Reload for the M1

[ledge]

I want to start reloading for my M1 can anyone tell me specifically what power, primer, and bullet to use?
Thanks.

Information

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[TDH]

My preferece is 47 grains of IMR 4895. H 4895 or Varget are just as suitable powder. I use CCI LR primers and any case I can get my hands on. For bullets I use a lot of Military pulldowns in the 147 to 150 grain range. For a 168 pill 47 grains is starting to push max pressures so you may want to drop it a grain

[Gun Surfer]

Assume you have .30-06. I would add IMR 4064 as a decent choice in powder. Bullets ranging from 125 - 175 gr are fine with some very accurate loads possible. Stay away from slow burning powders like W 760 and IMR 4350 - many bolt gun loads are NOT suitable for the Garand operating system, a much cussed and discussed topic around here. Everybody has preferences on primers, I use Rem 9-1/2, CCI 34, CCI BR, Win LR, all do ok in my reloads.

Make sure to clean the primer pockets and seat the primers below the case head surface to avoid increased risk of slam fire. If you don't own one, recommend you get a Lyman, Dillon, or Wilson case gage to ensure the cases are sized to within correct chamber specs. Be prepared to trim cases. Watch cases for problem signs like incipient head separation.

[PAshutr3]

The Hornady reloading manuel has a M1 Garand specific section that is very helpful. If you would like I can scan the pages for the bullet weight you want to use and email them to you. I have had good luck with 47 gns of IMR 4895 as well behind a 168gn match bullet; according to the book that load is almost max; 47.1 being max. I wouldn't recomment starting out that high. Either way good luck.