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Thread: Loading for an M1 garand

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    Loading for an M1 garand

    I have some 30-06 that I was thinking of loading up for an M1 garand (for a family member). I know that they are functionally similar to an M1a/M14, which are somewhat powder sensitive, so are they powder sensitive as well?

    I have some winchester 760 and load data for 150gr and 168gr bullets, is it safe to shoot this in a garand? And also, are federal primers safe for use in the same rifle (slam fires, etc.).

    Thanks in advance for any input.

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    The Hornady manual has a separate section for M1 Garand load data. Supposedly factory loads can be too hot and when fired can result in a bent operating rod. This has never happened to me, but did happen to a friend mine. Hornady doesn't show WIN 760 in their Garand section, but do in the standard 30-06 section.

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    I might have to break down and buy one of the hornady manuals...

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    I have been trading for 30-06 brass in preparation for M1 Garand I have coming from the CMP. The garand is very pressure sensitive and only certain powders are recommended for it IMR and H 4895, IMR 4064, Varget, etc. W760 burns to slowly for the garand and is not recommended unless the individual has an adjustable gas plug. Just what I have learned over the past few months. Do a quick internet search and you will find a bunch of information. The cMP has a forum dedicated to reloading as well.

    Dan

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    I have been trading for 30-06 brass in preparation for M1 Garand I have coming from the CMP. The garand is very pressure sensitive and only certain powders are recommended for it IMR and H 4895, IMR 4064, Varget, etc. W760 burns to slowly for the garand and is not recommended unless the individual has an adjustable gas plug. Just what I have learned over the past few months. Do a quick internet search and you will find a bunch of information. The cMP has a forum dedicated to reloading as well.

    Dan

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    How about primers, is it safe to use federal primers in a grand/m1a? I've heard they're softer than CCI and winchester primers and I'm concerned about slam fires.

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    Dan is right. The pressure curve of the 760 will probably bend your OP rod. David

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    I understand your concern about slam fires. I too am concerned with them. I have heard the federal primers are too soft as well and thT winchester or cci should be used instead. I am using WLR primers and I have considered the CCI #34 military primers. I'm hoping my M1 garand shows up this week so I can try my reloads and let u know.

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    I reload for my Garands, but I do have the Hornady manual and use the M1 section recipes. I also bought a lot of that Greek Surplus ammo so I have lots of cases to reload.

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    Quote Originally Posted by gandog56 View Post
    I reload for my Garands, but I do have the Hornady manual and use the M1 section recipes. I also bought a lot of that Greek Surplus ammo so I have lots of cases to reload.
    What primers do you use?

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    Normally, Wolf large rifle, but Obozo caused the great primer die off. Last I got were some S&B large rifle primers.

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    Ahh, if I ever come across some 4064 I'll try out federal primers on 20 or so and tell him to keep an eye out for slam fires. I load all of my personal 308 for a bolt action, so I don't have to worry about such things... Unless something is really wrong...

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    I can scan the M1 section of my Hornady manual and email it to you, if you want. I have the 9th edition, which is the latest, I believe.

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    Quote Originally Posted by WarEagleEd View Post
    I can scan the M1 section of my Hornady manual and email it to you, if you want. I have the 9th edition, which is the latest, I believe.
    Certainly, I'll PM you my email address. Thanks.

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    Quote Originally Posted by WarEagleEd View Post
    I can scan the M1 section of my Hornady manual and email it to you, if you want. I have the 9th edition, which is the latest, I believe.

    Yeah, mine's the 8th. I was thinking maybe my Lee Modern Reloading Second Edition had a separate M1 section, but it doesn't.

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    I have loaded several rounds with the hornady info. I learned today I should have my Garand by the end of the week so I should be able to provide some info on my reloads.

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    Reminds me of when I finally got into a CMP affiliated program and got my M1 for $525 instead of the usual 1 grand in an auction place. Now I still need the carbine.

    And an M14!

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    Gandog,

    I think they are going to sell some carbines in the future. They just sold some IHC Garands recently and some more are coming in November then the carbines after that.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hostile79 View Post
    Gandog,

    I think they are going to sell some carbines in the future.
    Doh, I would be sorely tempted. But then I would have to get all the .30 carbine reloading stuff, too.

    Anyways my regular load for a Garand is 45 grains of H4895 and a 150 grain jacketed pill.

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    +1 for the 4895. I cast lead bullets and have used them with 2400 powder. With a light load of pistol powder it is easy on your op rod, no leading and you don't have to chase your brass. It does not cycle, but that is easy to do by hand. Great paper punching and a bargain to shoot. Also easy on your rifle brass. Really reduces the stress on your brass and little to no resizing.

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check