What powder to use for the M1 Garand.

[rgsumpter]

As the title says I am looking for a powder that is available to load some rounds for the M1. I do have some 4064 that I will use up but then trying to decide on some new powder that is readily available to load some more with. During normal times I would just stick with 4064 or one of the 4895's but they are not available at this time locally. I was wondering what folks have used and had good luck with. I will be loading with these 147gr bullets that I purchased 1000 of. https://www.cdvs.us/product/308-dia-...lets-500-pack/


I do have a pound of Vihtavuori N140. Some others that I have seen locally that seem to be in the correct burn rate are Vihtavuori N135, Hodgon H335 and Accurate 2460.

[Jadkins87]

I removed my information it was for a different style bullet.

[Delkal]

Garands were originally loaded with H4895 in WWII and are happiest with burn rates from BLC (2) to IMR-4064. H335 should work but a better option would be Accurate 2520. It is known as Camp Perry powder for M-14s but is good in Garands too. And $45 a pound and available is a lot better than $70 and unavailable.

Hodgdon has some service rifle loads for both 30-06 and for .308 as an option (look for it under cartridges). Surprisingly they do not list AA2520.

https://hodgdonreloading.com/rldc/?t=1

[trapper9260]

I had help my friend to load his and used IMR-4064 and it shot like the factory ammo he had .

[Cast10]

I shoot AA2460 in my M1’s.

I know 4064 it is within burn rate, but I’ve heard some things about pressure. Even though 2520 was THE service rifle powder, I didn’t go that route either. Used to, powder companies published a lot more data on their powder characteristics, which gave the ‘studied’ reloader more info on choices and how to choose. FWIW, my pressure findings on 4064 wasn’t even with M1, it was with 150gr /06 loads in general. Perhaps pushing too fast/hard????? I just don’t remember, it’s been a day or two since then.

I’d visit the CMP website and check out load data there. Good luck.

[Ithaca Gunner]

147 - 155 grain FMJ or HPBT bullets

IMR 3031 - 48.0 grains
IMR 4895 - 49.0 grains
IMR 4064 - 50.0 grains
W748 - 48.0 grains
AA2460 - 49.0 grains
AA2520 - 51.0 grains
AA2495 - 50.5 grains
H4895 - 49.0 grains
BLC-2 - 49.0 grains
H335 - 49.0 grains
RL-12 - 48.0 grains


https://www.northwestfirearms.com/th...g-data.340481/

At one time I had a link to Master Po's Temple, but I think it's been taken down due to age, here's a copy of loads from another site where someone saved them. Consult a loading manual, (or several) before using data.

[Rich/WIS]

Have used IMR 4064, BLC2, and Varget with 147-150 gr jacketed in my M1. All worked well but did find the BLC2 needed mag primers. Suspect any of the loads in the post above will work just fine.

[relics6165]

rgsumpter:

Find yourself a good burn rate chart, basically anything between H4895 and IMR 4064 will work, maybe even H335 to 4064. Slower than 4064 will work with an adjustable gas plug.

By the way, M1 Garand loads predate WW2, they were worked up with IMR 1185, which, after WW2 became IMR 4895. H4895 is a later Australian Defense Industries powder which has a burn rate similar to, but not exactly, IMR 4895.


http://allthehowards.com/pistol/powd...ate_Chart.html

[rgsumpter]

As I mentioned I was looking for someone with experience using a different powder, one that was currently available locally. I would love to use 4064 and will use what I have left but it is currently not available in my area.

I was under the impression that Varget was about as slow of a powder that you would want to use. If going as slow as BLC2 is an option, which is not available locally, I see that Winchester 748 is just a little faster and that is available locally at this time. And I do see loads for this. Has anyone used it with 150gr and what is your impression?

I also see that the N140 I do have is about the same speed as Varget and that is also one that is available. I see loads for it with 168gr but not with 150gr.

[jimb16]

In a pinch, you can get away with IMR 4350, but you won't get as good performance.