Reloading for the M1 Garand w/ 168 gr pills

[Bayou]

Just registered and wanted to say Hi and ask a reloading question for the M1 Garand. I made a deal with a buddy to buy his M1 Garand which I should be picking up next weekend. I always wanted one of these and now I'm finally getting one .

I'm a reloader and want to reload for this rifle. I have plenty of 168 gr Nosler match and 168 gr Hornady A-Max bullets handy so I'd like to use them. I'll probably go with IMR4064 powder, Win brass and, WLR primers.

The question I have is can I start off using published start loads for bolt guns with this combination or is there special load data for the Garand because of its unique operating system?

Second question will I need to get an adjustable gas plug for the above load recipe and how do I set that up if needed.

I'm a total newbie with the M1 Garand so I could use some advice.

Thanks!

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Gun Surfer]

IMR 4064 is by most accounts a fine powder for .30-06 in M1 Garand. A little slower than the "ideal" powder IMR 4895, some think IMR 4064 is superior.

You have to be careful of the slow powders, like IMR 4350, as they are indeed fine for bolt guns, but not suitable for the Garand gas system. You should get an adjustable gas plug if you want to use them.

I have found Sierra 168, Hornady 168, and Nosler 168 HPBT bullets all work well in M1 and M1A (at least in mine) for std bullet seating depths. The A-MAX bullet is very accurate, but it is long and likely should be reserved for slow fire / single shot work. Be mindful of bullet seating depths vs throat length to rifling etc.

Hodgdon Powder Co. has reloading data on line that shows IMR 4064 for 168 Hornady HPBT between 47 and 50 gr loads. I have use 48 gr loads with good accuracy in my M1 with Hornady 168 HPBT.

(Do not rely on internet data alone, check with a good loading manual and load with usual precautions.)

[slamfire1]

My personal favorite load with the M1 Garand is a 168 Match (any brand) 47.0 grs IMR 4895, any case, CC#34, OAL LT 3.30”

AA2495 gives identical results, and when it was cheaper, I used kegs of it.

I conducted testing of IMR 4064. IMR 4064 is an excellent powder, but it is the slowest I would use in a Garand. It is also long grained so it does not throw as well as IMR 4895/AA2495/H4895.

I would use a charge not to exceed 48.0 grains with a 168. My chronograph data, including data from a 26” match barrel, is below.

Second question will I need to get an adjustable gas plug for the above load recipe and how do I set that up if needed.

My loads are totally appropriate with the Garand gas system. If you shoot commerical ammunition with its too high of port pressures, and too slow powders, then you will need to consider an adjustable gas cylinder lock screw. However, if you roll your own, use IMR 4895/AA24956/H4895/AA2520 (a ball powder), use proper loads, you will not need to mess with an aftermarket lock screw.

M1 Garand  Douglas Barrel 1:10 twist 	
						
						
						
168 Sierra Match 47.0 grs  AA2495 wtd WLR FC Cases OAL 3.30"
5 May 00 T = 82 ° F					
						
Ave Vel =	2632					
Std Dev =	16					
ES =	50					
Low =	2616					
High =	2666					
N =	10					
						
						
						
168 gr Sierra Match 48.0 IMR 4064 wtd LC66NM  WLR  OAL 3.30"
5 May 00 T = 82 ° F					
						
Ave Vel =	2594				 	 
Std Dev =	18				 	
ES =	38				 	
Low =	2575				 	
High =	2613				 	
N =	5					



M98 26"  1-10 Wilson Barrel			
							
168 gr Sierra Match 48.0 IMR 4064 wtd LC66NM  WLR  OAL 3.30"	
5 May 00 T=82°F					
							
Ave Vel =	2653						
Std Dev =	9						
ES =	27						
Low =	2645						
High =	2672						
N =	9						

150 gr FMJBT TW 56 Ball					
24 Mar 04 T= 70 ° F				
							
Ave Vel =	2680				 	 	
Std Dev =	31				 	 	
ES =	78				 	 	
Low =	2620				 		
High =	2698				 		
N =	6

[Bayou]

Great information Guys, Thanks!

[sevenfingers2001]

The M1 Garand can be finicky and should you use the wrong powder you could bend your operating rod.
One of my favorite loads was 46.3 gr. of AA2520 with a 168 gr. Sierra HPBT Matchking, and a CCI 200 primer. You can also use a WLR primer and achieve similar results.
I shot groups as small as .640" @ 100 yards.

[Kirk]

Garands were designed around IMR 4895. Powders with a significantly slower burn rate (slower than 4064, as noted above) may damage your op rod & rifle. Any powder with a burning rate similar to IMR 4895 can be used. Alternates include H 4895, Varget, AA 2495 and others.

The 168 gr bullets often give superior accuracy in most Grands. Wideners sell the Prvi 168 gr BTHP bullet (gives me sub-MOA accuracy in a bolt action) http://www.wideners.com/itemview.cfm...ir=278|281|727

[brownie]

my Garand likes 168gr Sierra SPBT AND 47grs of 4064. shoots real well at 200yd targets.

[mac1911]

There is a older article out here on the web.......Reloading for the Garand and also Reloading for the semi auto both have some good info and data. Try google as I have lost the links.
Hornady 7th manual has some Garand specific data. If you email or call hornady they will mail you a copy of the 2 pages.

[PAshutr3]

My personal favorite load with the M1 Garand is a 168 Match (any brand) 47.0 grs IMR 4895, any case, CC#34, OAL LT 3.30”

This load has been extremely accurate as well in my 55 H&R M1. According to the Hornady Manual which has a M1 Garand specific load data section, this is very close to a max load; max being 47.1gns of IMR 4895

[mac1911]

I will add the Varget has become my powder of choice. I have shot my best groups and most consistant scores with it. I also like the fact that it just seems to burn much cleaner. Less soot on the cases, barrel only takes a few patches to come clean compared to 4895.
My load comes from the hornady 7th manual
I started with the minimum and been working my way up in .5gn segments. 46 grains seems to be the sweet load for my garand.