M1A Reloading

sunrunner83501 · January 9, 2009, 09:43 PM

For the last 2 years I've been working up loads for my Springfield Armory M1A using different brass

I've sorted the brass; I have an ammo can of LC82 and hundreds and hundreds of others-OFV75, Federal, LC07, etc.

After weighing, trimmming, chamfering,deburring, resizing in a small-base die, removing the primer crimp and cleaning I'm reloading CCI's military primer.

I've tentatively settled on H4895 and am trying to decide on how much powder with the 147 and 150 grain FMJ bullets. It looks like 42-43 grains might work (function) best with the LC weight cases. With the OFV cases it's a lot lower because of brass thickness.

I'm seriously considering switching to 168 grain bullets to improve accuracy.

Any suggestions or experience is appreciated.

kraigwy · January 9, 2009, 09:56 PM

I've been shooting M1As, (M14s) for 30 + years. With the 168 SMK you cant beat 41.5 grns 4895, LC brass & Fed Match Primers.

I think if you check around you'll find that is the standard load for High Power Shooters using the M1a/M14s.

It equals the M852, NM round used by the millitary.

PDXGS · January 9, 2009, 11:16 PM

I've really liked the results with 168 grain SMK, Nosler brass, match grade primers CCI or federal 210M and 42 grains of RL-15.
Stepping up to 168 grain SMKs will really improve your accuracy.

sunrunner83501 · January 10, 2009, 09:12 AM

That's what I'm looking for folks, thanks. I have all winter to work on this and the 147 and 150 grain bullets just weren't working that well. I put the Springfield Armory fiberglass stock on the rifle and one of the Burris 3x9 Tactical with the Springfield Armory mount.

I'd planned on keeping things original, but my eyes at 61 years don't work quite as well as they did at 17. But then the M14 was free in 1965.

FALPhil · January 10, 2009, 09:33 AM

I really like the 168 SMKs in 30-06 and 308. But before you go that route, why not try the 155 Palma SMKs? You can drive them a little faster, and Sierra is paying very close attention to he meplats on the 155 Palma bullets. For distances up to 600 yards, they should be slightly more accurate, at least theoretically.

I have not finished my testing with them yet (I have this thing called a job that gets in the way), but initial results look so promising that I am already shopping for more of the 155s.

Here is what I am using:

Bullet: Sierra MatchKing 155 Palma
Powder: Hodgdon Varget
Charge: 45.5 gr
Primer: CCI 34
Brass: Winchester

I am testing in an M1A, FAL, and Remington bolt rifle. So far, the results are unanimous. I also want to work up some loads with Reloder 15.

January 9, 2009, 09:43 PM	#1
sunrunner83501 Junior Member Join Date: December 22, 2007 Location: In the mountains south of Lewiston, Idaho. Posts: 3	M1A Reloading For the last 2 years I've been working up loads for my Springfield Armory M1A using different brass I've sorted the brass; I have an ammo can of LC82 and hundreds and hundreds of others-OFV75, Federal, LC07, etc. After weighing, trimmming, chamfering,deburring, resizing in a small-base die, removing the primer crimp and cleaning I'm reloading CCI's military primer. I've tentatively settled on H4895 and am trying to decide on how much powder with the 147 and 150 grain FMJ bullets. It looks like 42-43 grains might work (function) best with the LC weight cases. With the OFV cases it's a lot lower because of brass thickness. I'm seriously considering switching to 168 grain bullets to improve accuracy. Any suggestions or experience is appreciated.

January 9, 2009, 09:56 PM	#2
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	I've been shooting M1As, (M14s) for 30 + years. With the 168 SMK you cant beat 41.5 grns 4895, LC brass & Fed Match Primers. I think if you check around you'll find that is the standard load for High Power Shooters using the M1a/M14s. It equals the M852, NM round used by the millitary. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

January 9, 2009, 11:16 PM	#3
PDXGS Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: Aloha, Oregon, USA, Earth Posts: 204	I've really liked the results with 168 grain SMK, Nosler brass, match grade primers CCI or federal 210M and 42 grains of RL-15. Stepping up to 168 grain SMKs will really improve your accuracy. __________________ "He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man"-HST-Rest in Peace

January 10, 2009, 09:12 AM	#4
sunrunner83501 Junior Member Join Date: December 22, 2007 Location: In the mountains south of Lewiston, Idaho. Posts: 3	M1A reloading That's what I'm looking for folks, thanks. I have all winter to work on this and the 147 and 150 grain bullets just weren't working that well. I put the Springfield Armory fiberglass stock on the rifle and one of the Burris 3x9 Tactical with the Springfield Armory mount. I'd planned on keeping things original, but my eyes at 61 years don't work quite as well as they did at 17. But then the M14 was free in 1965.

January 10, 2009, 09:33 AM	#5
FALPhil Senior Member Join Date: September 10, 2007 Location: Racoon City Posts: 934	I really like the 168 SMKs in 30-06 and 308. But before you go that route, why not try the 155 Palma SMKs? You can drive them a little faster, and Sierra is paying very close attention to he meplats on the 155 Palma bullets. For distances up to 600 yards, they should be slightly more accurate, at least theoretically. I have not finished my testing with them yet (I have this thing called a job that gets in the way), but initial results look so promising that I am already shopping for more of the 155s. Here is what I am using: Bullet: Sierra MatchKing 155 Palma Powder: Hodgdon Varget Charge: 45.5 gr Primer: CCI 34 Brass: Winchester I am testing in an M1A, FAL, and Remington bolt rifle. So far, the results are unanimous. I also want to work up some loads with Reloder 15. Last edited by FALPhil; January 10, 2009 at 09:39 AM.