Recommended loads for the M1-A?

BenDover · October 15, 1999, 12:01 PM

Looking for some tested loads for my new M-14 NM . It has the 1-11 twist. I want something that is accurate out to 300 yds for target shooting. Thanks ...Steve

HankL · October 16, 1999, 12:49 PM

May I recommend that you get a copy of
Hodgdon's Data Manual. They have a section
on match loads which are intended for use
in your M1A. Your gas gun will not like some of the slower burning powders which would be just fine in a bolt action. They also show loads worked up using Winchester brass vs GI.

You will find that the folks here are rathey shy about giving out specific loading data.
can you blame them?

Good luck & Good shooting!
Hank

oberkommando · October 17, 1999, 03:34 AM

Hank they are definitly shy, have emailed them for missing page in my reloading book have heard no reply or no new page in mail, book was wrapped in plastic when purchased, wouldnt have minded if page was not start of 30-06 data, some might say a rather common caliber, maybe just another complaint of mine about qc as you probably heard. Sorry about ranting.

As to loads I would recommend 150-175gr max for bullet weight, seem to remember seeing cracked m14 style recievers in shop manual caused by shooting too heavy of a bullet (190). as to powder you might want to try BL-C2. Is b for ball and LC for lake city?

------------------
The beauty of the second Amendment is that it is not needed until they try to take it. T JEFFERSON

HankL · October 17, 1999, 08:03 AM

oberkommando, I meant to say that the TFL members were shy about giving out specifc reloading data. BL-C(2) is Ball C lot 2.
It replaced Ball C that was a replacement for
surplus BB Ball. I would say that missing pages from a reloading manual would prompt me to telephone them or to speak with the seller.
The M14 was designed with 147 to 173 grain bullets in mind and powders like BL-C(2),
W-748, 4895 and 4064 are good choices. Pay close attention to all details.
Hank

JMC · October 17, 1999, 08:17 AM

I AM NOT suggesting that you use this load in your gun but it is a load that I have used with great success in my M1-A NM for 10 years. It is a safe load by all means and I obtained it from a close friend who shot many years in high power competition.

If you decide to try it you do so on your own and I assume not responsibility for your ability as a reloader.

Now, with that being said, the load.

Federal brass trimmed to 2.005"
Federal 210M primer
47.5 gr. H380 powder
Sierra #2200 168 gr. HPBT match bullet
COL 2.800"

------------------
"New Jersey... The First Communist State in The Union"

Jim

www.geocities.com/Heartland/Lake/3887/home.html

Peter M. Eick · October 17, 1999, 08:32 PM

My M1A's in general like the following recipies, but from a legal standpoint I strongly suggest you get a good load book (I use seirra and speer) and check them out yourself, I take no responsibility for errors:

I shoot federal gold metal brass trimmed to 2.005" with c-34 primers and 39.5 grns of IMR-4895. I only use seirra 168 BTHP loaded to 2.800".

good luck.

pete

Cheapo · October 22, 1999, 02:45 AM

43.0 gr. WW 748
CCI standard LR primers
Sierra 168-gr HPBT Matchkings
G.I. Match brass, or ball brass sorted to the central +/- 1 standard deviation in weight.

All assembled on a Dillon 550B using Lee dies.

2-inch 5-round groups at 200 measured yards on several occasions, using iron sights. Goes 2625 FPS at 85 F from a 1:12 twist.

Am thinking about switching to GI 173s for cheaper practice, and the new Sierra 175 for serious work.

[This message has been edited by Cheapo (edited October 22, 1999).]

richardb · October 22, 1999, 02:34 PM

I'm about to start reloading for my Springfield M1A.

Have any of you tried Accurate 2520?

October 15, 1999, 12:01 PM	#1
BenDover Member Join Date: October 14, 1999 Location: San Diego, CA. USA Posts: 51	Looking for some tested loads for my new M-14 NM . It has the 1-11 twist. I want something that is accurate out to 300 yds for target shooting. Thanks ...Steve

October 16, 1999, 12:49 PM	#2
HankL Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 1999 Location: The Sunny South Posts: 2,174	May I recommend that you get a copy of Hodgdon's Data Manual. They have a section on match loads which are intended for use in your M1A. Your gas gun will not like some of the slower burning powders which would be just fine in a bolt action. They also show loads worked up using Winchester brass vs GI. You will find that the folks here are rathey shy about giving out specific loading data. can you blame them? Good luck & Good shooting! Hank

October 17, 1999, 03:34 AM	#3
oberkommando Senior Member Join Date: September 25, 1999 Posts: 1,158	Hank they are definitly shy, have emailed them for missing page in my reloading book have heard no reply or no new page in mail, book was wrapped in plastic when purchased, wouldnt have minded if page was not start of 30-06 data, some might say a rather common caliber, maybe just another complaint of mine about qc as you probably heard. Sorry about ranting. As to loads I would recommend 150-175gr max for bullet weight, seem to remember seeing cracked m14 style recievers in shop manual caused by shooting too heavy of a bullet (190). as to powder you might want to try BL-C2. Is b for ball and LC for lake city? ------------------ The beauty of the second Amendment is that it is not needed until they try to take it. T JEFFERSON

October 17, 1999, 08:03 AM	#4
HankL Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 1999 Location: The Sunny South Posts: 2,174	oberkommando, I meant to say that the TFL members were shy about giving out specifc reloading data. BL-C(2) is Ball C lot 2. It replaced Ball C that was a replacement for surplus BB Ball. I would say that missing pages from a reloading manual would prompt me to telephone them or to speak with the seller. The M14 was designed with 147 to 173 grain bullets in mind and powders like BL-C(2), W-748, 4895 and 4064 are good choices. Pay close attention to all details. Hank

October 17, 1999, 08:17 AM	#5
JMC Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 1999 Location: FL Posts: 809	I AM NOT suggesting that you use this load in your gun but it is a load that I have used with great success in my M1-A NM for 10 years. It is a safe load by all means and I obtained it from a close friend who shot many years in high power competition. If you decide to try it you do so on your own and I assume not responsibility for your ability as a reloader. Now, with that being said, the load. Federal brass trimmed to 2.005" Federal 210M primer 47.5 gr. H380 powder Sierra #2200 168 gr. HPBT match bullet COL 2.800" ------------------ "New Jersey... The First Communist State in The Union" *Jim* www.geocities.com/Heartland/Lake/3887/home.html

October 17, 1999, 08:32 PM	#6
Peter M. Eick Senior Member Join Date: August 3, 1999 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 2,991	My M1A's in general like the following recipies, but from a legal standpoint I strongly suggest you get a good load book (I use seirra and speer) and check them out yourself, I take no responsibility for errors: I shoot federal gold metal brass trimmed to 2.005" with c-34 primers and 39.5 grns of IMR-4895. I only use seirra 168 BTHP loaded to 2.800". good luck. pete

October 22, 1999, 02:45 AM	#7
Cheapo Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 1998 Posts: 986	43.0 gr. WW 748 CCI standard LR primers Sierra 168-gr HPBT Matchkings G.I. Match brass, or ball brass sorted to the central +/- 1 standard deviation in weight. All assembled on a Dillon 550B using Lee dies. 2-inch 5-round groups at 200 measured yards on several occasions, using iron sights. Goes 2625 FPS at 85 F from a 1:12 twist. Am thinking about switching to GI 173s for cheaper practice, and the new Sierra 175 for serious work. [This message has been edited by Cheapo (edited October 22, 1999).]

October 22, 1999, 02:34 PM	#8
richardb Member Join Date: March 23, 1999 Location: Atlanta, GA USA Posts: 83	I'm about to start reloading for my Springfield M1A. Have any of you tried Accurate 2520?