M1 Grand loads

TJW

TJW

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
111   0   0
Location
Alberta
I have 150gr FMJ and Sierra Gamekings I would like to find a load for. I want the FMJ to be around the same if not the same velocity as the original ball ammo to match the sights on the rifle. What powder and weight should I use?
 
First of all we have to understand that the M1 was designed way back in the 1930's before more modern powders were available. Try loading with IMR or H4895 and possibly IMR4064. Check published data for charge weights and sticking with 150-165ish grain bullets would also be recommended. Too hot of a load could bend/distort the op rod and or crack the heel of the reciever.
 
Check the hornady manual there was/is loads in there specifically for the Garand. Also watch you primer height. The firing pin in a Garand isn't spring loaded so it will fly forward during with the closing of the bolt. It isn't enough to set off military primers or most retail primers, but watch the height. I think I've read that CCI no.34 primers are recommended if you can get them as it's a mil-spec primer.

That being said, I've never used those primers and never had an issue with my garand reloads.
 
I've put a few hundred reloads through my Garand. Worked up a load using 4064 and Hornady 165 gr SP's. This is a midrange load. Fooled around with Hornady 150 FMJ's (cheaper) and 150 SP's. Tried 4895, Varget and R15. I'm back shooting my original load of 4064 and 165's. The old girl can keep 5 rds between 2 and 2 1/2" at 100 yds on a regular basis. She was born in the early 50's and I am a couple years older than she is!!!
 
Old Ranger said:
I've put a few hundred reloads through my Garand. Worked up a load using 4064 and Hornady 165 gr SP's. This is a midrange load. Fooled around with Hornady 150 FMJ's (cheaper) and 150 SP's. Tried 4895, Varget and R15. I'm back shooting my original load of 4064 and 165's. The old girl can keep 5 rds between 2 and 2 1/2" at 100 yds on a regular basis. She was born in the early 50's and I am a couple years older than she is!!!
Click to expand...

Nice, I am going to try 47.0gr of IMR-4895 and the Hornady 150gr FMJ and see how that works out tomorrow. Hopefully the 150gr Gamekings will like the same load that way I'll have a deer round too.
 
You can also poke around on the CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) website, I think they have load data there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom