New to M14 - couple of questions

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AndyKL

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Good Day,

I'm a long time TR shooter and I just couldn't resist ordering a new M305B from Marstar. I haven't shot any service rifle since the FN days and even then I didn't do a lot but enjoyed it immensely when I did. I doubt I'll be entering any service rifle matches this year but most like I'll just be sorting out the rifle and myself with it.

I have a lot to learn about this rifle but I'll be able to pick up a lot of information with online guides and videos. However I do have a couple of questions now if anyone can provide some input.

As a TR shooter I have to have my cheek piece just right and looking at the M14 I know I won't be happy with where my face ends up. I've checked out some strap on cheek pieces online and the only site I've found with what I might be interested in is http://www.m1acheekpad.com. Looking for opinions on this or if anyone has done business with them before or some other firm.

I will be hand loading for this rifle and I'd like to use my preferred TR components so that would probably be Lapua cases, federal 210ms, 4895 or varget. The bullet I have a lot to spare of is Berger 155 gr non-vld but I was thinking of Berger 175 gr. That said, I don't know what the twist is on the new barrel so it may not handle the 175. Do people have mag issues with Bergers also? I may be way off with the above components so any opinions are much appreciated.

Andy
 
That cheekpad looks horrible. As a TR shooter, you may know something I don't, but are you sure you don't want this http://sjhardware.com/OLS/default/other-accessories/m14-cheek-riser.html ?

I'd avoid federal primers as well. They are soft, and the norc will knock the primer while seating. Every time. Here is a really good article on m14 loading:
http://www.zediker.com/downloads/14_loading.pdf

Basically, full size, lighter weight tips -- 155s, and 168s, CCI/win primers, H4895 and have a ball. Being that you are probably used to very precise ammo, you will probably want to start with a much "dirtier" loading process as well. Sort by headstamp, trim and go to start. These rifles are hard on brass. If you want to use your old lapua brass, go for it, but I wouldn't buy new for it. Again, with your background, you may know something that I don't though.

Where are you shooting BTW? I'd love to have someone with a TR background shoot an m14.
 
AndyKL said:
Good Day,

I'm a long time TR shooter and I just couldn't resist ordering a new M305B from Marstar. I haven't shot any service rifle since the FN days and even then I didn't do a lot but enjoyed it immensely when I did. I doubt I'll be entering any service rifle matches this year but most like I'll just be sorting out the rifle and myself with it.

I have a lot to learn about this rifle but I'll be able to pick up a lot of information with online guides and videos. However I do have a couple of questions now if anyone can provide some input.

As a TR shooter I have to have my cheek piece just right and looking at the M14 I know I won't be happy with where my face ends up. I've checked out some strap on cheek pieces online and the only site I've found with what I might be interested in is http://www.m1acheekpad.com. Looking for opinions on this or if anyone has done business with them before or some other firm.

I will be hand loading for this rifle and I'd like to use my preferred TR components so that would probably be Lapua cases, federal 210ms, 4895 or varget. The bullet I have a lot to spare of is Berger 155 gr non-vld but I was thinking of Berger 175 gr. That said, I don't know what the twist is on the new barrel so it may not handle the 175. Do people have mag issues with Bergers also? I may be way off with the above components so any opinions are much appreciated.

Andy
Click to expand...

Welcome to cgn. And welcome back! Both to service rifle shooting and to trying new disciplines.

The M14S has a lot of potential to shoot much better than a rack grade FN C1A1. For one, the guys here will teach you how to tweak it. Something you weren't allowed to do - officially.

The Garand cheekpiece has a big felt pad that will push your eyeball too far to the left, in order to align with the M1D scope position. If you search the CGN archives there are sellers of various accessories.

The OAL of your reloads is the limiting factor with those bullets. There isn't much wiggle room on OAL. Any bullet heavier than the USGI 147gr is supposed to be bad for the operating rod. Going up to 155 Palmas probably won't hurt, but ....
 
Thanks very much for the welcome and the information Maple-Leaf. Good info on the cheek piece. Just watched a youtube of someone with a similar cheek piece shooting in what didn't look like the most comfortable head alignment.

Carbonrod, excellent information. Just what I was looking for. The M14 loading pdf is something I will be rereading a few times. I think I'll go ahead and order that cheek piece you've linked. Looks way better than the ones I was originally looking at.
As a TR shooter I'm positive I don't I know anything more than a Service Rifle shooter, especially when it comes to Service Rifle. I'm sure the same rules apply, practice, practice and then practice some more of shooting perfect shots and everything else sorts itself out.

I'm in Toronto, but I shoot a heck of a lot at Connaught. I don't mind the drive to shoot on one of the best ranges anywhere. I'll also shoot at Borden and occasionally(not nearly enough) at Cedar Springs.

Thanks again for the info guys, less than an hour after my post I get exactly and precisely what I was looking for. I'm not surprised though, we shooters have a great community :)
 
You're in luck living in the GTA because I'm here... :D No joking. We can hook you up for your own M14 clinic. Head over to the Main Battle Rifle section and start reading all the sticky(ies) we've posted there for you newbie M14 lovers....

Stick with the lighter bullets, easier on the op rod. Don't waste all that nice brass on the large (read: battle size) headspace chamber after you are coming from a tight 1.630" SAAMI chambered target rifle. Just select the cheapest cases/brands and neck size for THAT specific M14 chamber. :) Saves your brass life!

Meet ya over there!

:cheers:

Barney
 
Hi Andy, have lots of fun with your new rifle (I am sure you will!).

Bullet weight doesn't beat up M14s (and M1s), gas port pressure does. Heavier charges of powder increase port pressure, and slower powders than normal increase port pressure. If you use Varget, don't max it out to the pressure limit (but, 45 Varget with 155s ought to be just fine).

Using Berger 155 non-VLDS (the ones which used to be called "LTB" and are now called "BT", right?) would be a great choice, since they tend to be quite tolerant of jump, and you have no choice on your loading length (2.800" it is, sir!). Use 175s if you have them, but they might not be as accurate (because they could be fussy w.r.t. jump, and there's not much you can do about that!). Given a choice though, Berger 155 BTs, or Berger 155.5 Fullbore, or Sierra #2155 155s would be my choice (because they are good bullets, and they are all quite jump-insensitive).

Would probably worthwhile to spend a lot of time setting up your FL die so that you size your fired brass to your chamber's headspace dimension or a thou or two shorter. Having the die contact the shellholder will size the case quite a bit shorter than it needs to be in order to chamber freely and without any resistance. You can save perhaps as much as 10 thou of unnecessary sizing, which will help your case life somewhat.

Go ahead and shoot Lapua brass if it is easy/convenient. Even if you only get four firings and even if they cost 80c each (I honestly have no idea about the current price, I am badly out of date!), paying 20c/shot for brass life is not the end of the world.
 
Hey Dan, thanks for the info.

My non-vld Bergers aren't marked/labeled other than 30cal 155gr. Over the years these are the boxes that somehow got mixed in with my Berger VLD orders and I've accumulated quite a few boxes.

Lapua brass goes for $65 per 100 here in Toronto. I remember paying $43 US quite a few years ago, so its not much more. I'm getting a new barrel for my TR rifle so its time for new brass anyway.

As far as full length sizing, I've avoided it like the plague over the years :)
Lapua for me has been nothing but neck size and go for many years. Guess its time to see what I have in dies stashed away.

Hopefully see you in Ottawa in a couple of weeks.

Andy
 
So, in one thread, we have 2 TR shooters interested in Service Rifle. Can you guys pass the word on to the guys in Calgary that it is worth trying?

The FL oversize is probably a really good idea rnbra. I've been meaning to try it.
 
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