Load Data for a M1 Garand

Mark Dark · October 9, 2008, 09:16 PM

I just ordered some 145gr FMJ BT M80 bullets from Widener's. I'm looking for some suggestions to reload these for my M1 Garand. While searching for some info on this, it seems CCI No. 34 primers are the way to go. What would be a good powder to use, I plan on shooting some 100 and 200 yard matches.

Thanks Mark

kraigwy · October 9, 2008, 09:25 PM

Standard load for a m1 is 47 grns of 4895, try that and work up and down abit to see what works best in your rifle. Did you come up with that primer by shooting your rifle or someone told you it works in theirs.

All rifles are differant and some like certain primers and some dont. I'd sugest getting differant primers and seeing which one your rifle likes. Mine happens to like federals. I discoverd that by trying dern near every primer out there.

But my bolt gun 1000 yard rifle (Model 70 Win in '06) Likes Remington primers.

If you are shooting matchs why not go for match bullets, 168 SMKs are good to 600 yards, I like 175 SMKs to 1000.

Guns are like people, all have differant likes and dislikes. You just have to find what YOUR gun likes.

Mark Dark · October 9, 2008, 09:58 PM

The 145gr bullets were a good buy, $249 for 2000 plus free shipping. I have only read the CCI primers were mil spec, they are harder and prevent slam-firers. I have only reloaded 45acp on my Dillon 550B. I was given a RCBS single stage with a set of 30-06 dies. It has been suggested to me to use the single stage for depriming and sizing, then use the Dillon to finish the round. I was also told to get a set of the RCBS X-Dies.

firewrench044 · October 10, 2008, 06:48 AM

My Garands like--

147, 150, 155, 168 gr bullet-- Hodgdon Varget, next best IMR 4895

175 gr IMR 4064

look at your burn rate chart and you will see what powders are in the operating range of the Garands gas system

The rule I have heard or seen over and over again is nothing heavyer than 180 gr bullet and nothing slower than 4064 powder, (op rod damage)

I have seen slam fires and the damage they can do ( receivers bolts and stocks are now scap ) with this in mind I will use only CCI # 34 primers in
ammo for my Garands, they work very well, and why take the risk!

Steve in PA · October 10, 2008, 05:32 PM

I've shot and reloaded around 3k rounds for my Garand using CCI #200 primers.

I've also done about the same in my M4 Bushmaster using CCI #400 primers.

Zero problems or issues.

October 9, 2008, 09:16 PM	#1
Mark Dark Junior Member Join Date: October 9, 2008 Location: Raynham, MA Posts: 2	Load Data for a M1 Garand I just ordered some 145gr FMJ BT M80 bullets from Widener's. I'm looking for some suggestions to reload these for my M1 Garand. While searching for some info on this, it seems CCI No. 34 primers are the way to go. What would be a good powder to use, I plan on shooting some 100 and 200 yard matches. Thanks Mark

October 10, 2008, 05:32 PM	#5
Steve in PA Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1999 Location: Northeastern PA Posts: 756	I've shot and reloaded around 3k rounds for my Garand using CCI #200 primers. I've also done about the same in my M4 Bushmaster using CCI #400 primers. Zero problems or issues. __________________ Steve

October 9, 2008, 09:25 PM	#2
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	Standard load for a m1 is 47 grns of 4895, try that and work up and down abit to see what works best in your rifle. Did you come up with that primer by shooting your rifle or someone told you it works in theirs. All rifles are differant and some like certain primers and some dont. I'd sugest getting differant primers and seeing which one your rifle likes. Mine happens to like federals. I discoverd that by trying dern near every primer out there. But my bolt gun 1000 yard rifle (Model 70 Win in '06) Likes Remington primers. If you are shooting matchs why not go for match bullets, 168 SMKs are good to 600 yards, I like 175 SMKs to 1000. Guns are like people, all have differant likes and dislikes. You just have to find what YOUR gun likes. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

October 9, 2008, 09:58 PM	#3
Mark Dark Junior Member Join Date: October 9, 2008 Location: Raynham, MA Posts: 2	The 145gr bullets were a good buy, $249 for 2000 plus free shipping. I have only read the CCI primers were mil spec, they are harder and prevent slam-firers. I have only reloaded 45acp on my Dillon 550B. I was given a RCBS single stage with a set of 30-06 dies. It has been suggested to me to use the single stage for depriming and sizing, then use the Dillon to finish the round. I was also told to get a set of the RCBS X-Dies.

October 10, 2008, 06:48 AM	#4
firewrench044 Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2007 Location: Fort Pierce, Florida Posts: 381	My Garands like-- 147, 150, 155, 168 gr bullet-- Hodgdon Varget, next best IMR 4895 175 gr IMR 4064 look at your burn rate chart and you will see what powders are in the operating range of the Garands gas system The rule I have heard or seen over and over again is nothing heavyer than 180 gr bullet and nothing slower than 4064 powder, (op rod damage) I have seen slam fires and the damage they can do ( receivers bolts and stocks are now scap ) with this in mind I will use only CCI # 34 primers in ammo for my Garands, they work very well, and why take the risk!