tlend
Member
I have plenty of load data for .308, and even some "pet" loads for bolt rifle, but I recently bought a M1A SOCOM and I can't wait to see what its capabilities are with some handloads. Does anyone have any experience loading for the shorter barrel? I got loads of IMR 4895, so I'll probably start there, but do I need a faster burn rate in a short barrel or does it not make a difference? I'm still thinking 150gr/168gr range, but let me know if there is something the "shorty" likes better. My handloading experience stops with handguns/bolt rifles, and I've never loaded for a gas operated firing system so I guess I'm just looking for any unknowns or other things I need to be careful of (that's where all of you come in 
). My understanding is that Springfield did a lot more than just chop the barrel off, and that there was a good bit of engineering involved with shortening the gas system.
My plan is to start with one of my pretty standard .308 loads for 24" barrel, and then cut the powder back little by little to observe the changes.
*Please no 7.61x51 NATO / .308 differences etc... that horse has been beat to death in multiple threads, just looking for folks with actual experience loading for short barreled semi-autos for anything that could help a newbie out.
thanks in advance!
). My understanding is that Springfield did a lot more than just chop the barrel off, and that there was a good bit of engineering involved with shortening the gas system. My plan is to start with one of my pretty standard .308 loads for 24" barrel, and then cut the powder back little by little to observe the changes.
*Please no 7.61x51 NATO / .308 differences etc... that horse has been beat to death in multiple threads, just looking for folks with actual experience loading for short barreled semi-autos for anything that could help a newbie out.
thanks in advance!
