M1 Garand CB Load question ....

Anyone loading for their Garand (30-06 chambering, not .308) using 5744 powder with hard-cast boolits for 'reduced' M1 loads that still reliably cycle the action?

If so, what type of HC boolit and weight(s) are you loading up with? How's the accuracy @ 100yds?

Load data specifics appreciated (boolit-weight, case, charge-weight, primer, COAL).

Thanks! :cool:

I only got as far as getting a load that will function through the rifle in a normal way. I did not use 5744 but Accurate 2520 in a less than full charge with Lee 311-165 pointed bullets that had been tumble lubed. They worked and hit what I was aiming at at about 50 yards. A fast powder might not have enough port pressure to trip the action until you are way over loaded. I want to repeat my load work up with IMR3031 because I have a lot of it.

200 grain bullets and 4895 worked best for me. Just keep increasing the dose until it functions 100%. That's around 35 grains in my M1.

Have to ask why 5744, one of, if not the most expensive powder to use?

I've had good luck with H4895 at 34 grains under either Lyman 311284 or lately, an RCBS 180 grainer.

And 5744 is noted for incomplete ignition, leaving unburnt kernels in the chamber, virtually guaranteeing dented cases.

Plus being a "crunchy" powder it doesn't meter well.

That being said, I still use a fair amount of it, just never tried it in the M1. Always in big cases where there is virtually zero cast boolit data. Typically double rifle stuff that just the opening of the rifle helps shake out the unburnt kernels.

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Originally Posted by 15meter

And 5744 is noted for incomplete ignition, leaving unburnt kernels in the chamber, virtually guaranteeing dented cases.

Plus being a "crunchy" powder it doesn't meter well.

That being said, I still use a fair amount of it, just never tried it in the M1. Always in big cases where there is virtually zero cast boolit data. Typically double rifle stuff that just the opening of the rifle helps shake out the unburnt kernels.

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Good points. Thanks for the replies.

Data on targets is self-explanatory.

Attachment 244403Attachment 244404

The Lyman 311299 with 34.5 gr IMR 4895 is a winning combination. I like 5744 for a lot of different cast boolit loads, but not in the M1 Garand. It'll shoot, but likely won't cycle reliably, if at all.

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Originally Posted by Outpost75

Data on targets is self-explanatory.

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Instead of the 4064, how would that same load (bullet & charge level) fare with Varget?

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Originally Posted by Nick Adams

Instead of the 4064, how would that same load (bullet & charge level) fare with Varget?

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Should work same. Also with IMR or H4895

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Outpost75

Should work same. Also with IMR or H4895

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Okay, thanks!