Bullet Mold for M1 Garand

[firewalkerd1]

I just acquired an M1 Garand that I would like to cast for. What would be a good mold or molds to cast. How about a 311299 or 311?????? I'm open. Also a good load to start with?

[Nickle]

311299, 311284 and 311332 all aren't bad. 311291 is good too.

[firewalkerd1]

Is there a thread, post or somewhere on the web that list the many molds with pictures. Maybe by caliber or size?

[Jupiter7]

Is there a thread, post or somewhere on the web that list the many molds with pictures. Maybe by caliber or size?

Yes. Google search images. For example: Lyman 311291

This is how I have identified every mold I'm not familiar with, which is most of them :)

[Dean D.]

Check at the bottom of our main forum page, there is a link to "Castpics". You can find a ton of mould catalogs there and much, much more!

[Ithaca Gunner]

I've had very good results with the RCBS 30-180-FN. Better than my Lyman 311299 which runs a not so distant 2nd. Yes, that big flat nose boolit feeds flawlessly!

[Lead Fred]

I's never shoot cast thru my national match barrel.
I'll stick with 150 gr store boughts, less wear and tear on the op system

[boltaction308]

Is there a thread, post or somewhere on the web that list the many molds with pictures. Maybe by caliber or size?

http://www.three-peaks.net/bullet_molds.htm

[avogunner]

There are quite a few threads here on this subject with a lot of good info. I use the 311299 (sized .310) and use IMR-4895. Start at around 32 grains and work up .5 grain at a time until you get reliable cycling. My loads shoot easily 2 MOA which suits me just fine.

[Kraschenbirn]

My best results, to date, have been with the RCBS 30-165SIL with the old Lyman 311466 (152 gr. Loverin) running a close second. Groups from both boolits average about the same at 100M but, at 200M and 300M, the RCBS definitely has the edge.

Bill

[BruceB]

I's never shoot cast thru my national match barrel.
I'll stick with 150 gr store boughts, less wear and tear on the op system


How do you arrive at that conclusion????

Cast bullet loads running at LESS pressure, LESS speed, LOWER temperatures, LESS recoil..... how does this give more "wear" on the operating system?

Certainly, you are entitled to your beliefs, but in MY experience, your "NM" Garand should last longer by using cast loads....easier on the NM bedding, easier on the NM barrel.... meaning, longer life for both.

[firewalkerd1]

Gang: Great information. I am still looking up all the suggested styles and checking on the load data. Any and all other info is welcome. Boltaction308 great chart
Thanks to all

[leeggen]

Wasn't the M1 set up to shoot 165 gr boolit to start with?? If so then I would start in that area anyway.
CD in TN

[BruceB]

Whatever the Garand "may" have been set up for back in the '30s (issue ball ammo of various sorts) it is MEANINGLESS when dealing with cast bullets today.

The rifle will work perfectly with cast bullets from around 130 grains to over 220 grains.... PERFECTLY.

I say this, because I have created many such varied loads for my own rifles.

For various practical reasons, I'd recommend something in the 150-200 ballpark, since good results generally come fairly easily with such weights. Nose shape is largely unimportant, barring full wadcutters!

[Larry Gibson]

The M1 Rifle was "set up" to shoot the M1906 30-06 cartridge and the M1 30-06 cartridge after General McCarthur nixed the .276 Pederson cartridge because of so many '06 cartridges in arsenals.

BruceB is correct. I favor the the heavier cast bullets with 311299 being my 1st choice for the M1 Rifle.

Larry Gibson

[Nickle]

Besides, loading for any gas operated firearm is all about port pressure. If you want an M1 to function using cast, you can simply use slower powder, and seeing you're also shooting at lower chamber pressure, it will even out by the port. Assuming you're using heavier bullets.

Lots of people much smarter than me came to this conclusion after testing it out. It isn't just internet hype, and it sure isn't anything new.

Added - That means I agree with Bruce and Larry. They also know from experience. I know from years of loading ammo, and not just for myself.