Garand load info.

[Jeremy2171]

Some garand reloading info I've found in my notes. I'll post more as dig deeper.

Test rifle had a like new VAR barrel on it and it shoots REALLY well.
Velocity reading at ~15ft.

168/175grn loads:
Varget 48.0 2700fps.
BLC-2 49.0 2750fps
I4320 48.5 2750fps
I4064 48.0 2690fps
I4895 47.0 2685fps
I3031 46.0 2780fps

150/155gr loads:
Varget 49.0 2900fps
BLC-2 50.0 2810fps
I4320 52.0 2930fps
I4064 52.0 2960fps
I4895 50.0 2910fps
I3031 49.0 2975fps

Just for giggles...the Hornady MAX load for the 150gr garand.
Varget 46.2 2634fps. 200fps SLOW according to milspec!

Thats why Hornady garand data is junk and I don't recommend it.

 

[Show Me]

Some garand reloading info I've found in my notes. I'll post more as dig deeper.

Test rifle had a like new VAR barrel on it and it shoots REALLY well.
Velocity reading at ~15ft.

168/175grn loads:
Varget 48.0 2700fps.
BLC-2 49.0 2750fps
I4320 48.5 2750fps
I4064 48.0 2690fps
I4895 47.0 2685fps
I3031 46.0 2780fps

150/155gr loads:
Varget 49.0 2900fps
BLC-2 50.0 2810fps
I4320 52.0 2930fps
I4064 52.0 2960fps
I4895 50.0 2910fps
I3031 49.0 2975fps

Just for giggles...the Hornady MAX load for the 150gr garand.
Varget 46.2 2634fps. 200fps SLOW according to milspec!

Thats why Hornady garand data is junk and I don't recommend it.

How is the load data junk

 

[Soonerpesek]

How is the load data junk

Because HE is THE Garand load expert..................................just wait, he'll tell you...........................................................

 

[1KPerDay]

Hornady Garand data is definitely on the conservative side.

 

[Show Me]

Hornady Garand data is definitely on the conservative side.

Hodgdon is very good and sometimes unrepeatable at times. Hornady is very repeatable.

 

[Show Me]

Because HE is THE Garand load expert..................................just wait, he'll tell you...........................................................

Well if authenticity of the somewhat reliable testing methods is his thing that's cool. For me function and accuracy is my thing. Protecting my carefully sized expensive brass with sensible loads is mine. Hotter loads might help for competition. Our little club isn't a competition. My mostly new m1 uses a milder load than my well used model. 48 gr of varget is easy on brass but not easy to find this summer. More talk about technical m1A reloading is welcome because not much talk around here

 

[Charlie98]

Thats why Hornady garand data is junk and I don't recommend it.

And, again, I don't see how safe, tested data is junk. It is not hunting data, it's target data... just like target velocity handgun data, vs JHP/JSP defense or hunting data. It all depends on what you want to do.

My standard Garand load is 47grn IMR4895, under any ~150grn FMJ... it's a nice, easy shooting load that doesn't beat me or the rifle up, and if all I'm killing is paper or a steel plate, do I really need to push 60K psi???

 

[Charlie98]

168/175grn loads:
Varget 48.0 2700fps.
BLC-2 49.0 2750fps
I4320 48.5 2750fps
I4064 48.0 2690fps
I4895 47.0 2685fps
I3031 46.0 2780fps

150/155gr loads:
Varget 49.0 2900fps
BLC-2 50.0 2810fps
I4320 52.0 2930fps
I4064 52.0 2960fps
I4895 50.0 2910fps
I3031 49.0 2975fps

Also, FWIW, that load data mimics the old NRA recommendations for the M1... although my version doesn't have velocity data.

 

[dh1633pm]

My standard Garand load is 47grn IMR4895, under any ~150grn FMJ... it's a nice, easy shooting load that doesn't beat me or the rifle up, and if all I'm killing is paper or a steel plate

Same load that I use in my Garand. The rifle is old and I want to keep it around for a while. Doesn’t mean someone can’t load their Garand however they like. It’s a load that works for me.

 

[Show Me]

While we are comparing our M1 Garand loads my fav special load is A 4064 46.5gr. Now where did that come from?

 

[Jeremy2171]

Also, FWIW, that load data mimics the old NRA recommendations for the M1... although my version doesn't have velocity data.

correct... its further confirmation that Hornady is very conservative. Many people say that Hornaday is "the garand data". It's not.

If you want to shoot mild loads...go ahead. However I and many others load to milspec +/- or so for accuracy.

It also is confirmation that there is no 2700fps (or whatever) velocity limit on the garand.

 

[Remington1911]

I know my garand load is varget, I want to say it was 46.3, but I don't remember for sure.

I know it is in that ball park, and the rifle will run.

I have used that loading in CMP matches and done OK. I don't think the loading held me back.

It seems that some people think unless a load is bouncing off the red line, or a perfect match for the ____________ loading don't bother.

In something that is knocking on the door of 100 years old I don't think I want to push them very hard, what is the point.

Also at this stage if I choose to hunt with a 3006 I sure as hell don't want to lug something that is as heavy as a garand, and more importantly costs as much as one does now. Mine is a total beater but I would cry at every scuff I made on it in the woods.

 

[Charlie98]

correct... its further confirmation that Hornady is very conservative. Many people say that Hornaday is "the garand data". It's not.

If you want to shoot mild loads...go ahead. However I and many others load to milspec +/- or so for accuracy.

It also is confirmation that there is no 2700fps (or whatever) velocity limit on the garand.

That would be correct... Hornady data is 'conservative,' not junk.

I don't think velocity is a prerequisite for accuracy.... but I appreciate your permission to go ahead to continue with what I've been loading for 25+ years for my Garand, I'll be able to sleep better tonight.

 

[Chief TC]

Some garand reloading info I've found in my notes. I'll post more as dig deeper.

Test rifle had a like new VAR barrel on it and it shoots REALLY well.
Velocity reading at ~15ft.

168/175grn loads:
Varget 48.0 2700fps.
BLC-2 49.0 2750fps
I4320 48.5 2750fps
I4064 48.0 2690fps
I4895 47.0 2685fps
I3031 46.0 2780fps

150/155gr loads:
Varget 49.0 2900fps
BLC-2 50.0 2810fps
I4320 52.0 2930fps
I4064 52.0 2960fps
I4895 50.0 2910fps
I3031 49.0 2975fps

Just for giggles...the Hornady MAX load for the 150gr garand.
Varget 46.2 2634fps. 200fps SLOW according to milspec!

Thats why Hornady garand data is junk and I don't recommend it.

I just shot mine this past Friday. Hornady data has been useful but it is conservative on max loads. In my rifle using 168s, 48gr of Varget or IMR4064 shoot like junk. Mine likes 46ish grains of Varget and 47ish grains of AA4064. IMR4064 and IMR3031 do not perform as well as Varget and AA4064 and Varget performs the best.

 

[Show Me]

Some garand reloading info I've found in my notes. I'll post more as dig deeper.

Test rifle had a like new VAR barrel on it and it shoots REALLY well.
Velocity reading at ~15ft.

168/175grn loads:
Varget 48.0 2700fps.
BLC-2 49.0 2750fps
I4320 48.5 2750fps
I4064 48.0 2690fps
I4895 47.0 2685fps
I3031 46.0 2780fps

150/155gr loads:
Varget 49.0 2900fps
BLC-2 50.0 2810fps
I4320 52.0 2930fps
I4064 52.0 2960fps
I4895 50.0 2910fps
I3031 49.0 2975fps

Just for giggles...the Hornady MAX load for the 150gr garand.
Varget 46.2 2634fps. 200fps SLOW according to milspec!

Thats why Hornady garand data is junk and I don't recommend it.

What's the point of this. Not much useful info bouncing around here. Not surprising since people have been target and competition shooting the old rifles for how many years. If anyone thinks their way is the only way they only want to hear themselves yack like a pair of neighbors I have that we wave to but don't dare to stop and chat

 

[Random 8]

0 - 0	89 - 1	95 - 2	97 - 3	0 - 0	84 - 1	818 - 14
	Garand Match	88 - 1	91 - 3	0 - 0	83 - 0	0 - 0	0 - 0	0 - 0	0 - 0	0 - 0	0 - 0	0 - 0	0 - 0	262 - 4
	Springfield Match	0 - 0	0 - 0	0 - 0	0 - 0	97 - 1	94 - 2	0 - 0	89 - 1	0 - 0	0 - 0	0 - 0	0 - 0	280 - 4

Yep, Junk Hornady data. Junk Hornady bullets too. 46 of IMR 4064 and a Hornady 168. Had a sight issue with the M1 in slow prone. Got it mostly corrected by RF, but my zero was a half ring off. I just suck a bit at offhand. It's not the loads!

 

[Jeremy2171]

I don't think velocity is a prerequisite for accuracy.... but I appreciate your permission to go ahead to continue with what I've been loading for 25+ years for my Garand, I'll be able to sleep better tonight.

If you want to post snarky comments, I guess...go ahead. If it makes you feel better. However this post wasn't for you nor was it telling you what to do. If you don't like the post feel to scroll past and not comment.

 

[Jeremy2171]

Yep, Junk Hornady data. Junk Hornady bullets too. 46 of IMR 4064 and a Hornady 168. Had a sight issue with the M1 in slow prone. Got it mostly corrected by RF, but my zero was a half ring off. I just suck a bit at offhand. It's not the loads!

My loads NOT using the junk hornady data are about 15 pts higher than yours in the garand.

It's "partially" the loads and also the rifle and the rest the big nut behind the trigger.


Again the point was that some people claim Hornady data to be "it" and not to exceed etc. This post shows that claim is indeed false.

 

[DanK3Pos]

Well if authenticity of the somewhat reliable testing methods is his thing that's cool. For me function and accuracy is my thing. Protecting my carefully sized expensive brass with sensible loads is mine. Hotter loads might help for competition. Our little club isn't a competition. My mostly new m1 uses a milder load than my well used model. 48 gr of varget is easy on brass but not easy to find this summer. More talk about technical m1A reloading is welcome because not much talk around here

Varget was all over the place a few days ago. 8lb jugs at Midsouth and Powder Valley right now.

 

[Charlie98]

If you want to shoot mild loads...go ahead. However I and many others load to milspec +/- or so for accuracy.

If you want to post snarky comments, I guess...go ahead. If it makes you feel better. However this post wasn't for you nor was it telling you what to do. If you don't like the post feel to scroll past and not comment.

So.... you quote me, and then tell me you aren't telling me what to do. Ok, boss man.

In all seriousness, you have good information... your previous posts have brought me around to the idea that the .30-06 M1 loads can be, well, .30-06 loads... and that's all well and good. But you cannot seem to break free of this idea that lesser data (Hornady Service Rifle) is somehow abhorrent, or those of us who don't load to max are not reaching the full potential of the Garand, and are to be ridiculed. It's not your data, it's how you try to bludgeon everyone to death with it.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

So.... you quote me, and then tell me you aren't telling me what to do. Ok, boss man.

In all seriousness, you have good information... your previous posts have brought me around to the idea that the .30-06 M1 loads can be, well, .30-06 loads... and that's all well and good. But you cannot seem to break free of this idea that lesser data (Hornady Service Rifle) is somehow abhorrent, or those of us who don't load to max are not reaching the full potential of the Garand, and are to be ridiculed. It's not your data, it's how you try to bludgeon everyone to death with it.

We’ve all had “that” professor. The one who teaches a simple subject but does it so badly that it becomes a “washout class.” The college tolerates them (typically because they have tenure or something juicy on the Dean) but doesn’t fund them above bare minimum. They’re walking egos with raging BO but you have to take their class to complete your major. Hold your nose and use the cheat sheet and ignore the source of irritation. It’s all there is to it.
I have two Garand loads, both are pretty conservative: 47gr of IMR 4895 under a Remington 150gr FMJ and 48gr of IMR 4064 under a 180gr Sierra HPBT Match. Neither one of those loads is going to beat up my rifles. I really don’t care what anyone else is shooting.

 

[Laphroaig]

We’ve all had “that” professor. The one who teaches a simple subject but does it so badly that it becomes a “washout class.” The college tolerates them (typically because they have tenure or something juicy on the Dean) but doesn’t fund them above bare minimum. They’re walking egos with raging BO but you have to take their class to complete your major. Hold your nose and use the cheat sheet and ignore the source of irritation. It’s all there is to it.
I have two Garand loads, both are pretty conservative: 47gr of IMR 4895 under a Remington 150gr FMJ and 48gr of IMR 4064 under a 180gr Sierra HPBT Match. Neither one of those loads is going to beat up my rifles. I really don’t care what anyone else is shooting.

There is no reason to push it with these old rifles, unless you're going to try and retake Pork Chop Hill. Mine all shoot pretty well with milder loads.

 

[Dane R. Marley]

I am a member of the Pa Firearms Owners Forum, (PAFOA.com), and I posted a picture of my new M1 Garand along with some Ammo that I bought. A fellow member of the board sent me the following advice. It is very interesting and I may try it on several 100 rds. My new M1 Garand is a prewar M1 with a SA 5 44 dated barrel. I also got a cut down 1944 dated bayonet with a Danish Scabbard in the deal.

In a half hour you could be at Kimberton Fish & Game, they have 100yd Garand matches.
In an hour you can be at Langhorne Rod and Gun and shoot your Garand in their 100yd high power rifle matches.
Branch Valley Trap & Field has some 100yd service rifle matches, about an hour drive.

Regarding your M1 ammo, since you mentioned you reload so you’ll have the tools and knowledge…

Measure the over-all length of a batch of M2 Ball that you plan to shoot. Find the shortest round and set the seat die to seat the bullet .002 deeper. This breaks the tar seal, softens the crimp, and uniforms the seating depth of all rounds.
The tar seal is not uniform and so the rounds are released at different pressures when fired, the same goes for the crimp. Your seating depth is uniformed so that the jump from the brass to the rifling is now the same for all rounds. With the bullets released at the same point on the pressure curve and the jump distance uniformed. You should notice about ½ MOA increase in accuracy or you could think of it like this: your tight 9’s have just become wide 10’s on the target.

For important matches, do this…
Convert M2 Ball into match ammunition, AKA Mexican Match ammo.

1 Seat the ball a bit deeper to break the tar seal and loosen the neck crimp.

2 Pull the 147gr M2 bullet with a collet puller. Doing #1 makes #2 much easier.

3 Dump the powder into individual small Dixie cups to reuse later.

4 Brush out neck area with wire bore brush to remove the tar sealant from the case neck. Doing this, keeps the tar from gumming up your size die.

5 Full length size the case with the decapping pin removed from the die to retain the military primer, straighten out any bent necks, and bump the shoulder to your specs.

6 Trim to uniform length, deburr, and chamfer.

7 Dump the powder charge back in the case.

8 Seat a 150 grain hollow point match or a quality soft point hunting bullet on top. Any hunting bullet is far superior to the military Ball. Their bullet is the weak link in military ammo.

9 Tumble the rounds to remove the sizing lube. Many say not to tumble like ammo. All manufacturers do it so their rounds look like gems when you open the box so you want to buy more of their ammo. Lastly, 10 minutes in a tumbler is no were near as bad as a two hour ride in the back of a 2.5T army truck.

I‘ve won medals at the CMP Nationals with Mexican Match Ammo.

Good luck with your new rifles.

Frank

 

[Chief TC]

My loads NOT using the junk hornady data are about 15 pts higher than yours in the garand.

It's "partially" the loads and also the rifle and the rest the big nut behind the trigger.


Again the point was that some people claim Hornady data to be "it" and not to exceed etc. This post shows that claim is indeed false.

I think the issue is you using finite language in saying Hornady load data is junk. We all know they are a good company and put out good products. Are their maximum loads conservative? Absolutely. But max loads are not always the best. And most reloaders use multiple sources of data. Accurate, Hodgdon, Lyman and Hornady all give me different info. My M1 Garand performs best with 46ish of Varget and 48 is junk. We all know Hornady is good stuff, so maybe avoid using finite terms.

 

[Show Me]

If you want to post snarky comments, I guess...go ahead. If it makes you feel better. However this post wasn't for you nor was it telling you what to do. If you don't like the post feel to scroll past and not comment.

Just saw this. Your wrong. If you don't like HIS post feel free to scroll on by. You put your comments out for all so take it like a man. Who do you think you are. I call malarkey on you. Just scroll on by.