Date: 09 Apr 94  22:23:53
From: Ed Harris
To:   Randy C. Davis
Subj: M-1 Loads

In a message of <Apr 08 13:17>, Randy C. Davis (1:124/2107) writes: 
 RC>Ed, seems like some time back you published some cautions for
 RC>reloading for the M-1 Garand.  Would you mind pointing me in the
 RC>right direction as to powder and approximate loads?  I sent in my
 RC>DCM paperwork this paperwork this past week and have this bucket of
 RC>30-06 brass that I acquired from my dad that is just dying to have
 RC>bullets put in it.  Is there a reference that covers reloading
 RC>specifically for the M-1?

.30-'06 -- Having a Garand Ole Time" 

By C.E. Harris  - Rev. 4-9-94

"SERVICE RIFLE" loads approximate the performance, and accuracy
of military "ball" or "match" ammunition for target shooting over
the National Match Course.  It is important that the powder
charge, bullet type, and ballistic parameters not vary
significantly from arsenal ammunition, in order to ensure they
function as intended in semi-automatic, quasi-military arms.

The ballistics of Ball M2 service ammunition, (2740 +/- 30
f.p.s.) with a 150-gr. spitzer, flatbased bullet are approximated
in GI cases with a charge of 47.5 grs. of current Hodgdon or IMR
4895, or 50 grs. of IMR-4064 or Olin's W-W748.  Accurate Arms
2015BR and 2495BR are also suitable using the charges recommended
by them.  In commercial brass these powder charges intended for
GI cases may be increased 1 grain.  These are fine match loads
for offhand and 200 rapid in the M1 using the 150-gr. Sierra
MatchKing or the new 155-gr. "Palma" bullets.

Prior to the introduction of the 168-gr. Sierra MatchKing, the
125-gr. spitzer was favored for 200-yd. offhand and sitting
rapid-fire stages of the National Match Course.  These are highly
accurate, and ideal for the reduced scale courses for use by
junior shooters, to reduce costs and minimize recoil.  The
charges for 150-gr. bullets, listed above, function the M1 rifle
and are accurate.  They also make dandy woodchuck loads.

WITH 168-SIERRA OR PULLED GI MATCH BULLETS a charge of 46 grs. of
4895; or 48 grs. of 4064 or 748 approximates .30-'06  M72 match
ammunition (2640 +/- 30 f.p.s).  With 168-gr. match bullets,
these charges may be increased 1 grain, but if the 180-gr. Sierra
MatchKing is used (a GREAT 600-yd. bullet for the M1) they should
be REDUCED the same amount.  I do not recommend slower powders or
heavier bullets for the M1, because heavier charges of slower
powders operate the mechanism with more force than service
ammunition, and may damage the operating rod or other parts.  You
are free to use the "long-range" loads below in your Springfield
or M1917, and they also work well for hunting loads in bolt-
action rifles, using soft point bullets of the same weight.

In semi-auto or slide-action .30-'06 hunting rifles the "service
rifle" charges listed above should be used.  These are somewhat
less than maximum, and provide very satisfactory game loads with
a hunting bullet of the same weight.

The "Real .30-'06 powders" for full loads are 4895, 4064 and
4350, the latter in boltguns only!

IMR-4895 replaced IMR 4676 for military ball ammunition
about 1944 and was the standard propellent for military .30-'06
all and Match ammunition.  It is adaptable to a variety of
cartridges.  If you want just one rifle powder to use for
everything 4895 is "it".  Some target shooters feel that "long
rain" powders like 4064 and 4350 give better grouping than
short cut" powders like 4895, which are preferred for machine
loading.  Even though coarser powders don't measure as well, they
are highly accurate.  If this is your choice, substitute 4064 for
the 4895 and you won't be disappointed.  For maximum loads in
.30-'06 boltguns it's hard to beat 4350.  I've tried other
powders, but I keep coming back to 4350, because its consistent
and always  predicable, just like my .30-'06.

That's why I like the .30-'06.  It's like an experienced old
horse that always knows its way back to camp, so you can just do
the job and relax.  What else do you want in a rifle?



In Home Mix We Trust, Regards, Ed
 


--- msged 2.05
 * Origin: Home of Ed's Red (1:109/120.3006)

