you guys crimp the cases? or just regular dies good to go?

Thanks

Peter

 

[tburdek]

48.1 grs IMR 4895 pushing a Sierra 150 gr. FMJBT, CCI 200 primer, Winchester commercial brass. OAL 3.275" and crimped with the LEE Factory Crimp die, Full Lengthed Sized with LEE dies (no need to use a small base die unless you had your Garand rebarelled with a tighter match chamber). Chronoe'd at 2710 fps in my rifle.

 

[Garand]

I use RCBS small base dies because I did install a new barrel and Lee Factory crimp is the only way to go.

 

[sunray]

"...regular dies good..." As long as the sizer die is a Full Length die, regular dies are fine. Semi-auto's require FL sizing every time.
168 or 175 grain match bullets with IMR4064 and regular primers. 165 grain hunting bullets will do nicely too. Mind you, any good bullet up to 180 grains will be fine. Follow your manual religiously. The Hornady manual has whole chapter of M1 loads.
Crimping is not absolutely required though.