Common .308 bullets for my rifles

pccraig · August 19, 2007, 05:00 PM

In order to keep myself from storing too many different types of reloading components, I'd like to ask for some experienced input into which bullet I can use for all three of these rifles.

I'll be looking at loads for acurate results from 100 to 200 yds.

7.5mm Swiss K31
1898 30-40 Krag
30-06 M1 Garand

Thank you

steve4102 · August 19, 2007, 06:39 PM

What do you plan to shoot with these rifles? You choice of game plays a big part in bullet selection. Are you looking for bullet performance, economy, long range boat tail design, accuracy etc. If accuracy is your main goal you may have to use a different bullet for each rifle. Some rifles like a particular bullet and some don't.

Crosshair · August 19, 2007, 07:05 PM

Well, for weight class, you would probably want to stick with a 150 grain bullet. Some Krags don't like Spitzer bullets though. Accuracy wise, you may be better off with different brands for different rifles.

pccraig · August 19, 2007, 08:35 PM

No hunting, strictly shooting at paper from 100 & 200 yds away.

firewrench044 · August 19, 2007, 10:05 PM

155gr Palma

Trapper L · August 20, 2007, 11:00 AM

A good common bullet for you may be the Remington Core Lok in 150 gr. Give them a look at Midway USA or where ever you buy components.

http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe...dsReturned2=20

Dave R · August 20, 2007, 11:42 AM

What Trapper said.

The K-31 and the Krag might like heavier bullets. The Swiss GP-11 round uses a 175gr. However, the Garand needs 150 gr. bullets, and the other two rifles will work fine with them.

I use 150gr. in My K-31.

30Cal · August 20, 2007, 02:19 PM

125gr Speer TNT is cheap and super accurate.

T. O'Heir · August 20, 2007, 02:33 PM

"...the Garand needs 150 gr. bullets..." No it doesn't. The rifle was designed to use .30 M1 ammo with its 174.5 grain bullet, not .30 M2. Both the rifle and cartridge love 165 grain hunting bullets and 168 or 175 grain match bullets with IMR4064 or IMR4895 and regular large rifle primers. The IMR4064 gives more consistent accuracy though.
The original bullet for the Krag weighed 220 grains, so working up a 165, 168 or 175 grain load will do nicely. These bullets will work in the 7.5 too. It's military bullet weighed 175 grains.

Crosshair · August 22, 2007, 12:01 AM

Incorrect T. O'Heir, the M1 Garand had serious difficulties with M1 ball, as the pressure curve did not work well with the gas system and early part failure was the result. M2 Ball was made specifically for the Garand.

M1 ball will work in the Garand, but it will damage parts over the long run.

August 19, 2007, 05:00 PM	#1
pccraig Member Join Date: April 18, 2007 Location: McHenry County, Illinois Posts: 20	Common .308 bullets for my rifles In order to keep myself from storing too many different types of reloading components, I'd like to ask for some experienced input into which bullet I can use for all three of these rifles. I'll be looking at loads for acurate results from 100 to 200 yds. 7.5mm Swiss K31 1898 30-40 Krag 30-06 M1 Garand Thank you

August 19, 2007, 07:05 PM	#3
Crosshair Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2004 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 5,333	Well, for weight class, you would probably want to stick with a 150 grain bullet. Some Krags don't like Spitzer bullets though. Accuracy wise, you may be better off with different brands for different rifles. __________________ I don't carry a gun to go looking for trouble, I carry a gun in case trouble finds me.

August 20, 2007, 11:42 AM	#7
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2000 Location: Idaho Posts: 6,073	What Trapper said. The K-31 and the Krag might like heavier bullets. The Swiss GP-11 round uses a 175gr. However, the Garand needs 150 gr. bullets, and the other two rifles will work fine with them. I use 150gr. in My K-31. __________________ I am Pro-Rights (on gun issues).

August 22, 2007, 12:01 AM	#10
Crosshair Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2004 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 5,333	Incorrect T. O'Heir, the M1 Garand had serious difficulties with M1 ball, as the pressure curve did not work well with the gas system and early part failure was the result. M2 Ball was made specifically for the Garand. M1 ball will work in the Garand, but it will damage parts over the long run. __________________ I don't carry a gun to go looking for trouble, I carry a gun in case trouble finds me.

August 19, 2007, 06:39 PM	#2
steve4102 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,952	What do you plan to shoot with these rifles? You choice of game plays a big part in bullet selection. Are you looking for bullet performance, economy, long range boat tail design, accuracy etc. If accuracy is your main goal you may have to use a different bullet for each rifle. Some rifles like a particular bullet and some don't.

August 19, 2007, 08:35 PM	#4
pccraig Member Join Date: April 18, 2007 Location: McHenry County, Illinois Posts: 20	No hunting, strictly shooting at paper from 100 & 200 yds away.

August 19, 2007, 10:05 PM	#5
firewrench044 Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2007 Location: Fort Pierce, Florida Posts: 381	155gr Palma

August 20, 2007, 11:00 AM	#6
Trapper L Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 804	A good common bullet for you may be the Remington Core Lok in 150 gr. Give them a look at Midway USA or where ever you buy components. http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe...dsReturned2=20

August 20, 2007, 02:19 PM	#8
30Cal Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2002 Posts: 1,264	125gr Speer TNT is cheap and super accurate.

August 20, 2007, 02:33 PM	#9
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...the Garand needs 150 gr. bullets..." No it doesn't. The rifle was designed to use .30 M1 ammo with its 174.5 grain bullet, not .30 M2. Both the rifle and cartridge love 165 grain hunting bullets and 168 or 175 grain match bullets with IMR4064 or IMR4895 and regular large rifle primers. The IMR4064 gives more consistent accuracy though. The original bullet for the Krag weighed 220 grains, so working up a 165, 168 or 175 grain load will do nicely. These bullets will work in the 7.5 too. It's military bullet weighed 175 grains.