Loads for the M1 Rifle

[4F4Nam]

Have not been able to get 4895 powder for months. I do have a good supply of IMR 4064 and WIN 748. I load 150gr and 168gr bullets, and like to keep loads for my M1 at 2700 fps or less.
What do you guys and gals think is a suitable replacement for the M1 using these powders?

Ed

[Hefights]

See link below for a good article you can download, and the attachement below. These should help you, loads in this range are accurate and you can tune them for your rifle.

http://www.crossecreekrifleandpistolclub.com/Matches/VM_Pages/Information/ReloadingForTheM1Rifle_JohnRClarke.pdf

[4F4Nam]

Thank ya. Lots of good info there.

Ed

[mikld]

I've not been able to find much powder and I had 4 lbs. of IMR4064 so I've been using that. My loads run from 46.0-47.5 with 147/150 gr pulls, and Hornady and Nosler 150 gr bullets...

[4F4Nam]

Yeah. I been sitting on 4lbs+ of 4064 that I use in the .220 swift but right now the M1 is more of a priority. Most manuals suggest 48gr for 2700fps. Have you found the 46gr loads shoot to POA, and do they function the rifle well?
TIA

Ed

[Art]

Yeah. I been sitting on 4lbs+ of 4064 that I use in the .220 swift but right now the M1 is more of a priority. Most manuals suggest 48gr for 2700fps. Have you found the 46gr loads shoot to POA, and do they function the rifle well?
TIA

Ed

IMR 4064 is an extremely versatile powder. I've had good results with reloads using it in my .250 Savage, .303 British and .30-06 rifles.

My .30-06 load is 46.5 gr. of 4064 powder behind a 168 gr. Sierra Match King or 165 gr. Game King. Velocity with both is right at 2600 fps. Both have pretty much the same point of impact out to 300 yards as M2 ball in my rifles so no sight correction was needed. Both function reliably in my M1 rifle.

It's a good, mild accurate load in my M1 and M1903 rifles. I don't think "magnumizing" a Garand, or any other milsurp is a terribly good idea so I'm quite happy with the load both for target work and in the unlikely event I'd deer hunt with my M1 or one of my M1903s.

Hornady has an excellent reloading section in their manuals dedicated exclusively for M1 rifles.

Of course your results may vary.....

[4F4Nam]

Thanks guys. I think I will try some loads of 46gr 4064 with 150gr Hornadys. Just want a soft shooting Sunday afternoon at the range load.

Ed

[tmark]

Consult the current Lyman reloading manual. The have minimum, maximum, and accuracy load recommendations, too.

[psteinmayer]

Using my Hornady reloading manual, I'm loading Hornady 150 gr FMJ bullets with 49.4 grains of 4064. FWIW

[joem]

When surplus 4895 was available I bought pretty much. I kind of figured it would run out so I stocked up.

[mikld]

I would suggest Hornady's M1 Garand data only section. It's not recommended to use "normal" hunting 30-06 pressure loads, as available in other reloading manuals, in your M1 Garand semi- auto, due to possible op rod damage with high pressures at the "gas port".

[4F4Nam]

Well I went ahead and sorta split the diff. I loaded 80rds w/ 47grs 4064 a 150 gr Horn bulk FMJ's. Should be good enough to punch paper and function the rifle.

Ed