M1 Garand Reloads

[Mopar15]

Hey guys, im trying to figure out some load data for some M1 Garand hunting loads, don't wanna wreck my Garand with hot ammo. Would it be acceptable to just pull a bullet out of American Eagle M1 Garand FMJ and just stick a Barnes or something on top or is there something that wouldn't work right with that? Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[supernova]

Don't use AE, especially if your concerned with beating up your rifle. It caused issues in my M1 and was too hot. I stopped using it entirely. .30-06 was originally loaded with what is now commercially available as IMR 4895. It has the correct pressure curve in the .30-06 cartridge for use in the M1, the M1 rifle was developed around it. 45-46 grs under a 150 gr pill should shoot well and will be easy on your rifle. Avoid loading hotter charges as both accuracy and long term reliability (or having to source and buy replacement parts) will suffer.

 

[Chuckbuster]

I use IMR 4064 and 150 grainers, FMJ or PSP.

 

[Mopar15]

Thank you guys for the info

 

[Mopar15]

Don't use AE, especially if your concerned with beating up your rifle. It caused issues in my M1 and was too hot. I stopped using it entirely

The reason i was thinking American Eagle is because they make specific M1 Garand Ammo

 

[supernova]

Ah, forgot about that stuff. You mentioned FMJ so I was thinking the AE 150 fmj standard load. The M1 ammo will be loaded with a medium burning powder like 4895 or 4064 while the standard fmj load uses a slower powder. It beat my M1 hard enough to knock the clip out after a couple rounds. The clip latch, clip latch spring and clips were in good shape, the powder was too slow.

I just noticed you're in Prince Rupert, I was born and raised there. Spent a lot of time at the Rod & Gun clubs rifle range as a kid/teen.

The reason i was thinking American Eagle is because they make specific M1 Garand Ammo

 

[Mopar15]

Yeah i've been in Rupert for quite a while now, its alright. So you think that Garand Stuff is alright?

 

[p-17]

I load Varget with the 165 (or 150) grain Hornady SP myself. It just plain works. The general rule for loading the Garand is use a powder with a burning rate between IMR 3031 and IMR 4320, and stick with a bullet between 150 and 168 grains. This saves your operating rod from being bent and battered.

 

[supernova]

The Garand ammo is loaded specifically for the M1 because most modern factory loads do not use an appropriate powder. It will be more expensive than reloading and harder to find though.

 

[Mopar15]

Jackpot, there is a mountain of Varget at my local gun store

 

[Lefty Dick]

I know that Hornady and Speer have specific sections for loading for this rifle.
And then there is this too.
https://www.google.ca/search?site=&...c.1.60.mobile-gws-hp..0.14.1347.3.iftaIV_aAF0

 

[inthehizzy]

I use Varget.

 

[serbinator]

same applies for a garand in 308. use varget ,4895, 4096 and 150-160gr booletz. stay away from federal primers as they are softer ( less risk of a slamfire)

 

[hunter64]

I have an old article from American Rifleman that they recommended 4 IMR powders. It is a good read and if anyone wants it just drop me an email address and I will send it to you.

I remember reading years ago that IMR3031 was developed for US government for there 30-06 weapons, 30 caliber 1931. I know the Garand showed up a few years later but I always wondered if most of WW2 ammo was loaded with 3031. My 3 Garands love 3031 and one of them will print 1.25 inches at 100 yards all day.

 

[sunray]

IMR3031 wasn't used or developed for the U.S. military. That was IMR4895. No such thing as 30 caliber 1931 either. There was .30 M1 with its 174.5 grain BT bullet at 2640 fps and .30 M2 with its 152 grain bullet at 2700 fps(later upped to 2800 fps to match the ballistics of the 168 grain .30 AP ammo). The last was the ammo used in W.W II.
IMR4064 gives more consistent accuracy with 150 and 168 grain bullets than either 4895 powder. Varget will do as well. So will several other powders that give around 2700 to 2800 fps. with a 150 or 168. Regular LR primers. CCI "milspec" primers are nothing but magnum primers. And the rifle nor the primer do not cause slam fires. Those are caused by improperly loaded ammo. High primers usually.
The M1 Rifle will use 150 to 180 grain bullets with no fuss(neither did the box or two of 220 Silvertips I shot, long ago. Blew a ground hog into next year with one.). 150's are easier on the shooter and the rifle though. However, if you're shooting matches, use 168 grain match bullets out to 600 yards and 175's past there.

 

[thump_rrr]

I know many people reload for the M14/M1A and M1 Garand with Varget but according to the bible written by Glen Zediker it is outside the acceptable range which goes between 3031(fastest) and 4064 (slowest)

I personally load for my Garand with 46.5gr of 4064 in Winchester brass topped with a 168gr SMK touched off with a CCI #34 primer. The #34 has a harder cup to prevent slam fires and is according to some the equivalent of a magnum primer.

I have used Federal FGMM #210M primers in the past without issue but I do uniform the primer pockets to maximum SAAMI specs.

I believe that a Game King can substitute a Match King without too much trouble.