Reloading for M1 Garand (lead free)

[sjFreeBird]

Hello,

I'm looking to either buy or reload lead-free ammo for the M1 Garand 30-06.

Does anyone have any inexpensive ideas how I can get started on reloading for my M1, since I will only need about 25-50 rounds for pig hunting.

Or would anyone be willing to either teach me or sell me the rounds! This is much appreciated. I'm located in San Jose, but often in the Sacramento and Chico Area.

Thanks everyone!

[highpower790]

BUy the components and Ill show you.

[rm1911]

Lee makes a basic reloaded that does one round at a time. Think the kits are like $30. I've heard they're really good too. I've thought about getting a couple for SHTF or just for backup whatever.

Of course you'll need a scale and some case prep stuff. But I'd wager you could do it all for under $100. IMR4895 is readily available and primers are too. Nosler etips or Barnes ttx are good bullets. Go with 150gr. Start with 46gr powder.

[Bainter1212]

If you do an Ammoseek search for bullets, the cheap Hornady 150 gr boat tail bullets always pop up as the cheapest....and they will work just fine.

If you get out to the Sacramento area I can sell you some 30-06 brass and a pound of IMR 4895 for a good price.

Edit: if you are unfamiliar with reloading I can also show you what you will need to get started. As another poster stated, the Lee hand press is a cheap and effective option.

[Enfield47]

I've never used the lead free bullets, but aren't they longer than traditional bullets? Would the OP have issues with the COL and possibly feeding issues if they are long?

[Divernhunter]

Come down and see me and you can load your own with my help.
Remember you need to use proper powders for the M!. That means most commercial loads can damage the operating rod. I have IMR4895 powder which is the powder the gun was built for.
Yes the bullets are longer than the lead core bullets. You just end up seating them deeper. You also need to use Barnes data with Barnes bullets. It is different than for lead core bullets.

[Bainter1212]

Come down and see me and you can load your own with my help.
Remember you need to use proper powders for the M!. That means most commercial loads can damage the operating rod. I have IMR4895 powder which is the powder the gun was built for.
Yes the bullets are longer than the lead core bullets. You just end up seating them deeper. You also need to use Barnes data with Barnes bullets. It is different than for lead core bullets.

This is correct.

If you use odd bullets you need to use the bullet mfg data as your primary data. If the data isn't there call the mfg directly, they can point you in the right direction.

Remember to use at least two or three load data sources if possible.

[morthrane]

Lee makes a basic reloaded that does one round at a time. Think the kits are like $30. I've heard they're really good too. I've thought about getting a couple for SHTF or just for backup whatever.

That kit is neck-sizing only IIRC, so probably not good for an autoloader.

[kwr]

Another option is to buy lead-free 30-06 ammo and a Schuster gas plug so the ammo does not have to be M1 spec loaded.

[sjFreeBird]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and ideas. I ended up diving into the deep end and getting a lee press kit and already started loading 9mm. I will soon be loading for the M1 Garand, both lead and lead free.