M1 Garand Loads.

Okay folks, finally had a highpower match with the M1 Garand. I usually use my M1A and despite the cost of components these days I still prefer the use of the 30 cal's over the .223 remington/5.56 AR's. I find them more challenging during the match. Does anyone have good formula's or tried and true formula's that is good for a host of different M1's.

I looking for a garand ( if a great deal comes along) what should I look for? What's a good price, what would I stay away from

If you get into a shooting organization or club the has Highpower matches. You can qualify for purchasing a M1 Garand from the CMP. I recommend service grade and above. The rifle you see me pictured here during a highpower match is service grade and shoots very good. Check out www.odcmp.com. I actually shot Greek surplus ammo the the CMP sells but I am wanting to use a powder that I can use universally for my AR, M1A and the Garand. I usually use IMR 4064 for my M1A but that is not a good powder for my AR. I am going to do some experiments with IMR 4895 and see what I can come up with and also with Varget. I will use a batch with each using single stage and progressive press. For the M1A and M1 Garand I will use 150gr fmj Hornady and the AR I will use 55gr ammo. I will also experiment with 168gr for the M1A and 68gr Hornady for AR.

Rich, the best deal you'll find on a Garand is through the CMP program but you need to be a member of a club and follow some other guidelines, but you'll save $400-600 easy.

Dennis, sorry but I don't have any loads for an M1 as mine is missing a couple parts from when I moved. Haven't been able to shoot it in years.

Looks like Dennis beat me to it by a minute.

I just got lucky....

Just IMO I would try the varget there Sierrareloader it seems to very well in bolt . 223 but im not to sure about ARs it is a well rounded powder. It would be a good start anyway.

Is being an NRA member good enough to allow you to purchase from the CMP?

EdgarEg wrote:Is being an NRA member good enough to allow you to purchase from the CMP?

NRA lifer, does it help

I didn't see anything on the lifer or membership in the NRA for that matter but I think if you have some sort of NRA instructor certification it helps. The only thing is that you must be in an active shooting organization or club that has a letter of participation in such matches. Here is the link for qualifications.

http://www.thecmp.org/eligibility.htm

I hope this helps.....

Not sure about this but I am under the impression the IMR4895 was what the military used for their 30-06 ball rounds? That is all I use in my -06 and 30-30 and have not been disappointed. I have not tried it in a 223 though. Not sure how the Varget would work, I've never tried any of it..

LOL Ever since this thread was posted I have been looking for my grand load data that I had. Really most any 06 load is good in the grand but cant be loaded to max as the operating rod will bend or break with full bore 06 loads. If I remember Correctly and I know its what I did. but The start Load Data was my Max load. and i would reduce 10% from start. I came up with some pretty good loads that way that were pretty accurate. If I had any further doubts I would Email the NRA and any of the Powder companies and tell them you have a grand and would like some safe load data for it. I know they have it. LOL I do too some where. When I find it I will post it.

Okay, I have posted some data from Hornady on another forum so I'll post data from Speer's 12th Edition here.

Bullet 168gr HP-Match #2040 (Speer)
Powder - IMR 4895 Min 44.0gr - Max 48.0gr
Velocity 2437fps - 2605fps
COL 3.295"
Brass - W-W trim-to length 2.484" Max case length - 2.494"
Primers - CCI 200, 250, No.34 (I recommend the Mil-Spec No.34's).

Same as above but using IMR 4064.

Powder - IMR 4064 Min 45.0gr - Max 49.0gr
Velocity 2367fps - 2549fps

Last one recommended with same data but with H380

Powder - H380 Min 51.0gr - Max 55.0gr
Velocity 2454fps - 2736fps


These were the only three recommended loads using the 168gr Speer Match bullet from the 12th edition. I still don't have access to a 1000 yard range so this will work for up to 600 yards *mid range loads. This is good enough for me. Will post Hornady's info later..