Safe 30-06 loads for the M1 Garand

[CMBTshooter]

What loads are safe to use in an M1 Garand made in the 1950s? The rifle itself looks and shoots fine. Are the Nosler loads good to shoot out of it?

 

[FOTIS]

I would highly suggest you get a hold of Hodgdon and ask them. My older manual had a section specifically addressing this issue.
IMR4895 and H 4895 rule.

M1 loads (Courtesy of the NRA)



Recommended .30 caliber M1 loadings from the NRA

147 - 155 grain FMJ or HPBT bullets

IMR 3031 - 48.0 grains
IMR 4895 - 49.0 grains
IMR 4064 - 50.0 grains
W748 - 48.0 grains
AA2460 - 49.0 grains
AA2520 - 51.0 grains
AA2495 - 50.5 grains
H4895 - 49.0 grains
BLC-2 - 49.0 grains
H335 - 49.0 grains
RL-12 - 48.0 grains

165/168 grain FMJ, HP or SP bullets

IMR 4895 - 47.0 grains
IMR 4094 - 48.0 grains
AA2520 - 47.5 grains
AA2495 - 47.0 grains
H4895 - 47.5 grains
BLC-2 - 49.0 grains
H335 - 47.0 grains
RL-12 - 44.5 grains

173/175 grain FMJ or HPBT bullets

IMR 4895 - 46.0 grains
IMR 4064 - 47.0 grains
AA2460 - 46.0 grains
AA2495 - 46.0 grains
H4895 - 47.0 grains
BLC-2 - 48.0 grains

180 grain FMJ, SP or HPBT bullets

IMR 4895 - 43.0 grains
AA2460 - 46.5 grains
AA2495 - 45.5 grains
H4895 - 44.0 grains
BLC-2 - 47.5 grains
RL-12 - 41.5 grains



Additional comments

These loads only duplicate military spec. velocities for the given bullet weight, using commercial cases and powders. If you are using military cases, drop all charges by 2 grains.

If you are looking for accuracy, drop all charges by 1 grain and work up .2 grains at a time.

Master Po's Ancient M1 load secret

This is my personal M1 load I use in my CMP M1. It will shoot better than Master Po can. I worked this load up, as you should for your own rifle.

Remington .30/06 cases, flash holes deburred and weighed within 1 grain.
Federal GM210M Primers (Master Po has heard the horror stories of Federal match primers in the M1/M1A rifles. If you're squeamish or new to reloading, use Winchester Large Rifle)
47.0 grains IMR 4064
Sierra 175 grain MatchKing
Overall length 3.340 inches

 

[wisconsinteacher]

My load is:

45gr IMR 4064
168 VMax
Rem Brass
Win LR primer
light crimp with Lee Crimp Die
2.676" measured with comparator at ogive

This load shot the best when compared to loads that had 46-50 grains of powder.

 

[CMBTshooter]

Thanks for the info guys. My dad is going to use his M1 for hunting this year and I'd really like to make sure that he uses a safe load with some good power.

 

[CMBTshooter]

He's going for mule deer this November out here in Colorado.

 

[ACLakey]

All good info so far. With the Grand you want a little faster powder like a 4895 or 4064. I have a buddy that shoots one in competition and has told me on several occasions that slow powders are a no no with the Grand. Something to do with increased pressure in the gas operated mechanism(guess I should have listened to the details) anyways hope this helps.

 

[JD338]

What loads are safe to use in an M1 Garand made in the 1950s? The rifle itself looks and shoots fine. Are the Nosler loads good to shoot out of it?

+1
You do not want to run max loads in the M! Grand.

JD338

 

[ScreaminEagle]

Never try to go for max load in a Garand! Start LOW and work up till they will function in the gun, then don't go much farther. Most Garands like 150grain whatevers. Use IMR 4895. If you get an adjustable gas port you may run higher pressures, but don't unless you get one!

 

[CMBTshooter]

Thanks for the info and advice guys! I really appreciate it. One final question, would the 150 grain Partition Trophy Grade Noslers be good for the M1?

 

[efw]

My Hornady manual has a section dedicated to the Garand right after the regular '06 loads. IIRC it is the 7th ed, which is on clearance right now on Amazon for a song. Might be worth the price..

Good luck; I'm turning green here... I've always wanted a Garand!!

 

[1Shot]

An extremely great deer killing round in the M1 Garand is either 46 grs IMR 4064 or 47 grs IMR 4895 WITH COMMERCIAL CASES and the 165 Sierra HPBT Game King. The only primer I would not use is a Federal. I personally have had slam fire and double and triple fire with Federal 210M primers. Never had any problems with CCI-BR2 or any other make primer.

My match load that I use is this: 48 grs IMR 4895, L.C. Match cases, CCI-BR2 primer, 155 gr Nosler custom competition bullet, OAL 3.334 and I use a Lee Factory Crimp Die on all loads. It is a tack driver in my 1952 all matching Springfield.

 

[ScreaminEagle]

Never try to go for max load in a Garand! Start LOW and work up till they will function in the gun, then don't go much farther. Most Garands like 150grain whatevers. Use IMR 4895. If you get an adjustable gas port you may run higher pressures, but don't unless you get one!

In that case never shoot surplus ammo in it either. :roll:

You're right I have no idea what I am talking about!