Replies

• Bigslug Posts: 9,875 Senior Member

  May 2012 #2

  Two sources for ya:
  
  American Rifleman's 2002 printing of their pamphlet, The M1 Rifle, collecting several articles addresses this, and lists 49 grains for the 150 grain pills with IMR4895.
  
  For additional reference with 4895, this pamphlet shows 47 grains for 165-168 grain bullets, 46 grains for 173-175 grain bullets, and 43 grains for 180 grain bullets. This book recommends reduction of loads by 1.5 grains if military headstamp cases are used (thicker brass = lower volume = higher pressure)
  
  Frank Barnes' Cartridges of the World lists the specs for M2 ball as well as a bunch of other U.S. service cartridges, and that's showing 50 grains for IMR4895. As an interesting note, it also states 50 grains for WC852 spherical powder. It also lists the same 50 grain 4895 charge for M72 match cartridge with a 175 grain bullet.
  
  I chalk the contradiction between the two sources on the 175's up to the fact that military match competitors had the base armorer standing by with a pile of parts to keep the gun constantly in match trim, so running a little on the hot side wasn't the issue it would be for you or I.
  
  For 150 grainers, then, I'd load the 50 grain regulation charge and call it good. You're gonna have to work hard to hurt a Garand with that bullet weight and that particular powder.

  WWJMBD?
  
  "Nothing is safe from stupid." - Zee

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• wddodge Posts: 1,150 Senior Member

  May 2012 #3

  Thanks much for the info. I was in a near state of panic there for awhile. That darned book has to be here somewhere..
  
  Denny

  Participating in a gun buy back program because you think that criminals have too many guns is like having yourself castrated because you think your neighbors have too many kids.... Clint Eastwood

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• snake284 Posts: 22,429 Senior Member

  May 2012 #4

  Bigslug wrote: »

  Two sources for ya:
  
  American Rifleman's 2002 printing of their pamphlet, The M1 Rifle, collecting several articles addresses this, and lists 49 grains for the 150 grain pills with IMR4895.
  
  For additional reference with 4895, this pamphlet shows 47 grains for 165-168 grain bullets, 46 grains for 173-175 grain bullets, and 43 grains for 180 grain bullets. This book recommends reduction of loads by 1.5 grains if military headstamp cases are used (thicker brass = lower volume = higher pressure)
  
  Frank Barnes' Cartridges of the World lists the specs for M2 ball as well as a bunch of other U.S. service cartridges, and that's showing 50 grains for IMR4895. As an interesting note, it also states 50 grains for WC852 spherical powder. It also lists the same 50 grain 4895 charge for M72 match cartridge with a 175 grain bullet.
  
  I chalk the contradiction between the two sources on the 175's up to the fact that military match competitors had the base armorer standing by with a pile of parts to keep the gun constantly in match trim, so running a little on the hot side wasn't the issue it would be for you or I.
  
  For 150 grainers, then, I'd load the 50 grain regulation charge and call it good. You're gonna have to work hard to hurt a Garand with that bullet weight and that particular powder.

  
  Yeah, thanks from me too Bigslug. I have a couple hundred Hornady 150 grain FMJ bullets on hand I bought to load for my Garands and I was getting inspired to load up some Garand loads, but couldn't remember the exact dosage with IMR 4895. Also, I understand that IMR 4064 will work well in a Garand. Do you have a recipe for that one too as I have both of those powders.

  Daddy, what's an enabler?
  Son that's somebody with nothing to do with his time but keep me in trouble with mom.

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• Bigslug Posts: 9,875 Senior Member

  May 2012 #5

  snake284 wrote: »

  Also, I understand that IMR 4064 will work well in a Garand. Do you have a recipe for that one too as I have both of those powders.

  
  Also from the American Rifleman pamphlet:
  
  150 grainers - 50 grains (I'm sensing a theme here...)
  
  165/168's - 48 grains
  
  173/175's - 47 grains
  
  180's - not listed

  WWJMBD?
  
  "Nothing is safe from stupid." - Zee

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• snake284 Posts: 22,429 Senior Member

  May 2012 #6

  Thanks. I personally don't care about loading for any bullet larger than 150 or possibly in the 165-168 range, but mainly the 150s. The only hunting I would do with it would be hogs. 150s will kill hogs well at around 2800 FPS.

  Daddy, what's an enabler?
  Son that's somebody with nothing to do with his time but keep me in trouble with mom.

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• DanChamberlain Posts: 3,395 Senior Member

  May 2012 #7

  I reloaded 150 grainers in my Garand and experienced some violent action. Try, even with the 150s, to replicate the velocities of the standard GI ball as the gas port is designed for that. I got cycling so violent that the weapon wanted to disassemble itself, i.t. the trigger guard opened up, the action locked back etc. When I reloaded for heavier bullets, it cycled perfectly. So if you are going to use 150s, back it down to GI spec velocities.
  
  Dan

  It's a source of great pride for me, that when my name is googled, one finds book titles and not mug shots. Daniel C. Chamberlain

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