M1 garand casting

[mookiie]

I am looking to start casting M1 garand loads. i was thinking about using 155 grn bullets with imr 4064. Anyone have a good load? Also would gas checks be required? Anybody have any other tips?

[mookiie]

Also how hard do these bullets have to be? For my AR I use 1 lb lead to 1 lb lino type I don't think M1 bulllets would need to be that hard what mixture do you use?

[ShooterAZ]

While you may have some success with 155 gr boolits, I think you will find that most people here are using a heavier boolit. I am using the Lyman 311299 which is a 200 grain. 1/1 1ino-lead would be ok, I use a little softer alloy and 4895 powder in mine at right around 2000 fps.

[mookiie]

Thanks I have a 180, 190, and 200 grn bullet that I can use. I was only looking at the 150 bc they say that that heavy than 150 grn commercial ammo can damage the op rod.

[ShooterAZ]

Not with cast,and not with 4895. Heavier boolits help us get reliable cycling at the velocities we are shooting.

[lancem]

I'm with shooterAZ, I'm using a NOE 311299 GC, PC over 38 gr IMR 4895. Works well in all of my M1's

[Outpost75]

You don't need heavier than the 155-grain bullet. HM2.312-160-5 with 40 grs. of IMR4064 is what I shoot in my M1. Gun is an ordinary CMP rebuild with new Criterion barrel, not glass bedded. Alloy is 5 lbs. Roto Metals linotype to 15 pounds wheelweights, lube grooves filled with Alox Beeswax, Hornady gascheck, sized .311," then entire bullet is lightly overcoated with LSStuff 45-45-10. LC cases are flared slightly with RCBS .308" cast bullet expander, I use WLR primers, 40 grs. of IMR4064 for 2195 fps.

My rebuild had new, stiff springs and required this much to cycle reliably, but if you have a smooth working, older rifle work up starting from 36 grains. One grain tuft of Dacron fiber fluffed and tucked loosely into neck also helps, but isn't absolutely necessary, these 100 and 200 yard groups shot without it.

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[zomby woof]

The 311284 works great in my M1's.

[Le Loup Solitaire]

Generally cast bullets for the garand are 170 grains and up starting with 311291. There are many favorites of heavier weight such as 311284, Saeco 301, 311299, 311334,311332 etc. with several powder combinations often 4895 or 3031. There is a fair amount of discussion about using slower powders such as 4064 or 4831 with regard to the operating rod life, but do some reading on the subject. There are many pros and cons. LLS

[1johnlb]

I shoot the Lee 155 with 34grs imr 4064, without issue. And yes you need a gas check.