Loading for Garand

[Bumslie]

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

I usually run 44.5 gr of varget with the hornady 3037's. It's really soft and mild. You can can probably go 45-46 and still be safe.

Double check hornady 9th edition for verification.

Eta. I prefer imr 4895 with 4064 second. I save varget for other cartridges.

[rm1911]

http://store.thirdgenerationshootingsupply.com/browse.cfm/4,8020.html

IMR4895. this and only this for the garand. 47grains with a 150. magic. it's the powder that the military used, it's the powder that the garand was designed around. it's been available more frequently and more reliably last couple of months.

[edwardm]

Couple of thoughts.

First, the I4895 of 2014 probably isn't the same as the 4895 of 1954. That in mind, while it probably preserves most characteristics, it's not going to perfectly duplicate the original USGI load. It's closer than 4064, if only based on the burn rate.

Second, for the poster asking about Varget + 3037's...

Hornady calls out the following:

M1 Garand/30-06, 3037/150gr FMJBT, 3.185" COL
VARGET
START:42.3gr @ 2400FPS
44.2gr @ 2500FPS
MAX: 46.2gr @ 2600FPS

I tried Varget early on in the Garand and found lots of unburned powder following their recipe to the letter, from 42.3 all the way up to 45.8. Accuracy was "meh", at best. Save that stuff for the AR's with 20" barrels.

ETA: Another reason I prefer the 4064 is that it runs equally well in the M1A.

http://store.thirdgenerationshooting...fm/4,8020.html

IMR4895. this and only this for the garand. 47grains with a 150. magic. it's the powder that the military used, it's the powder that the garand was designed around. it's been available more frequently and more reliably last couple of months.

[highpower790]

Varget or IMR4985 at 46gr for across the course with bullets ranging from 150gr to 175.Reduced course I use 42gr with a 150/155.

[Hamourkiller]

M2 Ball specs call for 2800 FPS/150 gr bullet with a max of 50 grs of 4895

M2 AP Ball specs call for 2750 FPS / 165 gr bullet with a max of 55 grs of WCC 852

Two Classic M2 Ball duplication loads have always worked well for me:
1- 48 to 49 grs IMR 4895 with a 150 gr bullet
2- 49 to 50 grs IMR 4064 with a 150 gr bullet

For a M2 AP Duplication load

48.5 grs of IMR 4064 has been reaching the 2750 fps mark with 165 gr bullets.

I always use 4895-4064 burn rate powders and shoot for these velocities with the respective bullet weights. That tells me my max M1 loading for the particular lots of powder. You can adjust down for target or range loads or use hunting bullets for deer and hogs.

Another method of getting accurate ammo for the garand is to Mexican Match 150 to 155 gr target bullets into your ball ammo. Just pull the ball with a collet puller, resize the neck, seat in the target bullets. Presto! Ammo more accurate than your Garand. Also works using hunting bullets. Plus you save the pulled ball bullets for desperate times.

PS: A chronograph helps with M1 Garand loading to get the velocities right.

Take care

Hank

[ElvenSoul]

You can upgrade the gas system and rod to handle modern ammo

[AeroEngi]

I haven't started loading for my Garand yet but I've heard great things about the 47.0 gr IMR4895 with 150 gr FMJ projectile load. I'm planning on trying that first once I get around to loading for my Garand.

[Jeff213]

my favorite garand load is 47.0gr 4064 with a rem 9.5 magnum primer and hornady 168gr match hollow point in military brass.

4

[Enfield47]

I use 47.5 gr of IMR 4064 and 150 gr M2 ball bullets in my Garand. I used the 3037 bullets originally but switched to the M2 ball bullets Weidner's sells and haven't looked back. They have been plenty accurate and I also share them with my 03A3 - they perform great in both rifles.

I also purchased the Garand Gear ported gas plug so I could shoot any .30-06 ammo without damaging the op rod. It functions perfectly with my reloads, factory, or surplus ammo. Their op rod spring is also great quality, the same as Orion 7, and you get to support a local business.

[mark501w]

49 gr imr4064 150's, 47gr 168 gr Internationals respectively in my M1. No gas block I use the mid speed powders I pull the bullets out beyond the canalure & crowd the mag. With my rcbs dies I haven't had to crimp.

[Justintoxicated]

I use H4895 and I DO crimp. It's a semi auto right? I crimp for all semi auto loads.

[dwtt]

I'm not trying to be a heretic, but does anyone use H335 for .30-06 in a Garand? I use it for .308 but never for .30-06 and it would be nice to use one powder for both loads.

[Eljay]

I have a note that 49 grains of H335 with 150ish grain bullets is garand safe. Haven't tried it personally.

[mark501w]

I wouldn't hesitate to use h335 to load the M1.

[Pauliedad]

Took out my first loads with IMR 4064 under a 150 grain last Thursday and was quite happy with the results.
Started at 44.5 and went to 47 in (.5gr increments) this go around.
As everyone stated, the 47 were the best. Next trip will go up to 49 just because, but I will take a bunch of 47s to practice too.
Thanks everyone for the valuable info.