[jbpmidas]

I want to go ahead and load some .30-06 for the Garand I hope to have by year's end. I hunt with a .30-06 700 so I'll be able to use the ammo either way. When looking up load data, what velocity should I look for? I load pretty light anyway. My 69 gr. AR loads are only 2650 fps. I like 165 gr. bullets for the .30-06. Is there a different weight that works better in the Garand?

 

[nonnieselman]

cant go wrong with the 168gr Amax..
I just load some 150gr FMJs in my Garand. Havent chronoed them yet but they are light loaded.

 

[captain-03]

I know I have some more data around here somewhere but here is what I have at my fingertips:

Sierra MatchKing 150gr / Powder Varget / Cases LC / Primer CCI #34 / 5 Shot Averages

46 grs = 2681fps
46.5 grs = 2707gps
47 grs = 2767fps
47.5 grs = 2806fps

Best accuracy was at 46.5 grs in my Winchester Garand.

I have also loaded the 168gr MK and have some data somewhere - IIRC, the 168gr gave me my best accuracy. Remember loading it with both Varget and IMR4895 ... let me look around here for the data tonight.

These loads will shoot OK with the Garand issued gas plug ... presssures will be within acceptable limits for the USGI Garand.

 

[jbpmidas]

So I need to try to keep 165's under 2800?

If that's correct, my factory Hornady's are there. They are rated at 2800.

 

[captain-03]

So I need to try to keep 165's under 2800?

If that's correct, my factory Hornady's are there. They are rated at 2800.

It is not necessarily velocity - it is pressure. However, pressure and velocity usually goes together. Powers like Varget and 4895 have a burning rate within the Garands acceptable pressure limits with the 168gr -- most Garand loaders keep their 168s at or below 2750fps .. I do know that Hornady does make one of two Garand specific loads ...

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=ho81170

http://www.hornady.com/in-the-news/latest-news/new-30-06-m1-garand-match-ammunition-from-hornady

Now you can buy a Schuster Plug and shot what you want to in the old gun!!

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=777146

 

[jhud]

M118, is rated for 2550 FPS.
that is a 173 gr FMJ boat tail

Most of the military load data ive seen chronographs ammo at a further distance than most of us. Add 50-100 fps if you are clocking it from 10 yards away.

2800 from 168 sounds like too much. That is 150gr speeds.

 

[Doug Bowser]

I use the following loads. I have fired tens of thousands of .30-06 ammo in Garand Rifles with these loads with no ill effects.

46 gr IMR 4895 with 168 gr Hornady or Sierra or 173 gr M72 .3o Match bullet
48 gr IMR 4895 with 150 gr Hornady soft point or 152 gr USGI .30 M2 bullet

I started shooting reloads in M1 Garand rifles in 1962.
Doug

 

[jbpmidas]

Doug, do you know what velocity you are getting?

 

[Doug Bowser]

I have never checked them with the Chronograph but the elevation come ups are the same as M72 Match with 173 gr bullets and M2 Ball.

M2 Ball is usually less than 2650 fps.

Doug

 

[jbpmidas]

I started getting my brass ready today. I don't have much .30-06 brass, but I can get started anyway. SGMJody had a few .270's, two .25-06 and on .35 Whelen. I resized them and only had a problem with 2 of them. The .35 Whelen and one of the .270's. I also found I had some Berdan primed brass. I found that out by breaking by decapping pin. Headstamp was E.D.C if I remember correctly.

Is there a way to prevent crushing the shoulder on brass when resizing (specifically .270 and .35 Whelen)? I'm thinking I may not be ably to size the case mouth down on the larger caliber.

I also need some H335 load data for a 165 gr. bullet. We looked in SGMjody's books but found none. I will be checking the internet also.

 

[SubGunFan]

I have never checked them with the Chronograph but the elevation come ups are the same as M72 Match with 173 gr bullets and M2 Ball.

M2 Ball is usually less than 2650 fps.

Doug

I always thought M2 Ball (150gr) was doing between 2750 and 2800fps in the Garand. I guess I need to get off my lazy butt and chrono some LC-67 and LC-69 M2 Ball ammo.............


.

 

[captain-03]

...Is there a way to prevent crushing the shoulder on brass when resizing (specifically .270 and .35 Whelen)? I'm thinking I may not be ably to size the case mouth down on the larger caliber..

Don't waste your time with the .270 and .35 Whelen ... I am sure there are folks that would like to have the .270and especially the 35 Whelen and would be glad to send some '06 your way ... me!!

Just let me know what you need in the 30.06 brass department!!

 

[jbpmidas]

Will keep that in mind Cap! I don't have much brass right now, so I am using what I got.

 

[captain-03]

Will keep that in mind Cap! I don't have much brass right now, so I am using what I got.

Just let me know - I can help! As for using H335, I can not find any Garand specific loading data for it. My powder charts show that it is a faster burning powder than IMR4895 or Varget. That being the case, it maybe a little too fast burning without use of a Shuster Gas plug to prevent damage to the operating rod ... Don't know for sure, but I usually stick to what I know that works without damage to the rifle ...

 

[jbpmidas]

I'll keep looking. I may have to use a different powder or the schuster plug. Have you used one? What was your experience with it?

 

[captain-03]

I'll keep looking. I may have to use a different powder or the schuster plug. Have you used one? What was your experience with it?

I have a plug but have never used it. I just punch paper with my Garands and have really never had the need to use it. Either use M2 Ball or keep my reloads within the specs.

 

[jbpmidas]

If I can't find H335 reloading data, I may get a plug. I don't really want to use another powder. I do have a little W760 and I got o get some LR primers.

 

[Reloader]

I have 70 rounds of brass you can have. I have reloaded them once when I had a Garand. Get them when you are close someday.

 

[jbpmidas]

Will do! Thank you Reloader!

 

[Doug Bowser]

The M1 rifle does not work well with 335. I would use nothing but IMR 4895. You may get the plug but I don't trust these new fangled things. Just use the powder the rifle was designed for.

Doug