Garand handload information needed

[ocabj]

I've been checking various boards and Googling, but I can't find a good source for Garand handloading info.

So far, all I have been able to conclude is to stick with IMR 4895 or Hodgdon 4895 with 150gr FMJ at 2700fps. What I am looking for is info regarding 168gr bullets (specifically Sierra 168gr BTHP). Is 2700fps with 168s still the target velocity with IMR 4895 in a Garand? Or is a slower velocity needed, say 2600-2650fps with 168 grainers?

Any and all feedback will be helpful.

 

[Amy]

You can get away with 45 grains of IMR 4895, and the CCI #34 primer with that bullet. The 168 grain Sierra Match King is a fine bullet. You may find you want to work up a bit from 45 grains, but I wouldn't go too far.

 

[Dave P]

I use 46-47 gr of either powder with 168's.

 

[Sunray]

Work up a load using IMR4064. The 168's seem to shoot it better than IMR4895. Seems to be more consistent.
One of the latest manuals gives load specifically for the Garand. Naturally, because you asked, I forget which one. Pop by the Garand forum at http://www.jouster.com/ and ask there. If anybody knows which book it was, it'll be one of the guys there. Mind you, all this stuff about bullet weight doesn't jive with my experience with the rifle. I've shot ground hogs with a 220 grain silvertip with no fuss. Not a steady diet, but nothing bad happened to anything but the chuck.
What it boils down to is that you must work up a load using the powder and bullet that your rifle shoots best. Match grade bulletrs are great, but they're also expensive. If you're not shooting matches, 165 grain bullets seem to work as well as 168 grain bullets. However, if you plan on shooting matches use the match bullet.
The original M2 152 grain ammo was increased from 2,700 fps to 2800fps to match the ballistics of the 168.5 grain AP ammo in 1940.

 

[Powderman]

I highly recommend the book "The M1 Rifle", available through the NRA for about 5 bucks. Among other things, it has a list of powders which are OK for use in the Garand. On the list, I hve seen IMR 4895 (the old standby) as well as H4895, IMR 4064, and IMR 3031. There are other powders, too.

I have had excellent results with Varget powder and the 168 grain MatchKing, as well.

If you're interested, check out www.gibrass.com. Jeff Bartlett is a first class guy to do business with, and he also sells milsurp bullets, cases and powder. He has 173 grain military match bullets in stock, as well as milsurp propellants (new and pulldown) that would make an ideal combination for your Garand.

I am working through some ball M2 bullets that I got from him. I'm using IMR 4895 for them, and they're working quite well, too.

 

[P-32]

Like many others I found IMR 4064 gave better results out of my '06 M-1. If needing to shoot SMK's I would also try the 155 gr. Plama bullet.

 

[30Cal]

The two loads I use in the M1 are 46.0grs IMR6046 and 45.5grs IMR4895. Surplus case, WLR primer, 3.325" OAL with a 168

 

[user203]

Give kudos to Jeff Bartlett, and he sells the 147 gr. Fn/Fal bullet that will substitute real well for the M-2 Ball, Very nice bullet being pushed by 4895