How far is gas port from bolt face in M1A?

[louielouie]

I'm using QuickLoad to predict the port pressure and have been studying the various loads based on mil-spec ammo (ref URL:http://www.americanreloading.com/img/AmericanReloadingWC846-7.62NATODATA.pdf).
I've read a lot of data on the subject but I'd like to quantify it. I'm assuming this exercise would be useful for a 50AE Desert Eagle since there's not a lot of data for current powders. Thanx.

 

[chkunz]

I just measured one and got 13.8 (+/- 0.1) inches. But here is all you need to know for the M1A, use Lake City brass, full length size with a small base die (bump the shoulder back ~0.006), 41 grains of IMR 4895, any standard primer (Winchester, Remington, CCI) and a 168 Sierra Match King. Reload the brass three times (four loadings total with new brass) and then throw the brass away. The IMR4895 gives you the proper gas port pressure.

 

[louielouie]

THANK YOU T-REX! I just compared your load with the M80 load (46gr of BL-C2): 13,271 psi while 'mil spec' is roughly 13,792 psi so you've got it dialed in I'd say!

FWIW, my daughter's BF is a shooter (and a 'keeper') and his dad has an M1A that I thought I'd load some ammo for so we could do some family shooting - I don't wanna blow him up of course so while I'm waiting to get better components, I'm researching if anything I have (8208XBR) will work.

 

[chkunz]

The M1A/M14 has been around a long time and what works has been well established by both the civilian and the military shooters long ago. The only problem is that my generations is dying off and the knowledge needs to passed on. No need for folks to have to relearn what has already been established. Also, do not expect the accuracy from the M1A/M14 that you have become accustomed to with the AR in 223. And also the M1A/M14 is more difficult to shoot. But is a lot of fun and I still shoot it.

 

[people]

The M1A/M14 has been around a long time and what works has been well established by both the civilian and the military shooters long ago. The only problem is that my generations is dying off and the knowledge needs to passed on. No need for folks to have to relearn what has already been established. Also, do not expect the accuracy from the M1A/M14 that you have become accustomed to with the AR in 223. And also the M1A/M14 is more difficult to shoot. But is a lot of fun and I still shoot it.

That is very true. Much has been lost about the m1. There are very few smiths who can make one sing.