.308 Garand loads

[bluekouki86]

Hi guys and gals, I am new to reloading and have a few questions. I have a garand that has been rebarreled by fulton armory in .308. Its a fine shooter but I'm not sure where to start with my handloads. I've heard garands don't like modern high pressure rounds, would this be different since its a .308? I have slugged the barrel and it does take .308 bullets. Any suggestions for components? Thanks!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You need to keep the pressure at the gas port in a specific range to prevent damage to the op-rod. When the Garand was created so was the powder to load the ammo. It doesn't matter if it's 30-06 or .308, 4895 is the powder for loading for the M1 Garand. Of course now days there are a bunch of powder in the same burn rate range and they also work well like IMR4064, AA5250, AA2495 and a few others too.

I like a 150gr bullet in the M1 and I use a CCI#34 NATO primer.

 

[bluekouki86]

Awesome, thanks for the reply. I didn't want to hurt my Garand! My only missing link is the powder, but now I know what to look for.

I currently can only find 180 gr bullets with the market frenzy, so I'll try those first. I currently have Federal 210 primers, but again I am new so I haven't tried other brands.

 

[Reloadron]

Awesome, thanks for the reply. I didn't want to hurt my Garand! My only missing link is the powder, but now I know what to look for.

I currently can only find 180 gr bullets with the market frenzy, so I'll try those first. I currently have Federal 210 primers, but again I am new so I haven't tried other brands.

You really want to keep your bullets in the 150 to 168 grain weights. Use the powders mentioned like IMR 4895, IMR 4064 or similar powders in burn rate.

If with the component shortage you can't find suitable .308 bullets I can probably find some and send them your way. They would be free.

Ron

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I currently have Federal 210 primers, but again I am new so I haven't tried other brands.

In semi-auto rifles like the M1 slam fires are possible. You really don't want to use a soft primer that nis easy to ignite and Federal primers are known to be the softest. A harder primers is preferable that's why I suggested the CCI #34 NATO primers, they are rated for semi-auto ammo. I have used CCI LR primers, CCI LRM primers, Win WLR primers and CCI #34 primers for M1 ammo. They all seem hard enough but I would not use Federal primers for that application.

CCI NATO primers (#34 & #41) are hard and are magnum equivalent. If you can't find #34 primers try to find a LR Magnum primer because of the cup thickness. While slam fires are rare they are possible. It's better to be safe than, well, you know...

 

[bluekouki86]

If with the component shortage you can't find suitable .308 bullets I can probably find some and send them your way. They would be free.

That sure is kind of you, but I simply cannot accept free. I'd be more than happy to pay/trade for them.

In semi-auto rifles like the M1 slam fires are possible. You really don't want to use a soft primer that nis easy to ignite and Federal primers are known to be the softest. A harder primers is preferable that's why I suggested the CCI #34 NATO primers, they are rated for semi-auto ammo. I have used CCI LR primers, CCI LRM primers, Win WLR primers and CCI #34 primers for M1 ammo. They all seem hard enough but I would not use Federal primers for that application.

CCI NATO primers (#34 & #41) are hard and are magnum equivalent. If you can't find #34 primers try to find a LR Magnum primer because of the cup thickness. While slam fires are rare they are possible. It's better to be safe than, well, you know...

Very good info, I'm glad I asked before starting to reload this round. I originally got those primers to load 30/06 and 7.62x54r (both bolt action rifles). I do have a reloading book, and this info isn't listed under .308. Any insight as to why? I truly am trying to do the majority of my own homework, but seems I am missing something.

 

[Reloadron]

OK, I did some digging around and I have plenty of suitable .308 bullets. I can easily send you 100 EA. of 150 grain FMJBT bullets. Not a big deal at all. I'll tell you what, drop me a PM with where to send them and I'll get them out Monday or Tuesday. I doubt mailing them will cost much of anything but after you get them if you feel you want to send me something, a few bucks is fine. I retired last week and now have no shortage of time on my hands and am far from destitute.

As to the primers ArchAngelCD is right on target. The M1 Garand (as well as the M1A and other semi-auto) rifles use a free floating firing pin. When the bolt goes home the firing pin will come forward with enough force to dimple the primer. If the primer used detonates the end result is a slam fire. While this is not a common occurrence you want to take measures when loading for these rifles to prevent it. Simply put a less sensitive primer. Thus the suggestion and very good advice from ArchAngelCD.

CCI makes primers specifically for loading like this as ArchAngelCD mentions. A few other manufactures also make them. They are just less sensitive primers. Unfortunately the primers you currently have are among those with a reputation for being very sensitive making them a poor choice. Also unfortunate is that most reloading manuals do not really get into those specifics. I have loaded and shot thousands of rounds using Winchester Large Rifle and Large Rifle Magnum and never had a slam fire but we all would be remiss if we didn't cover the primer issues.

Primer seating is very important, make sure the pockets are clean, very clean and that the primers are seated below flush.

If it was not for the HAZMAT stuff involved I would send you some primers.

Ron

 

[bluekouki86]

Ok on the hunt for new primers! Congrats on retirement, I've still got 30 years to go...yuck!

You will be getting a pm in a few minutes.