M1a Handloads

[Devil Dog]

I'm just starting to load for my "new" SA M1a. I've loaded a lot of 30-06 for my M1's with IMR4895 and understand the burn rate issue. What powders are suitable in the M1a? Are there any pet loads.
Thanks

[Jim in Salt Lake]

I used 40.5gr of IMR4895 behind a Sierra 168gr Matchking for years before the AR took over across the course highpower.

[Devil Dog]

I used 40.5gr of IMR4895 behind a Sierra 168gr Matchking for years before the AR took over across the course highpower.

I posted for some info on the M1/M14 section. Only one guy responded with no helpful info. He stated that my 150 gr GI pulled bullets and 4895 were not good for accuracy in my M1a.
I just got back from the range using 42gr. of 4895 and 150gr. pulled GI bullets. This gun shot all groups under 1" and a few under 3/4". All at 100yds. I also fired some "ZQI" ammo made in Turkey and sold at WallMart on sale for $9.97/box of 20. It also shot just as good as my handloads. I was impressed and will buy more of it. I have owned and fired a lot of Garands. Spent hours tweaking them and the ammo. However, I have never fired a Garand that would shoot 1" groups. This M1a is just a good shooting gun.

[Jim in Salt Lake]

I agree, I still have mine and have started shooting it again across the course. The AR front sight is getting pretty hard for me to see anymore but the M1A sight is still clear for me.

[BudT]

In my M1 and my LRB M14 clone I shoot IMR4064 with great results. I'm not saying that other powders wont work well but just that IMR4064 worked best in my rifles. Most any quality bullet will give you more accuracy across the board than any GI spec. 150 or 147 gr. ball slugs. Again I'm not saying that you cant get good close range results from the 147 or 150 GI stuff but you wont get the kind of accuracy you want and need out at long range, they just aren't made for that sort of thing. Work your load up for the rifle you refer to just as you would for any other rifle they all have likes and dis-likes. HTH

[Former Cav]

I've been using 45.0 grains of varget, the 147 grain GI pulled bullets or the 150 grain hornady BTSP, LC brass and standard large rifle winchester brand primers.
These chronograph at exactly 2760 FPS through my M1A Springfield and about 2720 through my FAL's.

REMEMBER....all DISCLAIMERS apply. Your rifle chamber / throat is DIFFERENT then mine. REDUCE ALL LOADS 10% and work up from there.