M1A Reloading Question

I just got back from the range and I'm less then impressed. I tried the following, rifle was sandbaged and it was 1 shot per 2 minutes.

5 x 4895 (43gr) + 155 Palma = 1" MOA
5 x 4895 (43gr) + 168 HPBTM = .9" MOA
5 x 4895 (45gr) + 155 Palma = 2" MOA
5 x 4895 (42gr) + 168 HPBTM = brutal :) 2.5"

My issue with not accepting the ~ inch moa is that I know this rifle can shoot better then that. My buddy had a bunch of rounds he handloaded and couldn't remmeber what powder he used and it was 1/2" and less moa and groups for this gun - I know this gun can shoot that well (it is a supermatch afterall). It's a bit of a jigsaw. I pocketed a round to pull apart and find out what it is and I know the following. It is a 155 palma and a cci br 2 primer. There are 47gr of mystery powder, (47 grains is 2 or 3 grains past the maximum load in most reloading manuals for 4320/4895.) So I've tried 4320 and 4895 now and the best combo with the palmas and 168s is ~1".

HAS anybody used 4350 in .308/7.62? It is the only powder that I have yet to try that does load up to 47 or so grains. The grains appear to quiet large. in comparison to the 4320 or the 4895 they are the same diameter but appear quite a bit longer. My buddy prefers to use IMR powders, and 4350 is the only one left that I havn't tried. Kinda the only one left to try that it "might" be. Just want to make sure I'm not going to have a problem.
 
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Could it be Hodgdon 4895? It is #64 on the burn rate chart and IMR 4895 is #65. I have some H4895 and the grains are quite long... about 3 times as long as they are wide roughly.
Never used 4350 so I don't know.
 
Add the W's and have a look here. Scroll down. You'll note there's only one load using IMR4895. 6mmbr.com/308win.html
Varget is the preferred powder for 155 grain bullets. IMR4064 or Varget for 168 and 175 grain match bullets.
IMR4350 isn't recommended by Hodgdon for the .308 at all. Works well in a .243 though.
 
M1a

Do not use any 4350 (H or IMR) Way too slow for the gasgun. Will not blow your gun but sure way to damage your op rod and then your bolt and or receiver.

IMR 4064 is a tad slower than 4895 and I use it with 155 and 168. Load with maximum C.O.L. for your gun and mags. (2.800 to 2.815 in.)

BB
 
Thanks BOOM-BOOM, I do go with the max COL. I'm just wondering why my rifle would have preformed so well with what I suspect 4350, is there something similar that won't damage my gas system on my supermatch?
 
Thanks Boom Boom. I think what I'm running in to was very well discussed in that article. Sounds like this guy knows what he is talking about.

Do you have any other resources that I could read?

cheers,
 
I tried the 4895 x 41.5 grains & 168 Moly MK's. Shot well. I scrubbed the crap out of my gas system and cleaned the chamber and barrel thoroughly and everything seamed to tighten up. Definately sub inch now, but not 1/2".

When I go from 40.5 to 41.5 my groups move sideways, not vertically. What is up with that? Is it how the bullet responds to the twist of the barrel at a faster speed? I sand bagged the gun so I know there is very little "me" in the shot.

cheers,
 
Ok I found the load for this rifle. It may not be the suggested load but the 1/10 heavy barrel really shoots: 47.5gr of 4350 with the 155 palmas. I've got consistent 1/2" groups of the gun now - which is absolutley fantastic for any semi service rifle platform. The gas system seems to function well and there isn't any different of a feel between this load and any others I've tried.

WOOHOO.
 
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