M1a

[BulletFactory]

I heard that you cant shoot cast in an M1A because the lead will clog the gas hole and valve. Is that true?

If not, what mold would make the most accurate round for a 16" .308? BHN?

[nicholst55]

No, you WILL NOT 'clog' the gas port with lead, as long as you use common sense regarding things like alloy hardness, bullet diameter and proper bullet lube. See the thread 7.62X51 NATO (.308 WCF) in the Springfield M1A (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=3558).

And FWIW, this pertains to all gas-operated semi-auto rifles, including the M1A, M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, SKS, AK-47, FAL, etc. Anyone who advises differently is ignorant of that which they speak.

[missionary5155]

Good morning
I only have 2 M1A´s and they both shoot the RCBS 180 FNGC in garand style. Never have had a single failure to cycle. I push them at about 2400 fps. I do not have that data book here with me so I cannot tell you the powder & charge.. but it works nicely. I do segregate my brass to the rifle and watch for stretching...
I use the same RCBS in my Garands & Fal´s without any problems. It casts .310 with WW and that is how I load them. Really puts a loud "Thwap" on critters out to 200 yards.
Mike in Peru