November 19, 2008, 02:05 AM | #1 |
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.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 |
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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
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November 19, 2008, 04:24 AM | #3 |
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A lot of shooters say IMR 4064 is more accurate with 168 gr loads. I use only IMR 4895 for all my loads though.
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November 19, 2008, 09:12 AM | #4 |
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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.
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November 19, 2008, 05:32 PM | #5 |
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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.
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