Need some M14 loads

[Swamp Hunter 38]

I have been trying to get a good load for my Dads pride and joy for 3 years. He loves hunting with his M14 308 with a match barrel but we always leave the range disappointed. I would like to stick to Nosler 150 or 165 accubonds or BTs. I have H4831, IMR 4831,4350, 4064, Retumbo and R22. Does any one have a good load or some pointers? I follow all post and I don't see much info on the M14. I'm taking him on his first guided hunt this year for my 40th. He will be 73 so I would like to see him get his first big buck with his favorite rifle before .....Well you know. Thanks guys!

 

[1Shot]

I am assuming you are talking about a Springfield Armory M1A that you are calling an M-14. The M-14 is a select fire, full auto or semi-auto weapon. Both originally are chambered for the 7.62X51mm NATO. The only powder that you mention that you have that is suitable for loading this cartridge in these gas operated weapons is IMR-4064. These weapons must be loaded with powders no slower burning than IMR 4320 to have the proper port pressure to not harm the operating rod and keep the action timed for working properly. With Remington or Winchester cases you should find good accuracy with 150 gr bullets right at 46 grs of IMR 4064. With 165 to 168 gr bullets you should find good accuracy right at 41.5 grs IMR-4064. The protected poly tipped bullets usually work well through this action. A really accurate and good deer killing bullet is the Sierra 165 HPBT Game King. This bullet is a hunting bullet that shoots almost as accurate as the Sierra 168 gr Match King in the M1A and M1 Garand rifles. It functions great also. I would not try to "hot rod" a load for these weapons. The middle of the road loads are usually more accurate and will make these weapons last much longer. If you use military cases you will need to drop back on the powder charge about 1 grain because they have less capacity and thus the pressure will be more with them. This has been my findings with these rifles. This information is to be used only as a reference and you must consult a good loading manual to make your decision on your load.

 

[YoteSmoker]

I've been told 4895 is the recommended powder for the Garand. I don't have any first hand experience, however.

 

[Swamp Hunter 38]

You are right 1 Shot. It is a M1A . Your information has given me a place to start and I've done a lot of research today.This will have to be one of my Summer projects. I will post my results in a few weeks. Thanks a lot!

 

[yeayow]

I shoot 165 grain ballistic tips over 44 grains of varget. The load shoots awesome out of my scoped super national match,

 

[RogueRiver]

my m1 garands like varget and Blc2. I got m1 garand specific loads from a horandy manual. You might try emailing them, they could prob. give you some good m14/m1a loads.

 

[Alaska]

200- and 300-yard favorites for service rifles:

> Federal or Winchester case, full-length sized.
> Federal 210M or Remington 9-1/2 primer.
> 42 to 44 grains of IMR4895 or IMR4064.
> Sierra 165-gr. bullet or Nosler 165 BT or AB.

My favorite

43.6 of IMR 4895
168gr Nosler BT
FC Brass
FC 210GM primer