Reloading recipes

[caldweda]

Made my introduction to this forum and am now ready to work up some reloaded ammo. Right now I will be using new Rem. cases with CCI 34 primers behind a starting load of IMR 4895 with a Hornady 150 grn. flat base bullet. Of course this will be for my M1. This seems to be the standard starting spot. I will probably start with 45.5 grns. of powder unless there are other recommendations. If someone can either hook me up with already existing forum discussions or direct me further on the forum it will be greatly appreciated.

You folks already have proven this is the place for M1 info and expertise. I am worried now that I will be making a trip in the future to Anniston, Ala. for more than I can probably afford.

Information

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[TDH]

My suggestion would be start there but only load a couple clips worth. See if it will cycle your rifle. If not then you only have a few to pull back down. Go up a half grain at a time until you find your optimum load.

[caldweda]

After reading through the forum pages I certainly agree that I may be starting a bit low and your advice is well taken. Just want to be a bit conservative since there is a lot to learn about this autoloader type of rifle. Will report back on progress after powder and primers arrive hopefully next week.

[TDH]

As a good friend of mine keeps telling me loading for pistols is fairly easy. Loading for the rifle is a can of worms. different bullet weights and different powders and different weight charges will all effect it. Sometimes as little as a half grain of powder will get you a perfect load. This powder will do this and that powder will do a little worse and that powder a little better. I tested a new bullet in my AK last week. They grouped 5 shots at just under 2 1/2" at 24 grains of IMR 4895 at 23.5 and 24.5 they opened up to almost 5". I would suggest possibly starting at 47 grain for your M1 and work up some loads going up and down a half grain at a time and then head for the range. Good luck and good shooting.

Oh and never exceed max loading data which for I 4895 I beleive is 51 grains.

[caldweda]

I agree with starting at 47 grns. of 4895 and working up in 1/2 grn. increments. I plan on loading 2 clips each at 46.5, 47.0, 47.5 for my first outing. Waiting for powder and primers is the tough part.

[Edward Horton]

A picture is worth 1000 words.............

Below, Standard Military Ball M2 loading, 50 grains IMR-4895 with 150 grain bullet.



Below from "Handloader Magazine"






NOTE: DO NOT use IMR-4350 or other slow burning powders of this burning rate or slower in a M1 Garand, you will bend the operating rod and damage your M1 with "*high gas port pressure". (*Not the same as high chamber pressure)

[caldweda]

Thank you very much Ed. I will be studying this for a while. I am feeling more reassured that my first range session will be very enjoyable. Thanks again.

[smellie]

Very impressive charts there with a lot of info for all of us.

I don't gotta open up my fat mouth at all!

[caldweda]

Well, I just received my shipment of powder and primers and was excited to get started reloading for the Garand. No such luck. Half the primers were not there and the ones that were there are the wrong ones. Just got off the phone with the supplier and hopefully the correct ones are on their way. Garanditis is an affliction that only range time can cure. My Garand needs its medicine now. Oh, well.

[caldweda]

Finally got all powder and primers in. I decided to start with 46 grains of IMR 4895 then 46.5 and 47 grains. Plan on being at the range this coming weekend and will report back on progress. Also have ordered an adjustable gas bloc which will be here this week. Now first to get on paper then see if I can get respectable groups with these old eyes. Any other advice will be greatly appreciated.