Reduced loads for Garand

[dsdmmat]

I loaded up some Sierra 135 grain BTHP bullets for my Garand last week and shot them today. The load is 47.5 grains of IMR 4895 in all different cases (tested in groups of eight) over a CCI large rifle magnum primer. The round was loaded to 3.245 OAL.

The load shot about 5 inches higher than the 150 grain Greek surplus load, cycled my Garand and ejected the Enblocs without any issues. It was pleasent to shoot, I fired 56 of them today before moving on to the 308 and 6.5 creedmoor that I brought to the range with me. I did not get beat up by the Garand like usual. It grouped well and I was able to hold the 9 ring with several Xs at both 100 and 200. I think I have found my load for the military matches this summer.

 

[Airborneguy]

What do you think about lead bullet loads with 4198 for a Garand? I have like 400 lead 165gn bullets to get rid of and have no clue what to do with them. Was thinking light loads just to get my step father out to shoot his garand.

 

[dsdmmat]

I would not go with IMR 4198 in the Garand. IMR 3031 is about as fast as I would go. Do your lead bullets have gas checks?

 

[dsdmmat]

What do you think about lead bullet loads with 4198 for a Garand? I have like 400 lead 165gn bullets to get rid of and have no clue what to do with them. Was thinking light loads just to get my step father out to shoot his garand.

cast bullet for garand - CMP Forums

 

[Airborneguy]

They don't have gas checks.

 

[dsdmmat]

They don't have gas checks.

You could always powder coat them. Without gas checks you really should not push lead bullets faster than 1400 FPS which probably wouldnt cycle the Garand.

 

[Airborneguy]

I'm totally unfamiliar with lead except for the hundred or so from this box that I played with the no avail and the .38 Spl loads I've made.

 

[dsdmmat]

I'm totally unfamiliar with lead except for the hundred or so from this box that I played with the no avail and the .38 Spl loads I've made.

can you get a picture up of the lead bullets you have.

 

[thegatman]

A gas regulator for the Garand is my choice. It is not allowed in sanctioned matches though but for plinking allows moderate pressure on the op rod and your empties don't fly and hit other shooters.

 

[Airborneguy]

Definitely. Give me a few.

 

[ProgSpear]

A gas regulator for the Garand is my choice. It is not allowed in sanctioned matches though but for plinking allows moderate pressure on the op rod and your empties don't fly and hit other shooters.

I know this is somewhat off the OP's topic, but does anyone have experience with this product? The idea makes sense to me, and having some data to back up the claims is a novel approach to selling stuff.

M1 Garand Ammunition and the Ported Gas Plug

 

[dsdmmat]

I know this is somewhat off the OP's topic, but does anyone have experience with this product? The idea makes sense to me, and having some data to back up the claims is a novel approach to selling stuff.

M1 Garand Ammunition and the Ported Gas Plug

I do have two schuster ported gas plugs for the Garand. I have not installed them in either one of the Garands because I got them for SHTF times. I can control what my Garand gets fed now so there is no need for the protection the gas plug provides. In SHTF times I may not be so lucky therefor the gas plug will be needed.

 

[thegatman]

Works for me. I can reload with different powders and bullet weights and adjust the gas plug to function the rifle. Even shoot cast.

 

[David D]

47 gr IMR 4895 under a 147 gr Nosler Custom Comp bullet. No need for adjustable plugs. Flat shooting, mild recoil.

 

[Airborneguy]

Forgot! Here's those bullets:

 

[dsdmmat]

Forgot! Here's those bullets:

Keep those at around 1100 FPS so you don't lead the barrel.

 

[dsdmmat]

Just finished another 100 for the Garand tonight. Got about 300 to go.

 

[HighlandLofts]

WOW, there's more to what to feed a Garand then I thought there was. I have an old Springfielld that needs some rounds put through it. Friday I will be picking up 484 pieces of 30-06 brass, I need a set of dies and then pick up the bullets & powder.

Probably should have some one local clean it and see if i need to change anything. I bought it about thirty years ago and only shot it maybe two times.


I did pick up a couple of 5 round clips at the gun show.

So the Sierra 135 grain BTHP with 47.5 grains of IMR 4895 should work in this gun?

 

[dsdmmat]

WOW, there's more to what to feed a Garand then I thought there was. I have an old Springfielld that needs some rounds put through it. Friday I will be picking up 484 pieces of 30-06 brass, I need a set of dies and then pick up the bullets & powder.

Probably should have some one local clean it and see if i need to change anything. I bought it about thirty years ago and only shot it maybe two times.

View attachment 13061 View attachment 13062
I did pick up a couple of 5 round clips at the gun show.

So the Sierra 135 grain BTHP with 47.5 grains of IMR 4895 should work in this gun?

yes. I used HXP, Winchester, Federal, Remington and PPU brass in my testing of the load. they all fed and ejected and loaded another round fine. The best groups came from the HXP brass but all held the 9 ring.