I need an accuracy load for an M1A scout, 1/10 twist rate

[PPD7617]

I have been working on an accuracy load for my M1A scout using 168gr A-MAX and a few different weight Sierra bullets. I like this rifle a lot but so far it's not what I thought it would be on paper.

Anybody on here have any suggested loads for a .308 with 1 in 10 twist rate?

[Peter M. Eick]

My standard for M1a's:

Gold medal brass trimmed to 2.005
Sierra 168 bthp's
c-34 primers
imr-4895 at 40.5 grns
COL of 2.800

At 100 yards, 50 shots out of a Supermatch gives you this off the bench:



good enough for me.

[30Cal]

The standard is the M852 military match load--a 168gr Sierra at 2550-2650fps. I use the traditional M852 duplicate of 41.5gr IMR4895, LC case, WLR Primer, 2.81" OAL and either the Sierra or the Nosler J4 bullet (whichever you can find cheapest--they're essentially identical--same POI for a given load). If you use 4064, 4895, Varget or any other appropriate M14 powder and push a 168gr to 2600fps, you'll be shooting a match-worthy load--about 1MoA out of a match tuned rifle. If you're not getting good results with that load, it's either the rifle or the shooter (but not the ammo). You might tweak the load to improve a little bit, but it's a pretty solid benchmark.

IME, if the rifle is tight, 41.5gr IMR4895 will work well with any bullet 168grs and less. 1:10" barrels are hit-or-miss with 150's and less--some shoot them fine, some don't like them.

FWIW, most of us who still shoot the M14 in competition don't use 168's. You'll typically see guys shoot 150's or 155's on the short line for lower recoil and the 175gr Sierra at 600yds for better wind bucking ability. I've got a 1:12" Kreiger and I'm using 41.5grs IMR4895 under a 125gr TNT for the short line and a the same load with a 168gr for 600yds (my barrel doesn't seem to like 175's).

The AMax bullet will do best when seated very close to the lands--probably longer than will fit in the magazine. They shot fine in my match rifle (a tad over 1MoA), but not quite as well as the Sierra or the J4.

The stock M14/M1A usually has a fair amount going against it--stock fit, loose components on the barrel, that sort of thing. 2-3 MoA is pretty typical for a standard rifle, even with match ammo. Scott Duff's M14 Owner's Guide has a match conditioning section. It details what you can do to tighten up your existing rifle with everyday handtools and a minimal amount of mechanical ability.

As far as shooting well with iron sights: FOCUS ON THE FRONT SIGHT!!! You'll never shoot better than about 3 MoA if you are focussed on the target or shifting focus back and forth between the target and the front sight. I have to pay attention to this on every single shot, but they payoff is that I get 1MoA or better with iron sights. Try blackening the front sight with candle soot. It makes it really stand out. And if I didn't make myself clear: FOCUS ON THE FRONT SIGHT!!!

Ty

[T. O'Heir]

"...M1A scout..." It's a marketing thing, not a target rifle. However, try working up a load with the 168 grain bullet and IMR4064.

[TATER]

T. O'Heir is right, it's a marketing thing, Minimum of 18" inch for full burn on .308

[azredhawk44]

I have an M1a scout also...

Mine is an 18" barrel. Are you possibly confusing it with the SOCOM which has a 16" barrel?

How much accuracy can I expect to gain if I change the stock on it from the standard polymer stock to a nice wood laminate and have the rifle properly bedded to it? I can feel some "flex" to the stock as I am shooting this gun and I wonder if I can get better accuracy out of it with a stiffer stock.

I currently get about 3 MOA with mil surplus 150gr ammo. I have yet to start reloading for this rifle.

Thanks for the recipes, though!

[TATER]

Yep, I was think'en 16" Sorry about that..

[PPD7617]

Thanks for the suggestions, I am gratefull.