M1a socom 16 reloading tips and tricks

[bross412]

Hello everybody,
I'm picking up an M1A socom 16 in 308 this weekend. I'm looking into reloading for it. I'm looking for some tips and tricks. I'm not looking for precision. 2-3 moa is fine with me.

Here is what I plan to reload it with:
Press : Hornady single stage
Dies : don't have yet. Any advice?
Primers : cci450
Brass : once fired Hornady match 308 brass
Powder : H4895
Projectiles : I have the Hornady and Berger reloading manual but have not decided on projectiles yet. Any tips for just fun/cheap blasting ammo 100-300 yards?

Again, tips and tricks would be great. I saw an issue about slam firing, I'd like to avoid that at all costs so I'm trying to get some advice from the experts (you guys lol).

I currently reload for 6BR and that's a bolt gun so the semi auto is new to me.
Thanks,
Brian

 

[BCP]

I used a small base die for my m1a and any old primer (CCI/FED are best IMHO). 2.8" with a 168 or 175 and about 41.5 of h4895 should be fine or 43grains RL15. It's not voodoo the same loads that went into my AR10 went into my M1A.

 

[bfoosh006]

M14forum.com had a lengthy thread about your question... ultimately IMR 3031 was a big winner in the SOCOM

Here is one of the threads... https://www.m14forum.com/threads/socom-16-hand-loading.142433/

Google results at M14forum.com...
https://www.google.com/search?q=SOC...z_BuYQrQIoBHoECAkQBQ&biw=1280&bih=595&dpr=1.5

Valuable info on reloading for a M1A , from Glen Zediker, match or not. ( Save this one on your computer... it is slowly disappearing )
http://www.m14.ca/reloading/14_loading.pdf

Once fired , Twice Fried... also from Zediker.. CAREFUL about downloading this one... I don't know the company that has this posted.
https://pdf4pro.com/view/once-fired-article-page-1-zediker-publishing-2301c7.html

 

[bross412]

M14forum.com had a lengthy thread about your question... ultimately IMR 3031 was a big winner in the SOCOM

Here is one of the threads... https://www.m14forum.com/threads/socom-16-hand-loading.142433/

Google results at M14forum.com...
https://www.google.com/search?q=SOC...z_BuYQrQIoBHoECAkQBQ&biw=1280&bih=595&dpr=1.5

Valuable info on reloading for a M1A , from Glen Zediker, match or not. ( Save this one on your computer... it is slowly disappearing )
http://www.m14.ca/reloading/14_loading.pdf

Once fired , Twice Fried... also from Zediker.. CAREFUL about downloading this one... I don't know the company that has this posted.
https://pdf4pro.com/view/once-fired-article-page-1-zediker-publishing-2301c7.html

That's awesome about the m14forum website. I appreciate you informing me about it. I'll give it a look over.