Hi Everyone not to revive an old thread,
But I'm seeking guidance so I dont re-invent the wheel, I have used the seach feature and been all over the internet and this is really the only area that seems to have any info on shooting cast bullets from a M1a...and have the weapon cycle correctly(without modifing of the gas system or shooting it single shot) and not damage it.
Heres where I am.
I have chose a "heavier" 180g Saceo #305 mold size .311, appears to be a "shorter" .30 cal bullet so I can stay off the lands(dont want to jam a lead round in and have to eject it and then dump powder all over the action as Bruce has described. Also I'm concerned about have to seat the bullet too deep and gas check below the neck of brass, its my understading this a big no no for gas checks ?? I'm willing to give up a touch of accuracy to avoid that issue.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/137...nose-gas-check
I chose the .311 sizing so I can size down to .310 if I need to or I go to .311. I was hoping to use my go powder IMR 4895, but I'm concerned I would have to drop the charge to low and leave to much empty case volume.
So for powder I think I've settled on
SR-4759 since it was used in reduced 30-06 loads and should give me a nearly full case of powder at around 22-27grains which will be the max loading based on my old Lyman manual and similar shape/weight bullets.
I'm open to suggestions, I wish I could use my stock IMR4895 powder
Also I know I will need to use gas checks, I think Hornaday make the preferred checks?? Is this correct? Also I'm be using Thompson Blue angel lube have plenty and it will be more that sufficet for 1800fps velocitys.