Anyone reloading for a Garand?

[Truck10]

My father has had an M1 Garand for a while that he shoots periodicly and i was thinking of getting him the supplies he needs to start making his own. He has been reloading for years so i just need some ideas on bullets and powder mostly. I'm also not really looking for match grade bullets either, just some cheaper priced stuff that you guys have found to work well. Thanks, Chad

 

[noz455sd]

Re: Anyone reloading for a Garand?

I would like to know more on the subject also but what I have heard is that you cant just load any ole load. You can bend op rods real easy with modern over the counter hunting loads or load with wrong charge or powder but you can buy an adjustable gas valve that allows you to pretty much shoot whatever. They also benefit from harder primer cups so you dont get a slam fire or multiple slam fires for that matter. And also maybe a small base die so you can get all 8 into and enbloc.....

 

[former naval person]

Re: Anyone reloading for a Garand?

Use a medium burning rate powder such as 4895 or 4064. They were designed for the Garand so that the gas pressure doesn't bend the operating rod. Bullets from 150 to 173 were used in it...just don't overdo it.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: Anyone reloading for a Garand?

I use 52 gr of H335 with a 150 FMJ and a good crimp, works like a champ after over 4,000 rds.

 

[Silverbullet2]

Re: Anyone reloading for a Garand?

I use a Hornady 150 gr. FMJ, with IMR 4895. I shoot for 2600 FPS. or so. Not trying for a new speed record. I could look up my actuall load, but you know, liability and all. My Hornady book has load data for the M-1. I also use Military brass, as it holds up the best, and I have a bunch. Good luck, JPG

 

[Esselbach]

Re: Anyone reloading for a Garand?

I've loaded a couple hundred rounds for my M1 using 150 & 168 gr bullets with H4895 powder. Can't remember the exact load specs, but I always stayed within the published loads for the Garand in the Hornady manual.

 

[Huckleberry75]

Re: Anyone reloading for a Garand?

As the others have said, stick with a medium burn rate powder. The IMR 4895 and 4064 were designed for this gun, and 150-175gn bullets. Usually 2650-2700 is the max velocity recommended for the old battle wagon. Run hot tamales through it and you will be looking for a new op rod. I wouldn't even run factory hunting loads through it.

Also, look at the CMP's web site. They sell mil-surp ball ammo through there at reasonable rates. The HXP Greek ball ammo is great stuff. Used it to ring steel at 500yds not long ago. Not as difficult as you might think with iron sights. the bonus is that it's good brass to reload with as well. Stay away from the "KA" head stamped ammo, as most of it was Korean made with corrosive primers.

Enjoy!!

 

[LtBlue425]

Re: Anyone reloading for a Garand?

I've had very good results with Sierra's 150gr boattail softpoint GameKing. Match bullet accuracy at hunting bullet price. Its performed excellent in a K31 7.5 Swiss (5/16")and 30-06 Garand (1")so its the bullet performing not just a one rifle fluke. I only use IMR4895 powder in the Garand and it works very well. If you want to use powders other than 4064 and 4895 or bullets heavier than 180grs I'd strongly suggest getting the adjustable Schuster gas plug. I'll help save your op rod plus vastly broaden the Garand's ammo horizons.
Happy reloading.

 

[Truck10]

Re: Anyone reloading for a Garand?

Thanks for the help!

 

[texasmotor]

Re: Anyone reloading for a Garand?

4064

 

[FLIGHT762]

Re: Anyone reloading for a Garand?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: attherange</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use 52 gr of H335 with a 150 FMJ and a good crimp, works like a champ after over 4,000 rds. </div></div>

I've used H-335 for many years in my Garands. One time I went up to 49 grains of H-335from data recommended by the NRA for the Garand with a 150 gr. bullet. I was using G.I. L.C. cases with a 150 gr. bullet. That 49 Gr. load showed very high pressure and expanded the primer pockets, ruining the brass in one firing. I went to a 46 gr. load and the rifle shot that charge great.

The #8 Hornady manual has a section for M-1 Garand reloading and shows data for 150-155 gr. bullets with H-335, showing a maximum of 46.4 grs. @ 2750 F.P.S.

That 52 Gr. charge sounded a bit stiff in my experience. Were you using that load in commercial cases?

 

[Blue Streak]

Re: Anyone reloading for a Garand?


I'm currently using 4064 with 168 and 155 SMKs,..both bullets work well,..also CCI-200 primers.

I've used brass like Lake City, the Greek M2, and the Korean M2. It all works good and is reasonably inexpensive.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Anyone reloading for a Garand?

Hornady 150gr FMJ, Rem or Win brass, Win WLR primers (be certain they seat flush, no protrusion), 50.0gr of IMR-4064.

 

[wtopace]

Re: Anyone reloading for a Garand?

4895 works well for me with 150gr soft points. No adjustable gas port.

 

[Kinsman]

Re: Anyone reloading for a Garand?

One of my friends brought his Garand out to my range, with reloads in hand. He let me shoot it first, and it "doubled".
Slam fire.
It was then he told me he had used standard primers, instead of "43's"
Ya gotta use hard primers in them things.

 

[daboone]

Re: Anyone reloading for a Garand?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kinsman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It was then he told me he had used standard primers, instead of "43's"Ya gotta use hard primers in them things. </div></div>

I think you meant #34? Dyslexia?
I haven't used CCI #34 but just about every other large rifle primer out there for the Garand. Slam fires are a serious concern for most military C&R auto loaders. The single most common reason for slam fires or out of battery discharges is related to primer seating depth.
With new brass or "once fired" at least cleaning the primer pocket to remove burrs and or residue is a good idea. Better yet use a uniformer. Absolutely mandatory is the visual inspection of each and every case after priming to assure correct seating depth.