155gr Palma load for M1A

[3/7 Wpns Co.]

Anyone have any experience with this? I am using a standard Springfield M1A 22"bbl 1:11 twist. I'm planing on using a load with Sierra 155gr Palma MatchKings. I have Varget, IMR 4350, and RE-15 but am leaning towards Varget. Also have CCI BR2 Primers and winchester and Black Hills brass.

What MV should i be aiming for as not to blow the gas tube?

[G-forceJunkie]

You really have to drive those 155 to get any advantage out of them. Not sure you you want to push them that hard in a gas gun. Why not use 175/178's They will be supersonic to over 1000 yards at a leasurly 2550 fps. Or are you only shooting short range?

[3/7 Wpns Co.]

My goal is to use the gun out to 800, my bolt action will go out further. I have used 175 SMK but they are heavy and shouldn't be used past 2600-2650. I figure that the 155gr has room for a little more MV but i'm not sure what i can go up to.

I am finding that the best results have been with 168gr and H4895 for fair powder on the gas tube and ballistics on round for out to 1000.

I just ordered some 155's but am starting to go back on that decision

[mark501w]

Use varget not the other two they're to slow you'll bend up your gun.

[kblack583]

I think those 155 Palmas dont have a big following for M1As because they have too much jump to lands when loaded at mag length.

[3/7 Wpns Co.]

Thanks for the info! maybe i'll try to trade them out for 168gr. any suggestions on brand?

[kblack583]

168 and 175 Sierra Matchkings. Heres a good read for the M1A.

http://www.m14.ca/reloading/14_loading.pdf

[Justintoxicated]

my load for LR308 is 44.5gr varget but it was hot and showed pressure signs. not sure how similar that is though. People said they would not be ideal, but they seem decent in my rifle. My Barrel is 1/10 twist 24" Isnt the jump to the lands going to be about the same for any bullet loaded to Mag Length?

[Sumo99]

I really only shoot surplus ammo through my m1a's, nor do I reload so I may be wrong on this, but IIRC you are supposed to use a grooved NM piston to shoot anything over 168gr.

[74c5]

42.9 +/- 0.2 gns IMR4895 behind 165 Sierras or Hornadys (SP or HPBT) work very well out of my NM. No velocity data but, it should be conservative.