Loading for Garand

[Pauliedad]

So I'm starting to read about loading for the Garand and the Hornady book has its own section for them. I understand the beast wants less than full loads as to not be abused. (Don't we all?)
If I use data from the 30-06 Springfield load tables but keep it in lower or similar fps speeds will that be OK?
I have powders listed in the 30-06 Springfield section and not so much in the Garand section.

Specifics are IMR 4064 and Hornady 150gr FTX

I also understand that there are adjustable gas blocks/systems out there. Worth it?
Thanks in advance for any help.

[ocabj]

Use the data on the Hornady 30-06 chart for the M1 Garand. "Full loads" has nothing to do with safely loading for the M1 Garand. It's all about the pressure curve that is safe for the operating rod.

That being said, 4064 is well within the pressure curve for the original M1 Garand gas system.

[BigJ]

Looking forward to the reloading suggestions.

As for the adjustable gas plugs, spend some time reading this. Its well worth it: http://www.garandgear.com/index.php?...arand&catid=39

[Pauliedad]

So the operating rod does not like a sudden arc? Got it. Medium speed powders are better than fast.

[Pauliedad]

From my memory here, this forum is mostly a "I don't crimp" bunch of guys.
True for y'all loading for the Garand too?
Yes, I know I can try not crimping and inspect as I go but wondering what the masses say.
BigJ, thanks for the link.

[Bumslie]

I don't crimp.

You can also use this as a reference for loads.

http://masterpostemple.bravepages.com/M1load.htm

[Pauliedad]

Thanks Bumslie,
I got distracted waiting for my 7.62 x 39 components to show up.

[Bumslie]

I use the old tried and true

47 gr of imr 4895 under 147-155 gr bullet. The hornady 3037's work quite well.

[Divernhunter]

^^^ That is what I use and no crimp. That is the original powder the gun was designed around and bullet weight. Why mess with what works. IMR4064 is very close to IMR4895 and can be used without danger to the operating rod.

[edwardm]

I use 47gr of IMR-4064 under 150gr projectiles. Either M2 ball or the Hornady 150gr FMJ. In one Garand it's the most accurate 200 yard load I've found so far with 4064. Lots of folks poop on using ball projectiles and immediately default to the match-grade bullets - I only switch to shoot past 300. And for that I go to my supply of M1 ball projectiles.

I'm in the "no crimp" crowd.

[edwardm]

I use the old tried and true

47 gr of imr 4895 under 147-155 gr bullet. The hornady 3037's work quite well.

Do you seat the 3037's to the cannelure? I found seating to ~ 3.30" works better with the 3037's than seating to the 3.18 or whatever the Hornady manual calls for. Groups go to s**t with that .012 extra jump for some reason.

[Bumslie]

Do you seat the 3037's to the cannelure? I found seating to ~ 3.30" works better with the 3037's than seating to the 3.18 or whatever the Hornady manual calls for. Groups go to s**t with that .012 extra jump for some reason.

I seat 3.30'' as well.

[AragornElessar86]

Yeah, why mess with what works? The original 4895/155 gives laser accuracy and flawless function.

[Cookie91/38]

Don't mean to hijack this thread, but do any of you have experience with Varget, and Hornady 150gr FMJs?

[thenodnarb]

I use 47gr of IMR-4064 under 150gr projectiles. Either M2 ball or the Hornady 150gr FMJ.
I'm in the "no crimp" crowd.

This is "the load" for a garand with this powder and weight projectile. No crimping.
Its nice not to have to work up a load. This is mostly because damage can occur to the op rod even without pressure signs. So just load to this spec and you will be fine. If you step up to 168 grain HPBT, then drop it down 1 grain.