Heavy bullet loads for Garands?

SDC · May 15, 2001, 10:15 AM

Does anyone out there have any experience with heavy bullet weights in the M1 Garand? I'm thinking up to 173 grain BTHPs, using H-414 powder, but I've heard that some powders have burning rates that can stress the op-rod. Ideally, I'd like to be able to use the same powder and bullets in my bolt-action .308s and my Garands, but is this just a pipe-dream? (PS. I'm using H-414 now for my .308s, and it meters really well, so I'd like to stick with that powder if I can.) Thanks.

Pampers · May 15, 2001, 10:43 AM

Use no powder slower than IMR 4064 in a Garand! Slower powders will have to much pressure at the gas port, and will overdrive the gas system. This WILL bend the opperating rod! Heavier bullets are also not recommended. The Garand's gas system is not "self regulating" like the M14, and many civilian gas guns. Therefore, loads must be kept within a limited range.

The 173 gr. bullet is fine. It is, after all, the bullet weight used in M72 LC Match ammo for the Garand. I use 46.0 gr. of AA#2520 with the LC 173 gr. bullets in my Garand.

Yr. Obt. Svnt.

Cheapo · May 15, 2001, 12:16 PM

I'm with Fred on this one. The M1 has been successfully used with bullets up to 180 grains and powders as "slow" as 4064, with no problems.

Some folks have used the M1 with 190-grain bullets, but that's the upper limit and beyond what I believe is wise. As stated, it's a port pressure problem.

You may want to try 748 as your powder. It has proven its worth in my .308 loads, it meters VERY well, and it also might extend barrel life by 2-3000 rounds by having a lower flame temperature.

Southla1 · May 15, 2001, 08:27 PM

H414 is too slow. 180 grain bullets on down and 4895 powder are a good combo. A good shooting load is a 147-155 grain bullet over 47 grains of 4895. Hell a lot of the Garands are older than I am..........be kind to em

. Mine is younger than I am though..........it was made in March of 1945

.

May 15, 2001, 10:15 AM	#1
SDC Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2001 Location: People's Republic of Kanada Posts: 1,652	Does anyone out there have any experience with heavy bullet weights in the M1 Garand? I'm thinking up to 173 grain BTHPs, using H-414 powder, but I've heard that some powders have burning rates that can stress the op-rod. Ideally, I'd like to be able to use the same powder and bullets in my bolt-action .308s and my Garands, but is this just a pipe-dream? (PS. I'm using H-414 now for my .308s, and it meters really well, so I'd like to stick with that powder if I can.) Thanks.

May 15, 2001, 10:43 AM	#2
Pampers Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2000 Location: In the Lost State of Franklin Posts: 482	Slow powders in the M1 Garand Use no powder slower than IMR 4064 in a Garand! Slower powders will have to much pressure at the gas port, and will overdrive the gas system. This WILL bend the opperating rod! Heavier bullets are also not recommended. The Garand's gas system is not "self regulating" like the M14, and many civilian gas guns. Therefore, loads must be kept within a limited range. The 173 gr. bullet is fine. It is, after all, the bullet weight used in M72 LC Match ammo for the Garand. I use 46.0 gr. of AA#2520 with the LC 173 gr. bullets in my Garand. Yr. Obt. Svnt. __________________ Your Most Humble & Obedient Servant Fred J. Drumheller NRA Life NRA Golden Eagle

May 15, 2001, 12:16 PM	#3
Cheapo Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 1998 Posts: 986	I'm with Fred on this one. The M1 has been successfully used with bullets up to 180 grains and powders as "slow" as 4064, with no problems. Some folks have used the M1 with 190-grain bullets, but that's the upper limit and beyond what I believe is wise. As stated, it's a port pressure problem. You may want to try 748 as your powder. It has proven its worth in my .308 loads, it meters VERY well, and it also might extend barrel life by 2-3000 rounds by having a lower flame temperature.

May 15, 2001, 08:27 PM	#4
Southla1 Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 19, 2000 Location: Jeanerette, La. Near the Posts: 1,999	H414 is too slow. 180 grain bullets on down and 4895 powder are a good combo. A good shooting load is a 147-155 grain bullet over 47 grains of 4895. Hell a lot of the Garands are older than I am..........be kind to em . Mine is younger than I am though..........it was made in March of 1945 .