Reloading for the M1A

[SmokeWagon]

Hello,

I was wondering if any of you have any experience reloading 308 for the M1A rifle. Neither of my reloading manuals have any load data specific to gas/semi auto loading 308 rifles.

My proposed load based on components I have on hand and the fact that I am using military brass so there would be less case volume I understand due to its thicker wall over commercial brass would be:

Brass: LC
Primer: WLR
Powder: Varget 42.5 gr
Bullet: 145GR FMJBT M80
COL: 2.800

Would this be a safe round to use in the M1A as far as pressure and not damaging the Op-rod? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[highpower790]

your load is very similar with components i use for competition.if your shooting a distance of 100-200yds i recomend a 40gr powder charge.my load with a 168 and 40gr of powder is good out to 300.

[Brd_Hntr]

I found these to be pretty helpful articles on the subject.

http://www.zediker.com/downloads/m14.html

[OldShooter32]

I load 41.5 grains of Varget under a 168 SMK in LC match brass and it chronos about 2550 -- I've seen accurate loads up to 43 grains of Varget. You're in the ballpark.
I've read arguments against using Varget in gas-guns, but the M1A has a sturdy op-rod and a cutoff system that the M1 doesn't, though I'll bet some would still argue against using it. H4895, they say, is the only powder to use. I've had good luck with Varget though. Check the M1A/M14 pages for many threads about this.

[A and O]

Geez, my favorite Rifle is my M1a Scout squad.

Problem is that I've never ever ever, and then some have been able to find Varget in stock.

The other, and some will argue better option in powders is 4064. I've got data tried and true for that behind the bullets you mention. 42. grains with the 168 SMK drills holes in each other all day long.

[jshoebot]

Looks like you're going to be loading using 145-150gr M80 projectiles, and everyone is giving you data on their 168gr loads. I use 42.5gr of IMR4895 with an M80 projectile, works great to replicate the M80 ball round.

[mark501w]

Any of the mid speed powders will work, I like 4064.

[bigdrunk92037]

41.5grn of H4895 under 168grn Hornady BTHP & LC brass is a very, very accurate load in my LRB.

[SmokeWagon]

Thank you all for the responses. It looks like most of you gave recipes for different powders and 168gr bullets which are not what I am loading. I wanted to know a good safe charge weight for an M1a using Varget powder pushing a 145-147gr M80 FMJBT bullet using LC brass and WLR primers which are the components I have on hand at the moment. I am new to reloading, only been doing it for a few months now.
I also wanted to know, is it worth chasing the lands in a semi-auto or are you asking for trouble with magazine feed issues and the like when playing with the COL?

[ducky_0811]

The hornady manual has a section for loading the m1a platform, I would suggest that you work up a ladder test for YOUR rifle and see what works, no two chambers are cut alike. Start with load data for a similar weight bullet since I doubt you'll find a manual with M80 tear down info, and go up slowly watching for pressure signs, just like any other load development

[OldShooter32]

I set OAL to be just short of the lands -- measure the chamber by running a rod to a closed bolt, then marking it at the muzzle, then hold a bullet against the throat with a pencil while you rod it again. Mark it and measure the distance between marks and add a thousandth or two (range time to see which is the most accurate.)
Any feeding issues if you don't single-load will change this of course.

[FLIGHT762]

I found these to be pretty helpful articles on the subject.

http://www.zediker.com/downloads/m14.html

O/P read both of these articles that Brd_Hntr posted. "Reloading for the Match M-14" and "Once fired Twice fired".

Reloading for gas guns is different than for bolt guns. These articles go into details that you won't normally find in reloading manuals and are specific to your M-1A.

[Syntax Error]

Varget is a good powder for the M1A. I've used 45gr loads in my M1A with surplus M80 ball seated to the cannelures with good effect.

[SmokeWagon]

Varget is a good powder for the M1A. I've used 45gr loads in my M1A with surplus M80 ball seated to the cannelures with good effect.

How did you get 45grs of Varget in the case and seat the bullet to the cannelure? I put 42.5 grs in one of my LC cases and it is just a smidgen below the neck, if I put 45grs in I would have a compressed load for sure. Are you using commercial brass?

[highpower790]

it common for long range Palma shooters to load 46-47 gr with a 155.if a longer drop tube is used the powder will settle a little more .