M14 loads

[trader steve]

I got myself a M14 standard and need load ideas first time loading for a auto thanks Steve

 

[338 Mollett]

I sincerely hope you are not looking for anything like bolt gun accuracy !But to answer your question the mid range quicker powders are the most recommended the rest is pot luck.That game is a money pit!

 

[trader steve]

Lol no I have match bolt guns.just a new adventure.

 

[D.Stone]

I think the super easy answer is 41 grains of H4895 and a 175gr SMK.

All of the old school match loads were usually around 39-42 grains of a mid-ranged stick powder and a 175 or 168gr bullet of some flavor. IMR 4895, 4064, RELOADER 15, H4895 etc are going to be your friend.

Keep in mind, only the very best guns are consistently sub-moa, and that is after a ton of work that is more art than science. Good M14 builders are a dying breed... literally.

 

[Doug Beach]

Try a Sierra 2155 (155), with ~46.0 Varget. Try a Speer 125 TNT with the same charge as a short range (300 and under) load.
Small base size your brass, pushing the shoulder back .003” from fired dimensions.
Front sight... press.

 

[snert]

42 grains 2495, 168 MK, commercial brass, Win LR. Boring, good.

 

[snert]

Oh, and cut brass short, FL size push back shoulder as mentioned, use brass twice then recycle it for $

 

[trader steve]

Stone that's a very nice piece what kind groups do you get.

 

[Bamban]

As Doug mentioned, the 125 class bullets will serve you well at short range. Even the 110 offerings will be great. I shot many 200 RF cleans with 110 Vmax through my match prepped 14 types.

 

[bullseyeshtr]

my uncle was a top m14 builder. standard issue load for accuracy in the M14 was a sierra 168mk or 175mk with 42.0 grains of IMR 4895 would hold the high power spotter to 600 yds. My aunt and him were both distinguished masters with the m14 and I should one for a bit and this was the loads I shot.

garth

 

[D.Stone]

I think the super easy answer is 41 grains of H4895 and a 175gr SMK.

All of the old school match loads were usually around 39-42 grains of a mid-ranged stick powder and a 175 or 168gr bullet of some flavor. IMR 4895, 4064, RELOADER 15, H4895 etc are going to be your friend.

Keep in mind, only the very best guns are consistently sub-moa, and that is after a ton of work that is more art than science. Good M14 builders are a dying breed... literally.

This is a rifle that my gunsmith built for himself. All of the usual match upgrades are done, plus a ton of work to make sure the receiver, bolt lugs, bolt face, and threads are all perfectly square.

I think he said he spent over 8 hours on just the bolt face.

 

[trader steve]

Dang that's alot of work.what is longest distance shot with it.

 

[gtl1946]

Trader Steve ,the powder choices given above and range of loads with a 168/175 grn. loads by D. Stone above are in my mind and experience spot on. I shot with several high power Match shooters and you are not going to re-invent the wheel. I used to use IMR 4895 and Acc. Arms 2520. Loved 2520 as it’s a ball powder with that bullet weights.

 

[B Nettesheim]

You would be amazed how good a rcbs 165 gr cast silhouette bullet shoots in that. Put some rl15 or varget behind it.
Im fully aware it’s against the “rules” but rules are to be broken
Ive ran lots through mine with no issues.

 

[Park ranger]

Varget works too, 42 or so with 168/175. You can go to 1000 yards with a 185 juggernaut and 39-41 of varget.

 

[chkunz]

You would be amazed how good a rcbs 165 gr cast silhouette bullet shoots in that. Put some rl15 or varget behind it.
Im fully aware it’s against the “rules” but rules are to be broken
Ive ran lots through mine with no issues.

I am an experienced NRA High Power service rifle competitor using the M14 and am not aware of any rule against using cast bullets in competition. I have never used cast bullets in competition and would not recommend it but I am not aware of it being against the rules. Can you cite the rule that excludes cast bullets?

 

[Park ranger]

In fullbore, monolithic bullets are not allowed. Not sure about xtc

 

[B Nettesheim]

I am an experienced NRA High Power service rifle competitor using the M14 and am not aware of any rule against using cast bullets in competition. I have never used cast bullets in competition and would not recommend it but I am not aware of it being against the rules. Can you cite the rule that excludes cast bullets?

Im just saying that most think it’s against the rules to shoot cast in autos like the 14 and such, not referred to high power discipline
It’s just one of my most accurate loads in mine.

 

[chkunz]

Im just saying that most think it’s against the rules to shoot cast in autos like the 14 and such, not referred to high power discipline
It’s just one of my most accurate loads in mine.

Understand, thanks for the clarification. I never considered it but you have actual experience and that is worth more than opinions. Best wishes, Clyde

 

[Zero333]

40.5 or 41.5 gr of H-4895 or IMR-4895 with any 168 gr bullet.