30.06 Garand Decision.

[mrblue]

Well after searching the web for a site that still had some lee(limited supply) molds. I am looking to get input for a lee mold to use with my 30.06 garand. I kind of like the C309-160-R, but was wondering if i should go with a heavier bullet/ longer like the C309-180-R or the 200 gn one? Anyone use this mold, or use it for the ole 3006 military rifles? Mostly looking for something to plink with.

[GabbyM]

There is a sticky on loading for M1 and M14 rifles.
From what I recall 200 grain boolits work best with the reduced power cast loads.
Helps generate enough recoil to cycle the M1 action.

Few days ago Sinclair still had some AA 4064 in stock. Couple weeks delivery delay. I’m still waiting on my January 5th order here on the 19th.

[koehn,jim]

Mine does not care for light boolits, prefers the 311291 for good function.

[Doc65]

Biggest issue will be keeping the gas pressure up all the way down the barrel as the gas port(they are gas operated not recoil) is only about an inch from the muzzle. Bullet weight only really has anything to do with the cycling of the weapon in so much as it affects the pressure curve just prior to the bullet exiting the muzzle. Now which boolits in this case, it will like for accuracy is about a bunch of other factors; which barrel you have(2 groove, 4 groove, aftermarket), how much throat erosion, condition of the muzzel, etc...

[GabbyM]

With the heavier boolits you can use more and slower powder before velocity runs above accuracy range. Thus more pressure at the port with heavies. Plenty of people shooting 180’s in M1’s though. I’d go with a 200gr just for the higher B.C. if nothing else. Not much help at 100 yards but they carry long better.

Way I understand it the gas unlocks the bolt then recoil pushes it back with the help of the piston and rod. That may not be accurate though.

[Larry Gibson]

As mentioned, you'll be much better off with a heavier bullet; one of 180 = 200+ gr would be best. My "go to" cast bullet for .30 cal gas guns, including the M1A is the 311299 or the 314299, both at around 200 gr. With such, as Gabby mentions, the gas port psi with an appropriate powder will be sufficient for functioning without driving the bullet to a velocity too high for accuracy.

Larry Gibson

[Kraschenbirn]

'Nother "+1" on heavier boolits and slower powders. At one time or another, I've probably tried every .30 cal. mould I own (and I've got more'n a few) in my Garand without ANY success with boolits lighter than around 175 grs...with "successful" defined as equal or better than ball ammo groups @ 100M. Currently, I'm using the RCBS 30-165-SIL which casts almost exactly 174 gr. from my alloy and comes darn close to matching the M118 JB for accuracy from my 2-groove barrel. Before switching to the RCBS boolit, I was shooting the 200 gr. Lee which seemed to group just as well at 100M but wasn't quite as consistent @ 200M & 300M.

Bill

[mrblue]

Can anyone point me to the sticky for the m1 reloading please

[GabbyM]

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?17578-Musings-on-the-4-and-Garand

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?17615-Bob-S-s-M1-Recipe

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?3558-7-62x51-NATO-(-308-WCF)-in-the-Springfield-M1A&highlight=springfield+m1a

[mrblue]

Thanks I do appreciate this very much. I award you "one internet" for the day