Does anyone know where I can find the load range for H4895 in my M1917 .30-06? I'm using a Lee 312 185 gr GC bullet sized to .311. I can find individual loads, usually around 32 grs , but no min/max info.
Lymans does not list that powder, though they do list loads for Reloader7 (180 and 190 gr bullets) which I tried.
Stick powders like H4895 are not going to ignite well in charges which leave a great deal of free airspace in the case.
The 32 grain load is only about 60% of case capacity and if you go below that you WILL have erratic ignition.
With cast bullets of suitable hardness, which fit your barrel and are lubricated properly, you can go up to about 40 grains for 2200 fps with a 205-grain bullets similar to #311299.
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I loaded 30 cases - 10 with 25 grs Reloader7, 10 with 30 grs Reloader7, and 10 with 31 grs H4895. The 25 grs Reloader7 and 31grs H4895 were too light - they all ignited properly but the bullets dropped at 100 yds (shooting at the gong - too cold to set up targets). The 30 grs Reloader7 was heading in the right direction. I wanted to shoot reduced loads but this rifle can handle stouter loads with mild recoil.
I was just trying to find out what the max of H4895 might be for that bullet.
The minimum in H4895 to cycle an M1 Garand is about 36 grains.
Your 30 grains of RL7 is a good boltgun load, but probably won't cycle an M1, if that is helpful.
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What Lymans are you looking at?Originally Posted by Battis
Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, Third edition (which EVERY cast boolit shooter should have).
#311334 187 gr. H4895
Min. 30.0 gr. 1708 fps 16,100 c.u.p.
Max. 45.0 gr. 2448 fps 46,900 c.u.p.
Hogdon also has a 60% load go to the max for your weight bullet and back off 60% good starting place for cast. Tha would be 45.5 for a 190 g bullet. So 60% is 27.3. Ed Harris recommends 27 to 30 grains for about 1700 to 1800 fps for cast. Idea is that you go for accuracy from that point. If you want more go with a published powder and lead.
The standard M1 Ball was 48gr IMR4895
152gr ball point boat tail (M2 Ball was flat based) (M80 & Hornady's 150gr all go substitute)
CCI 34 Primers
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This is my safe yet accurate 30-06 round.
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I use 28 grs H-4895 with a 165 Ranch dog bullet in .308. one grain of dacron batting will cut the groups in half, and raise the velocity 20-30 fps. I assume the pressure goes up as well, but is not critical at this load.
This load with dacron shoots an inch or so at 50 yards and anchors any deer or feral pig that gets in my field of view. (which is about 50 yards from my stand in the bayou)
I have the Lymans 4th Edition. Under .30-06, they list loads for a 180 gr bullet and a 190 gr. H4895 doesn't show up anywhere.What Lymans are you looking at?
The info from the 3rd Edition is what I was looking for (I have to find a 3rd Edition). I was just over the minimum with 31 grs H4895.
Min. 30.0 gr. 1708 fps 16,100 c.u.p.
Max. 45.0 gr. 2448 fps 46,900 c.u.p.
The 60% rule that Hodgdon published is for their data only. It is posted on their website. The fact that you are using a reduced load will mean the drop will be greater than a full powder load.
i use 19grs of IMR SR4759 with the Lyman 311041 in my 1903a3 rifles. For 200 yard shooting the rear sight is set to the 600 yard setting.
The addition of 1gr of poly-fil will help your H4895 load burn better and should also flatten the trajectory somewhat.
Lyman 3rd for311334 187gr. H4895 30.0gr.1708fps 16,100C.U.P. 45.0 gr. 2448 fps 46,900 C.U.P. Page192
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I've used as little as 28 grs. H4895 (no filler) with the Lyman #314299 (a bit over 200 grs.) - muzzle velocity of 1745 fps in the .30-06. Accuracy was not great; two to four grains more powder would probably be a better load.
Well...I love my 1917.
You did not say what barrel you have .
Original or replacemment, original barrels need bullets that are at least .313 for any type of accuracy.
27 to 30 grs of 4895 ,4064,2520 will give sub
Minute at 100 yds with 170 to 220 gr CB.
Sights will have to be set several 100 yds a over jacketed.
If you would like to see actual groups I would be happy to post some.
More later.
Last edited by guicksylver; 03-06-2016 at 01:33 PM.
The Winchester barrel is original, stamped 1918. The bore slugs at .311. The 185 gr bullets I've tried were sized to .311. I haven't shot at a paper target yet but if the accuracy is decent, I'll keep using the .311 bullet. If not, I'll leave them at .312 or larger.
I haven't done a cast of the chamber yet but I plan on doing that soon.
As promised more....
This is pretty typical for a 1917.
I will post pictures of the 29 gr 4064 and 2520 with the 311299 as soon as I can find them.
A friend shooting next to me using an M1 Garand with the lee 185 and 27 grs of 4895 was shooting
1.5" groups @ 100.
Also....http://castboolits.gunloads.com/arch...p/t-20766.html
quicksylver, was your friend's Garand cycling with 27 grains of 4895?
I run 2 loads that will shoot well in my 03a3.
One is the classic 16gn of 2400
The other is H4895 28 grains with a 170gn ranch dog tumble lube flat point bullet. I have not really spent a lot of time benching this gun or load. Just shoot it at local cmp vintage and Springfield matches. Prone slow fire I can hold the 10 ring. Nice load. Rear sight setting is 600 yards on my rifle for 200 yards
Last edited by mac1911; 02-25-2016 at 11:13 PM.
Cycling just fine.
The casings ended up on my bench.
Original 1917 barrels were cut with .30 bores, .055 grooves ,add those up along with .002 over and I think you will come up with .313.
In my experience accuracy in the 6 or so 1917's I have had was never achieved with anything less than .313.
Could happen though given wide range of alloy.
PS. .308 j bullets will key hole too.
Again original barrels, JA barrels OK(Johnson automatic)
Last edited by guicksylver; 03-06-2016 at 01:34 PM.
My go to load in my 06 is 39.5 grains 4895 behind the Lee 170 fn. 1 1/2" to 2" groups at 100 yards. Approx. 2100 fps and a deer killer for sure.
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