AA2700 for the Garand

[dh1633pm]

Much is written about the Garand and loads specific for it. I load specifically for mine preferring IMR4895 and either 150 Grain FMJ's or 168 SMK.

What I wanted to ask since I have a bunch of AA2700, if anyone loads with it for the Garand. I found some information from some that do. Of course Accurate Powders has all sorts of loads using 2700.

I know that IMR4895 is the preferred powder, but I have 8 pounds of 2700 and was interested in making some general use loads for my Garand. I did load a few up for my 1903A3 and they shot very well. I keep loads for the two separated. Garand loads in one 50 Cal can and 1903A3 in another.

My Garand is not original. After market receiver, with a new barrel and stock. The balance of the parts other than springs are GI. Its a shooting machine. Not a collector piece, although it looks like one.

So please no suggestions of other powders to use, just want to know if anyone uses AA2700 for the Garand and their experience. Thanks.

 

[cfullgraf]

Some folks say use no powder in the Garand slower than IMR4064.

Some say use no powder slower than H380.

In either case, AA2700 is slower than both.

You could get a gas relief plug such as the Schuster.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/77...s-plug-with-wrench-m1-garand-steel-parkerized

There is another one out there but I forget the name at the moment.

With the relief plug, you can run powders with a slower burn rate and even current manufacture 30-06 hunting ammunition.

The issue with the Garand is not chamber pressure but pressure at the gas port. Too high a gas port pressure will put too much strain on the op rod.

 

[dh1633pm]

Thanks cfullgraf. I have seen postings on the CMP forums that it is safe, but they never give their loads. Or course I can get them from the AA site, but I wanted to hear from users. I do have lots of IMR4895 but I use it for about everything so it doesn't last too long.

 

[cfullgraf]

To add, slower powders increase the gas port pressure in a Garand.

I err with caution with my Garands and stick with the more common powders used in the Garands. Most of the time I use H4895 but I have loads developed for a couple other suitable powders for back up.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I wouldn't. Not w/o adj. gas plug.
2700 is on the order of 4831, so it WILL bend an op rod eventually.
I've found two uber accurate loads with H4895, so probably won't ever load any thing else that could find its way into my Garands.

My b/a '06 sure does like IMR4350 and RL22, however. BT Holliow points and FMJ's for the Garands, Soft Points for the b/a.

 

[dh1633pm]

Thanks for the comments. When I search the internet I see lots of posts by people that say they use it for the Garand. I could easily get a replacement gas plug. It might be the safest way to go. Check out this posting on the CMP:

http://forums.thecmp.org/archive/index.php/t-79806.html

You can also see comments left behind on Midway on the reviews of AA2700 of those using it as their go to Garand powder.

What I am finding is most say although 2700 is slow, it is also a ball powder, its pressure curve is low enough to not cause excessive pressure in the Garand. AA recommends AA2520, AA2495 and 2700 for the Garand. I have shot AA2520 loads in mine, they work great, but one can't hardly find it anymore. I think to be on the safe side I might get a ported gas plug from garandgear.com.

 

[joem1945]

Only 4895 in any of my Garands.

 

[dh1633pm]

joem1945, H or I? So far its been either Lake City (I bought a case from CMP a while ago) or reloads using IMR4895 or AA2520.