Heavy Bullets in M1A Revisited...

[Edward429451]

We went though a couple threads awhile back on loading heavy bullets in the M1A's. The concensus was to stay with the 175's as max or risk damage to the op rod. OK, gotcha'. (I got some 175 SMK's but have'nt loaded them yet.)

I'm finally getting back to 308's in my loading cycle and as I stood tomight in front of my bullet shelf bemusing the large amount of 180 gr 30's that I lucked into at a yard sale, it occured to me that I sure would like to use these and that (Duh), I could shut the gas system off on my M1A and shoot them to my hearts content without any danger to my op rod. I'd just have to cycle it manually as a straight throw bolt action so to speak. I could probably even shoot 200's if I wanted to.

Am I OK on this or am I missing something? That little ball valve in there is 100% shut off, correct?

 

[Edward429451]

BTT

 

[Fatelvis]

Ed, if you shut off the gas system, you can shoot any weight bullet you want out of the M1A, without any danger to the gas system. Also, you can use powders that are not normally recommended, when using the semi-auto mode. Let us know how she groups!

 

[PenHolder]

I've toyed around with the gas valve on an M1A a bit myself. (I mean, if there's a knob, switch, button, or other such pushclicknslide-gizmo for me to fiddle with, I feel compelled to see how it works!)

It is a 100% shut off; it turns your rifle into a straight pull bolt action with a poorly shaped bolt handle. While it works fine, depending on how much you plan on shooting it this way, it can really chew on the inside of your index finger. If you've got a tight chamber or less-than-shiny brass, the force it takes to extract a just-fired case goes way up, but unfortunately the teensy little operating handle doesn't give you much to pull on.

Cheers,

-PH

 

[Dave P]

Be advised: on the NM versions with the ferrule fixed to the gas cylinder, the valve won't move; held in place with a screw.

Don't quote me on that, but that is what I read.

 

[Edward429451]

Thats what I thought, off is off. I just wanted to be sure. Good I can use all those Partitions and Ballistic tips and GameKings, mmm.

My rifle is a Loaded model with match bbl but it dont have the ferrule you speak of. I've turned the gas valve on & off on it a couple times with no hangups. Its snug and smooth.

I'll let you know bout them groups.

 

[SodaPop]

I've been doing the same thing with my FAL. The myth about FALS not being accurate is being proven to be false. I've been shooting Blackhills 175gr lately and this stuff rules.

 

[uglymofo]

vented gas plug

I bought a vented gas plug from Accuracy Speaks for $25; it's probably around $40 now. Works like a champ. I've thrown almost 600 rounds of 178 AMAX at 2650fps through it without incident (and that's a STIFF load), though it took a little cautious trial and error to select the right vent to allow complete and regular cycling. No op rod problems at all. Supposedly, Derrick Martin guarantees the plug up to 200gr applications.