.30-06 M1 powder ?

tom234 · November 19, 2008, 02:05 AM

Darn, I waited too long and my the IMR4895 powder I bought and stockpiled in 1976 has deteriorated and gone Kaput….

Since spherical powders work best in my RL550B I've been looking at AA2450 and 2520 but the only experience I have it with IMR4895. What's are the current powder options and experience for the M1 ? I'll be loading 168 gr. Sierra International bullets.

Sam06 · November 19, 2008, 03:02 AM

I would go get some more IMR 4896 but below are some powders you can sub for it. I get my bulk powder from this site: http://gibrass.com/gunpowder.html

There are published loads for the M1 with the powders below and they will work. I have tried 3031 also with out very good luck and keep coming back to IMR 4895. I miss those metal cans

Varget
H4895
IMR 4064

rg1 · November 19, 2008, 04:24 AM

A lot of shooters say IMR 4064 is more accurate with 168 gr loads. I use only IMR 4895 for all my loads though.

**Unclenick** · November 19, 2008, 09:12 AM

Which powder works better is a matter of barrel timing of loads that varies in individual guns. If your old powder died, it makes a serviceable lawn fertilizer. If you are looking for new powder, you might want a copy of the Hornady load manual which has a separate section just for the M1 Garand.

Even the 4895's don't fill the the .30-06 case well for the bullet weight you want to use. The ball powders generally have even greater bulk density, so they tend to leave even more empty space, which is not best for accuracy.

I'll add the warning that your 168 grain SMK's will start to tumble at around 700 yards. If you decide to try any long range shooting with that rifle, develop a load with the newer 175 grain SMK design. It doesn't easily lose stability dropping through the high drag transonic range.

crowbeaner · November 19, 2008, 05:32 PM

If you want to use ball powder with your 168 MKs, try 46.5 of BLC2; this will operate the action and not beat up the op rod. I use 48.0 of WW 748 or BLC2 with the 150 grain M2 ball bullet, and these loads work great.

November 19, 2008, 02:05 AM	#1
tom234 Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 753	.30-06 M1 powder ? Darn, I waited too long and my the IMR4895 powder I bought and stockpiled in 1976 has deteriorated and gone Kaput…. Since spherical powders work best in my RL550B I've been looking at AA2450 and 2520 but the only experience I have it with IMR4895. What's are the current powder options and experience for the M1 ? I'll be loading 168 gr. Sierra International bullets.

November 19, 2008, 03:02 AM	#2
Sam06 Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: Fayettenam Posts: 1,086	I would go get some more IMR 4896 but below are some powders you can sub for it. I get my bulk powder from this site: http://gibrass.com/gunpowder.html There are published loads for the M1 with the powders below and they will work. I have tried 3031 also with out very good luck and keep coming back to IMR 4895. I miss those metal cans Varget H4895 IMR 4064 __________________ The two most abundant elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity.

November 19, 2008, 09:12 AM	#4
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	Which powder works better is a matter of barrel timing of loads that varies in individual guns. If your old powder died, it makes a serviceable lawn fertilizer. If you are looking for new powder, you might want a copy of the Hornady load manual which has a separate section just for the M1 Garand. Even the 4895's don't fill the the .30-06 case well for the bullet weight you want to use. The ball powders generally have even greater bulk density, so they tend to leave even more empty space, which is not best for accuracy. I'll add the warning that your 168 grain SMK's will start to tumble at around 700 yards. If you decide to try any long range shooting with that rifle, develop a load with the newer 175 grain SMK design. It doesn't easily lose stability dropping through the high drag transonic range. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

November 19, 2008, 05:32 PM	#5
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	If you want to use ball powder with your 168 MKs, try 46.5 of BLC2; this will operate the action and not beat up the op rod. I use 48.0 of WW 748 or BLC2 with the 150 grain M2 ball bullet, and these loads work great. __________________ If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk. Beware the man that only owns one gun; he probably knows how to use it. I just hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.

November 19, 2008, 04:24 AM	#3
rg1 Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2001 Posts: 1,125	A lot of shooters say IMR 4064 is more accurate with 168 gr loads. I use only IMR 4895 for all my loads though.