Propellant: M1, M1A and AR

[Francis Marion]

I have read that Garand-style rifles are somewhat sensitive to bullet weight and powder choices. The op rod can be damaged if the ammunition isn't correctly loaded- i.e., right bullet weight, and right powder burn rate.

So is there a propellant that is acceptable to use for:

-full-length barrel M1 and M1A
(150 grain ball ammo)

-16" AR (62 to 75 grain bullets, 1 in 8)

-AND meters (more) consistently (than 4895) in a powder dropper?

Thanks.

[Low-Pressure]

I'm using Win 748. Been using it for my .223, and been pretty good so far. And my 1st load on my M1 went bang without any problems. The powder meters real well.......

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=409585&highlight=748

[17+1]

I've been using AA2520 in my 223 and 308 reloads...has worked well so far. Full length barrels for each of them (M1A 22" and AR 20"). Do not know how well this powder would work in an AR carbine...might be a bit on the slow side.

This powder meters really well, in my experience, works fine for silhouette shooting out to 500 meters (M1A, not the AR!). I don't really worry about the perfect load so I just usually find one that functions the guns and groups relatively well and run with it.

[sfonelson]

Which 4895 are you using, IMR4895, or H4895?

I personally use H4895 in my M1 Garand and both of my AR's loads. It meters fairly well. I get the occasional "chopping" of sticks, but all in all it's fine.

[Jonathan Doe]

I have been getting good results with the following:

308 Winchester (for both bolt gun and M-1A's): IMR 4064
223 Remington (for heavy bullets, 69 grains and 77 grains): IMR 4895, recently: very good accuracy with Vihtavouri N140. N140 metered very well also.

I was getting very good consistency with the ammo I reload.

[Cowboy T]

H335 is another good choice for these applications. It meters well through my powder measure and works well in several cartridges, including 7.62x54R Russian.

Indeed, I hear that a version of this powder (WC844, mass produced for the military and just slightly hotter than civvie H335) is used in 5.56 NATO.

[Hoop]

Win748 and AA2520 come to mind.