Garand problem

[Paul S]

So one can't just neck-size M-1 brass, huh?

(I don't know. I only know that I could neck size the .303 I shot through my Enfield when I reaload it; I don't know how to reload yet).

Of course you CAN...but everything I have read about reloading for the M1 says full length resize.

But in the nature of full disclosure...I am still putting together the supplies to start reloading for the Garand. So far I have only been reloading pistol and carbine ammo.

[brianinca]

USGI gas guns are hard on brass, the rule of thumb is that you use a piece of brass in the M1/M14 platform 4 times, counting the original loading. Full length resizing is a must, and most of us use the RCBS small base dies for even more complete resizing. There are some folks that use the RCBS "no trim" dies, but I've no experience with those.

If you buy the Sierra reloading manual, they have a great section on reloading just for gas guns. I understand there are several other manuals that have similar sections, I just use Sierra and Lyman as of the last decade. There are many "best practices" for handloading gas gun ammunition that can be selectively bypassed for bolt guns (though I do not).

Neck sizing specifically for the 303 Enfield is a common practice, as the sloppy chambers and rim headspace mean that the brass gets worked a lot more than other calibers/rifles. THIS IS AN EDGE CONDITION.

I full length resize everything as I don't care to have ammunition that will only function in one rifle - I get great results from my 223 Rem loads in several rifles, as I do all my other calibers. I have at least a couple of firearms in almost every caliber I reload for, so my focus is on accurate ammunition that functions well across every firearm. Neck sizing is for one-gun reloaders ONLY.

Regards,
Brian in CA

[rojocorsa]

What do you mean by edge condition?


Anyway, I've only one gun in .303 right now so I'm not too worried about neck vs full sizing.

Thinking about adding a No.1 Mk.3 to my stash someday, but it really isn't a high priority. I need an M-1 Service Grade next, that's for sure.

But it does look like I have a lot of reading to do when I take the plunge into reloading.

[brianinca]

You are on the edge of the bellcurve of reloading practices with the specific issues of reloading 303 Brit, especially considering the working of brass and the benefit of neck sizing only. Those guidelines do NOT apply to most other caliber/rifle combinations. Gas guns and tube fed lever guns are more widely distributed and have some commonality as to best practices.

Regards,
Brian in CA