Reload velocity?

dodgeman · 10-13-2009, 02:03 PM

I'm going to soon start reloading for my M1 Garand. I'm wondering what sort of velocity I should shoot for. I plan on reloading 150 grain bullets and I figure a Garand would give close to the velocity a reloading manual gives, maybe just a little bit less. I'm mainly want the gun to function well without any undue wear and I am not looking for getting the most velocity possible.

twtalbot · 10-13-2009, 07:08 PM

Get a Hornady 7th edition manual. It lists loads specifically tuned for the M1 rifle. With H335, N-135, and IMR 4064 (not listed in that manual but still M1 safe) it's easy to duplicate M2 loads.

jerry · 10-13-2009, 07:33 PM

Hello from Peoria area Sir.

Take above advice and concentrate more on pressures than velocity. I have some Garand data I can post up later. It's on my work puter.

dodgeman · 10-13-2009, 11:37 PM

I've got a Hornaday manual but its several years old, maybe as many as 12 years old. I know pressure is the ultimate limit of any reload. The way I'm looking at it, I will have a set bullet weight, and I have to start somewhere for a load, and I thought I would try for a certain velocity that would allow the rifle to function. I guess I'm looking for a velocity as the starting point for a reload that will make the rifle function without undo wear.

I would apprecitate any data you have.

M14man · 10-13-2009, 11:42 PM

Choose one of the approved powders..IMR 4895, IMR 4064, H4895 etc; and stay close to 2700 fps. That should work fine.....I use 47 grains of IMR 4895 and it functions my Garands.

Mooseman684 · 10-13-2009, 11:43 PM

The U.S. Govt specs for M2 Ball ammo was 50.0 Grains of IMR4895...This was for a 147 to 150 grain FMJ Ball projectile at 2740 fps @ 78 ft from the muzzle...
Rich

dmazur · 10-26-2009, 11:05 PM

Quote:

I know pressure is the ultimate limit of any reload.

True enough, but the Garand has another presssure limit, and that one is associated with the operating rod. (It's actually a pressure/time limit, because you have to limit the amount of energy you kick the rod with or you'll bend it, or batter the receiver into cracking, or both...)

The Garand action was tested to the point of cracking one of the bolt lugs at some ridiculous pressure (70,000 psi?) and then was used to fire several thousand rounds past that point. It isn't the action you have to worry about.

As others have mentioned, look up Garand-specific load data. This will show powders which have the correct burn rate to protect the op-rod. Velocities which duplicate military ammo are typically around 2700 fps, I believe.

You can work with slower powders (and typical .30-06 commercial ammo, not "light magnum" stuff) by swapping the gas cylinder lock screw for an adjustable one. This doesn't perform magic, but it does allow for slower powders by venting excess pressure. You have to start wide open and adjust smaller until the op-rod just cycles reliably. That's the adjustment for that powder/bullet combination. If you change loads, you have to adjust all over again.

The Garand is a terrific rifle, but the op-rod is its Achille's heel. Long and slender, it is easily bent...

twtalbot · 10-27-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmazur

...The Garand is a terrific rifle, but the op-rod is its Achille's heel. Long and slender, it is easily bent...

The Garand was a pioneering rifle. It broke new ground in previously uncharted territory. At that time, it was believed that a gas port must be as close to the muzzle as possible, resulting in that long op rod.

Full MeTal Jack · 10-29-2009, 10:41 PM

This load has been exceptional in my Garands
168 Sierra HPBT
CCI 200 Primer
46 grains of !MR 4064
Remington Brass

Welcome Dodgeman
I too own a Dodge. 2008 1500 Quadcab 5.7 Hemi with the extras. Love it.

10-13-2009, 02:03 PM	#1
dodgeman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Macomb, Illinois Posts: 20	Reload velocity? I'm going to soon start reloading for my M1 Garand. I'm wondering what sort of velocity I should shoot for. I plan on reloading 150 grain bullets and I figure a Garand would give close to the velocity a reloading manual gives, maybe just a little bit less. I'm mainly want the gun to function well without any undue wear and I am not looking for getting the most velocity possible.

10-13-2009, 07:08 PM	#2
twtalbot Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 424	Get a Hornady 7th edition manual. It lists loads specifically tuned for the M1 rifle. With H335, N-135, and IMR 4064 (not listed in that manual but still M1 safe) it's easy to duplicate M2 loads. __________________ My rifle and pistol are only tools. I am the weapon.

10-13-2009, 11:43 PM	#6
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness. Unit 13 Posts: 11,307 Images: 2	The U.S. Govt specs for M2 Ball ammo was 50.0 Grains of IMR4895...This was for a 147 to 150 grain FMJ Ball projectile at 2740 fps @ 78 ft from the muzzle... Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!
	1 members found this post helpful.

10-29-2009, 10:41 PM	#9
Full MeTal Jack Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 1,914 Images: 6	This load has been exceptional in my Garands 168 Sierra HPBT CCI 200 Primer 46 grains of !MR 4064 Remington Brass Welcome Dodgeman I too own a Dodge. 2008 1500 Quadcab 5.7 Hemi with the extras. Love it. __________________ Guns and cameras don't mix Last edited by Full MeTal Jack; 10-29-2009 at 10:43 PM.
	1 members found this post helpful.

10-13-2009, 07:33 PM	#3
jerry Short Time Shirt Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 13,228 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	Hello from Peoria area Sir. Take above advice and concentrate more on pressures than velocity. I have some Garand data I can post up later. It's on my work puter.

10-13-2009, 11:37 PM	#4
dodgeman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Macomb, Illinois Posts: 20	I've got a Hornaday manual but its several years old, maybe as many as 12 years old. I know pressure is the ultimate limit of any reload. The way I'm looking at it, I will have a set bullet weight, and I have to start somewhere for a load, and I thought I would try for a certain velocity that would allow the rifle to function. I guess I'm looking for a velocity as the starting point for a reload that will make the rifle function without undo wear. I would apprecitate any data you have.

10-13-2009, 11:42 PM	#5
M14man Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: FLA Posts: 1,162 Images: 10	Choose one of the approved powders..IMR 4895, IMR 4064, H4895 etc; and stay close to 2700 fps. That should work fine.....I use 47 grains of IMR 4895 and it functions my Garands.