Question about M72 .30 Cal Match/M 118

gman3 · May 9, 2009, 12:24 PM

I am interested in trying to duplicate the performance of M72/M118 ammunition. I have some LC 67 M72 ammunition which shoots very good in my .30-06. This is target shooting stuff, I dont hunt with this ammunition. The velocity is listed on the box as 2640 F.P.S. I have 173 FMJBT bullets and alot of LC Match brass. What I dont know is what powder was used. Does any one have info on this? I also have all the components but powder to load M-118 7.62 Nato which also shoots well in my .308. Dont know what powder that is either. Velocity on the 7.62 is listed as 2550

Thanks,
Glenn

rn22723 · May 9, 2009, 08:14 PM

One would do well with looking at Hornady Manual it has a Garand Section....
And, your best bet with 30-06 would be IMR4064 and it would be okay in the 308 too! But, the powder for that would be IMR4895.

Bart B. · May 10, 2009, 04:59 AM

Both M72 and M118 were loaded with IMR4895 powder. Muzzle velocities were taken at 78 feet. 22 inch barrels for M118 and 24 inch barrels for M72. Specs for muzzle velocity spread in both rounds is +/- 30 fps. Accuracy specs are 3.5 inch mean radius at 600 yards; about 10 inches.

IMR4064 was proved to be more accurate in both cartridges but didn't meter as uniform as IMR4895 in high speed measures used at the arsenals making the ammo.

Unless your barrel's bore, groove and rifling design and dimensions are the same as the military barrels, your muzzle velocity won't be the same with an equivalent load. But it may well have equal acccuracy.

Besides different lots of powder have slightly different burning rates. Arsenals test each lot and use charge weights needed to get pressure and accuracy within specs. There could be a one grain spread across several lots of ammo. I've weighed powder charges from both types in several lots and have seen 3/4ths grain spread.

kraigwy · May 10, 2009, 09:06 AM

I've loaded tons of loads to duplicate the M72 ('06) and M118 (308). In my M1 & Model 70 Vietnam era sniper rifle build, I found that loaded 47 grns of 4895 in LC cases, match pretty dern close to the M72 shoot in the same guns. In my Super Match M1A, 41.5 Grns of 4895 match the M118.

I use the same powder charge for 168 SMKs for Mid range (up to 600 yards) and 175 SMKs for 1000 yards.

This has been workinng in my rifles for 30 plus years. I've tried other combinations but always come back to the above listed loads.

gman3 · May 10, 2009, 03:55 PM

Thanks guys. I was having a hard time finding that info.

May 9, 2009, 12:24 PM	#1
gman3 Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2008 Posts: 408	Question about M72 .30 Cal Match/M 118 I am interested in trying to duplicate the performance of M72/M118 ammunition. I have some LC 67 M72 ammunition which shoots very good in my .30-06. This is target shooting stuff, I dont hunt with this ammunition. The velocity is listed on the box as 2640 F.P.S. I have 173 FMJBT bullets and alot of LC Match brass. What I dont know is what powder was used. Does any one have info on this? I also have all the components but powder to load M-118 7.62 Nato which also shoots well in my .308. Dont know what powder that is either. Velocity on the 7.62 is listed as 2550 Thanks, Glenn

May 10, 2009, 09:06 AM	#4
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	I've loaded tons of loads to duplicate the M72 ('06) and M118 (308). In my M1 & Model 70 Vietnam era sniper rifle build, I found that loaded 47 grns of 4895 in LC cases, match pretty dern close to the M72 shoot in the same guns. In my Super Match M1A, 41.5 Grns of 4895 match the M118. I use the same powder charge for 168 SMKs for Mid range (up to 600 yards) and 175 SMKs for 1000 yards. This has been workinng in my rifles for 30 plus years. I've tried other combinations but always come back to the above listed loads. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

May 9, 2009, 08:14 PM	#2
rn22723 Junior member Join Date: December 10, 2001 Location: Burbs of Minneapolis Posts: 676	One would do well with looking at Hornady Manual it has a Garand Section.... And, your best bet with 30-06 would be IMR4064 and it would be okay in the 308 too! But, the powder for that would be IMR4895.

May 10, 2009, 04:59 AM	#3
Bart B. Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 8,927	Both M72 and M118 were loaded with IMR4895 powder. Muzzle velocities were taken at 78 feet. 22 inch barrels for M118 and 24 inch barrels for M72. Specs for muzzle velocity spread in both rounds is +/- 30 fps. Accuracy specs are 3.5 inch mean radius at 600 yards; about 10 inches. IMR4064 was proved to be more accurate in both cartridges but didn't meter as uniform as IMR4895 in high speed measures used at the arsenals making the ammo. Unless your barrel's bore, groove and rifling design and dimensions are the same as the military barrels, your muzzle velocity won't be the same with an equivalent load. But it may well have equal acccuracy. Besides different lots of powder have slightly different burning rates. Arsenals test each lot and use charge weights needed to get pressure and accuracy within specs. There could be a one grain spread across several lots of ammo. I've weighed powder charges from both types in several lots and have seen 3/4ths grain spread.

May 10, 2009, 03:55 PM	#5
gman3 Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2008 Posts: 408	Thanks guys. I was having a hard time finding that info.