M-1 Garand Load Info Needed

[squirrelsnpr]

I'm planning on using my father's M-1 Garand for deer hunting/target shooting and need some load info. I have not played around with the '06 yet need a place to start.
Thanks,
Mitch

 

[pwdrbrn]

check at any bullet makers web site for data, they already did the math. m1 and m1a rifles have to operate within certain pressure parameters to not damage op rods and other vital parts, such as your head, etc.. hornady has a load notes pamphlet strictly for service rifles. have fun with it, but err on the side of caution.

 

[Winchester69]

You are somewhat constrained by the limitations imposed by the gas operating system of the Garand. Military loads use a 4895 powder and a 150 gr. spire-point bullet. You won't be able to use the slower powders common to 30-06 application in bolt guns. I don't shoot a Garand and don't have any preferred loading to offer, but wanted to caution against possibly damaging the rifle by using inappropriate recipes.

 

[rg1]

I'd recommend for hunting staying with 150-165 grain hunting type bullets. Powders have to be in the burn rate between IMR4895 and IMR4064 to have the proper gas pressure and not damage the rifle. Reloading data should be chosen to get a velocity between 2600 to 2700 fps for a Garand using 150-165 grain bullets. Without specifics as to bullets, cases, and primers you're using, powder charges would typically be between 45-47.5 grains of IMR4895. Hornady has some data for M1 Garand loading. Their 150 fmj-bt bullet is good for plinking and I've shot their 150SST bullets with the same powder charges as the 150 fmj-bt and that would be a good bullet for hunting. Like I said, keep velocities between 2600-2700fps and don't use load data for bolt action rifles that have higher velocities and higher max charges. Safety info would be to make sure primers are seated flush or below and watch your cases for stretching as Garands usually have generous headspace. Some more info:http://www.alabamaservicerifleteam.com/id17.html

 

[nrar15]

A buddy of mine that shot at Perry this year in the Garand match said the CMP was useing an 168 AMax load running low on ball ammo. Mite be some thing to check in to. I have another Garand to build but it's going to be 308. Great rifle lots of fun to shoot.
Bob

 

[shootsanything]

My accuracy load - 47.2gr H4895 and 168gr SMK or Nosler CC loaded to magazine length. Shoots ~MOA which I think is pretty good for a 70 year old rifle with open sights.

If you do any amount of highpower you will end up with a black gun, but enjoy the Garrand in the meantime.

 

[2506]

For deer hunting with the Garand get you some 165 Sierra BTHP Game Kings and load around 46 grs IMR 4064. This will give you around 2650 fps. These BTHP bullets work really well through the action of the M1 and they are excellent deer killers . Many M1's don't cycle exposed lead tip bullets well. Keep your powders in the IMR 4895 or 4064, Varget, RL 15 burn rate and the old war horse will will run like a sewing machine.

 

[squirrelsnpr]

excellent feedback; thanks guys. Now I need to tag me buck and posts pics.
Thanks Again,
Mitch

 

[kentuckytroutbum]

The website of the Alabama Service Rifle Team has a great guide on reloading for the Garand. I've tried their loads and they are accurate, and also safe in a Garand. Here is the link:
http://www.alabamaservicerifleteam.com/id17.html

 

[shootsanything]

Thanks for posting that - duplicates my own experience but I had forgotten the primer issues. I use Fed GMM and never had a problem - but I always treat gas guns with extreem care - not that I don't with all guns.