Garand ReLoading Data?

[GrampaMike]

Is there a good source for load data for the Garand?

Just got my first one, 1943 model, don't want to mess it up.

Thanks, Mike

[Almtnman]

I have some data around somewhere, I'll have to look it up and get back with you. From what I remember though is, go with IMR 4064 as it works best in the Garand and the load can't be a max load as the Garand will not function properly with max loads. I'll try to find the info and post it back here for you.

[Almtnman]

I had got this in an email from Ed Harris several years ago...he used to write articles for "The American Rifleman".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 "SERVICE RIFLE" loads approximate the performance, and accuracy of military "ball" or "match" ammunition for target shooting over the National Match Course.  It is important that the powder
charge, bullet type, and ballistic parameters not vary significantly from arsenal ammunition, in order to ensure they function as intended in semi-automatic, quasi-military arms.
 
The ballistics of Ball M2 service ammunition, (2740 +/- 30 f.p.s.) with a 150-gr. spitzer, flatbased bullet are approximated in GI cases with a charge of 47.5 grs. of current Hodgdon or IMR 4895, or 50 grs. of IMR-4064 or Olin's W-W748.  Accurate Arms 2015BR and 2495BR are also suitable using the charges recommended by them.  In commercial brass these powder charges intended for
GI cases may be increased 1 grain.  These are fine match loads for offhand and 200 rapid in the M1 using the 150-gr. Sierra MatchKing or the new 155-gr. "Palma" bullets.
 
Prior to the introduction of the 168-gr. Sierra MatchKing, the 125-gr. spitzer was favored for 200-yd. offhand and sitting rapid-fire stages of the National Match Course.  These are highly accurate, and ideal for the reduced scale courses for use by junior shooters, to reduce costs and minimize recoil.  The charges for 150-gr. bullets, listed above, function the M1 rifle and are accurate.  They also make dandy woodchuck loads.
 
WITH 168-SIERRA OR PULLED GI MATCH BULLETS a charge of 46 grs. of 4895; or 48 grs. of 4064 or 748 approximates .30-'06  M72 match ammunition (2640 +/- 30 f.p.s).  With 168-gr. match bullets, these charges may be increased 1 grain, but if the 180-gr. Sierra MatchKing is used (a GREAT 600-yd. bullet for the M1) they should be REDUCED the same amount.  I do not recommend slower powders or heavier bullets for the M1, because heavier charges of slower
powders operate the mechanism with more force than service ammunition, and may damage the operating rod or other parts. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[patm41]

Its in your best interest and your rifles to heed the above post !!

[Blammer]

the new Hornady relaoding manuals have a section dedicated for relaoding for the Garand.

[GrampaMike]

Thanks almtnman,
Will have to make a loading manual from your information.
Yes I will heed the warning.

Thanks Blammer, will get a copy of Hornady manual.

MIke

[Almtnman]

Thanks almtnman,
Will have to make a loading manual from your information.

You're very much welcome GrampaMike! I got that info back before we used the Internet as much as we do now. Back then we used the old Usenet forums and C.E. "Ed" Harris plus several other fairly well known writers and NRA directors was on one of the foums I was on. We exchanged out a lot of very good info and I had saved some of it. The Garand is one fine and accurate rifle, one of the most accurate battle rifles made and proved itself many times over. I qualified with a M-1 Garand when I joined the Army. Back then we had to qualify on a 350 meter range. I did my qualification standing up shooting and made Sharpshooter. If I had of took their advice and either kneelled or laid down on the long shots, I would have qualified as Expert since I only needed one extra point to make that in the standing position. I just used my old squirrel hunting techniques by standing though.

You will enjoy the Garand.....I wish I had one for myself.

[Airsporter]

I use military spec primers in my M1 and M1A.

http://www.cci-ammunition.com/default.asp?menu=1&s1=3&pg=10&prod_id=30