Best Garand Reloading Powder

[Scott L.]

I've started to reload again. It has been some time and I have never reloaded for M1 Garand.

What is the best powder (and amount) to use for a close simulation of original M2 ammunition (150 gr FMJ, 2,840 fps) for my Garand?

Thanks.

[canes7]

Right now, it's the powder you can actually purchase!

My rule of thumb has always been for bullets 155g or less use IMR4895. For bullets larger than 155g use IMR4064. Lots of load info out there is you just look for it. A "best" powder is very subjective, you are oging to get many different responses. I believe someone started an "approved" Garand powder list. You may want to read that.

[abtex1]

I use 4895.

FYI, there is a whole subforum dedicated to this subject on here:

http://forums.thecmp.org/forumdisplay.php?f=94

[7.62 Nitro Express]

The NRA published M2/30-06 "ball equivalent" load is

50.0gr of IMR 4064 and a 150gr bullet.

or

49.0gr of IMR 4895 and a 150gr bullet.

You should work up to these levels following the procedures for load development in your reloading manual.

[juggernaut]

If I recall correctly, until the mid 80's, the IMR 4895 you bought in cans was actually surplus ww2 powder for the m2 ball. In the 80's dupont ran out of surplus and had to reformulate new powder. Has always worked well for me at 48 grs with a 150 bullet.

[ceresco]

Why duplicate M2?? One of the major advantages of handloading is to tailor your load to suit your needs. M2 Ball designed was for inexpensive allpurpose training and shooting people. Not much of that going on with M1s, these days. Good Shooting.......

[stu929]

Originally Posted by ceresco

Why duplicate M2?? One of the major advantages of handloading is to tailor your load to suit your needs. M2 Ball designed was for inexpensive allpurpose training and shooting people. Not much of that going on with M1s, these days. Good Shooting.......

Have you ever tried rl15? I only ask as everything else is sold out and I have a chance to get a handful of rl15 for a steal. I am reloading 223 and 3006 I have some 4895 but everything else in the area is sold out and I'm planning ahead.

[Calif-Steve]

Varget. Try 45/46/47gr. with a 155 Match bullet. Nice load.

[7.62 Nitro Express]

Originally Posted by ceresco

Why duplicate M2?? One of the major advantages of handloading is to tailor your load to suit your needs. M2 Ball designed was for inexpensive allpurpose training and shooting people. Not much of that going on with M1s, these days. Good Shooting.......

It is a great “go to” load. The 30-06 loaded with a 150gr bullet has been a winner for over 100 years. Moderate recoil, fairly flat trajectory, good downrange performance.

Charge an ‘06 case with 50.0 gr of IMR 4064 and pick the appropriate 150gr pill:
Hunting? 150gr spire point
Cheap plinking? 147/150gr fmj pulled bullet bought in bulk
200 yard matches/games? 150/155gr HPBT match

These loads are perfectly matched to the operating characteristics of the Garand, with an in-spec M1, you will get 100% reliable functioning. These loads will also work great in all 30-06 rifles.

What’s not to love?

[sqlbullet]

50 grains of Varget or RL-15 should deliver 2700 fps from your Garand, and be op-rod safe.

http://www.jouster.com/forums/showth...in-a-M1-Garand

I personally used 42 grains H4831 with a 200 grain cast bullet for a cheap load for many years, and recently have switched to WC-872 bulk powder. I haven't settled on a load with that powder yet but will probably land on 58 grains.

While many here are probably cringing at the abuse they think my op-rod takes with such slow powders and heavy bullets, refer to the quick-load data above for 210 grain lead bullets. The port pressure is below M2 ball with my H4831 load, and right around 10,500 with WC-872.