First time using GC's with a Garand

[HeadLead]

Well today I finally made it to the range after casting a batch of N.O.E. 311365 SP boolits and I used the .30 cal gas checks from Hornady. I took 24 rounds loaded with IMR-4895 (34.0 Grains) seated to 3.20" C.O.L.

I was concerned about starting with this load, but after the first 8 rounds went down range, I was pleased as I could be. Will have to experiment now with load weights, lower and maybe a bit higher (no more than 34.8 grains for me) to see where the cycle starts to show weakness.

I had no problems with the gas checks as far as I know right now. Accuracy was not my concern today. Cycling and getting it on paper was. I will chrony these rounds in the near future, but today was for the fun and excitement of shooting my Garand with my own Cast Boolits w/Gas Checks.

[LynC2]

I'm glad to hear of your success with the M1 with cast. I really enjoy shooting the old war horse in cast boolit silhouette matches, great fun! Finding the right load is half the fun too. :smile:

[HeadLead]

Yeah.... I did enjoy and will work to perfect the load for this particular firearm. Another day at the range soon with the same load though so I can chrony and determine what the load is doing. Then I will play with the grains down first, to determine the minimum the M1 cycles with. I do not believe I will go much over the 34 grains of IMR-4895. Maybe max 34.8 grains, just to be safe.

[Chook]

I shot my H&R built M-14 for years with the Lee 180 gr. cast bullet and won many matches with it. H4895 is king. My gas checked bullets went downrange about 1800fps, and I would set my sights at 200yds ( I think, been awhile) to hit the gongs at 100M. Put plenty of turkeys and hams in my freezer with that rifle and those homemade rounds. You'll love the combo in your Garand.

[HeadLead]

Thanks Chook.

[pworley1]

Please post your results from the next range session.

[reddoggm]

Yeah.... I did enjoy and will work to perfect the load for this particular firearm. Another day at the range soon with the same load though so I can chrony and determine what the load is doing. Then I will play with the grains down first, to determine the minimum the M1 cycles with. I do not believe I will go much over the 34 grains of IMR-4895. Maybe max 34.8 grains, just to be safe.

Hey HeadLead was wondering how your making out with that load as I,m getting ready to start loading for spring coming with the same bullet I was wondering if ya got around to the Chrony and how the accuracy was with 34 of the 4895

[armorer59]

I used to shoot reduced course service rifle matches with my Garand (.30-06 chambered) using 41.0 grns IMR4895 and bullets dropped from my Lyman 311284 mold. These things shot extremely well! Getting ready to build another Garand and will likely start using that load again. May try 4064 as I have more surplus 4064 than I do 4895 these days.