Garand load without use of a filler?

[fatelvis]

Hello all. I'm planning on using a NOE 311299 sized to .310" lubed with Speedgreen in a HXP case and Win LR primers, in my '06 chambered Garand. What powder would you use to function the action and give decent accuracy, WITHOUT the use of a filler? Any other tips are welcomed. Thanks!

[Ithaca Gunner]

I never used a filler. The boolits I've use in the M-1 were Lyman 311299 and RCBS 30-180-FN starting with 40gr. of IMR4831 and usually finding happiness with around 44-45gr. I've read some here prefer IMR4350 also.

[Tom W.]

IMR 3031 maybe? It's almost like a 30/30 load.

[ShooterAZ]

34 grains of IMR4895 should cycle the action with no filler.

[Hick]

Haven't tried 311299, but I've used 311284 (GC) with 43 grains IMR4064 and no filler. Shot fine and Cycled the action fine, but I think I could have done with a lower load. However, I haven't really explored this enough yet to be sure whether or not they will cause leading.

[ShooterAZ]

I have also used 40 grains of IMR4064 with the 311299 with good results.

[Scharfschuetze]

Start at 32 grains of 4895 (either brand) and work up until you get reliable functioning as well as accuracy. M1 rifle are often a balancing act between reliability and accuracy so the heavy boolits and the easy to ignite mid speed powders both seem to help in the effort.

That 311299 is a good choice as well as the 4895. You should find an acceptable load between 32 grains and 36 grains. My Garands shoot best when approaching 1,900 fps so I use a good hard alloy like Lyman #2 or Linotype. I normally don't use a filler.

At some point this year I've got to start burning up a caddy of 4350 powder so I may try it behind the 311299 or 311334 projectiles.

[fatelvis]

Thanks so much for the replies Gents. As far as alloy is concerned, does hardness in the neighborhood of 14, with a check sound good?

[Outpost75]

Thanks so much for the replies Gents. As far as alloy is concerned, is hardness in the neighborhood of 14, with a check sound good?

That is adequately hard if the bullet FITS and is well lubricated.

[zomby woof]

I found the 311284 to work better but the 311299 will do well. I like Varget and 4895 in the 32-34 range. You will get an increase in accuracy with filler. It should go bang without. Good luck.

[Moonie]

The 4895's were designed to function gas operated guns, specifically the Garand. I've found it works well in every gas operated gun I've ever tried it in.

[GONRA]

GONRA sez - NEVER USE "FILLERS" IN BOTTLE NECKED CARTRIDGES!
Wanna blow yer head off if you (SOMEHOW) "USE TOO MUCH FILLER"? ???

[waco]

GONRA sez - NEVER USE "FILLERS" IN BOTTLE NECKED CARTRIDGES!
Wanna blow yer head off if you (SOMEHOW) "USE TOO MUCH FILLER"? ???

Huh? I use dacron filler in bottleneck cases all the time when it's appropriate. There is no ill affect. I use .7gr of dacron when the powder fills %70 of the case or so. I do not usr filler with fast pistol powders.

[Photog]

4895 has been thoroughly test for reduced/cast loads, the Lee Manual has a whole chapter on lead reduced loads using 4895 as one of the powders.
I've used Alliant 1200r with cast loads with good success. Its a fast-ish rifle powder, same speed as 10X. It may not cycle the Garand unless you have a heavy boolit.

[mdi]

May be of some help; http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?13425-Cast-Bullet-Loads-for-Military-Rifles-Article

[fatelvis]

Well, I took your advice on using H4895 under a 311299 and it worked well. I started at 32grns, and worked my way up to 36grns, before it started functioning the action reliably. The shame is, it was most accurate at 32 grains, and groups got progressively larger as the charges went up. Scharf is correct, it is a bit of a balancing act! Lol