30m1carbine-loads

[spispeza]

will be getting a 30m1carbine soon.anyone  load for this?would like recommendations on powder types,bullets etc..also is there any concern for operating pressure,specific powder to be used like the m1 garand,30-06.will be the first time loading for the 30m1 carbine.i plan on loading sierra 85 gr.sp,110 gr.fmj,90gr.xtps,from hornady.also will cast bullets be ok to shoot in the semi auto action?thanks

[John Traveler1]

Reloading for the M1 Carbine is pretty straightforward.  It's been a popular round for reloading since the Gov't surplus sales of the 1960's.

Stick with 110 grain jacketed bullets since the action is "balanced" for this bullet at about 1900-2000 fps velocity.  Factory duplication loads use about 14-15.0 grains of WW296, H110, or similar ball powders suitable for the magnum revolver calibers.  Hercules 2400 can be used, but it doesn't burn clean.  H110 is especially good since it was designed for this cartridge.  Don't try to hotrod this round since gun proof pressures are only about 50% more than operating pressures.

Cast bullet loads can use 110-120 grain RN or pointed bullets for reliable feeding.  The GI carbine sometimes does not feed reliably with cast bullets.  Polishing the feed ramp usually fixes that.  You will also need to periodically (after several thousand rounds) need to remove and clean out the gas piston and gas port.  Cast bullet residue tends to clog it up.

HTH
John

[jbtazgrabber]

i shoot imr 4227 only......lead or jacked.....some other powder other than h110 and 4227 may not cycle the actions.......had good luck with lee 30 carb molds.....jb

[spispeza]

thanks john traveler1 for the info. i forgot one other ?  do you need to crimp the rounds with h110,w 296i will be gettting lee dies,or should i buy the lee factory crimp die also.thanks very helpful,knowledge people on this board.not very much people i know that reload in this area.your help is very much appreciated here.

[John Traveler1]

The .30 M1 Carbine round headspaces on the case mouth, so crimping is not needed or desired, even with lead bullets.  You need tight bullet-to-case fit for feeding reliability.  You get this by full-length sizing and expanding cases to fit standard 0.308" (jacketed) or 0.309" (cast) bullets.  Set your seating die to just straighten the mouth flare (needed for clean seating of lead bullets).  A taper crimp die is nice, but not essential.  

Be sure to gage and trim cases to correct length for EACH and EVERY loading, as case stretch is significant in this caliber.  Overlength brass will prevent chambering, or leave brass "flashing" in the chamber as an obstruction.  Short cases will give gas blowback right in your face!

Be sure to inspect for loose primer pockets and discard cases if found!  This action is subject to slam-fires, and even an M1 Carbine round fired with action unlocked is a thrill that you do not need.

[ricciardelli]

5-shots at 100-yards.
Firearm: Marlin 62
Optics: Leupold 1x4
Case: Remington
Primer: Remington 6-1/2
Powder: 15.4 grains of 2400
Bullet: Sierra 110 grain Round Nose
Velocity: 2136 FPS @ 15' from muzzle

Firearm: Ruger Blackhawk
Velocity: 1703 FPS @ 15' from muzzle

[Reed1911]

And yet there are still people that think the cartridge is inaccurate just because of the M1. Good on you Steve, nice shooting.

Most of our loading of the .30 Carbine is with H110, the only time we use a faster type powder is when using the <90g bullets. Then a faster powder is needed.

[Redhawk1]

will be getting a 30m1carbine soon.anyone  load for this?would like recommendations on powder types,bullets etc..also is there any concern for operating pressure,specific powder to be used like the m1 garand,30-06.will be the first time loading for the 30m1 carbine.i plan on loading sierra 85 gr.sp,110 gr.fmj,90gr.xtps,from hornady.also will cast bullets be ok to shoot in the semi auto action?thanks

Let me know if you need Dies and brass for the .30 carbine. I sold my Ruger Blackhawk and have RCBS Carbide dies and a lot of brass and 130 loaded rounds which over half are new factory loads. I also have about 100 of the 110 gr. speer bullets. E-mail me if you are interested. Surfish7@aol.com. I will make you a great deal as long as you are in the lower 48.