Garand: Cast Heavy Classics (311299/284)

[mehavey]

Guys,

On a bet I began playing with cast for the Garand a coupla weeks ago, already knowing that it "would" work ballistically/functionally (`been doing it with both gas-impinge/AR actions /50Beo and piston/M1A/Ruger's SR762 for quite a while).

What I didn't expect (and didn't see written up across the net) was that the two classic bullets -- Lyman's 200-210gr 311299 & 311284 -- would have an interference fit against the forward sides of the Garand's magazine well when pressing the clip down into it.

I can't get more than four rounds hand-fed into clip before it jams against the sides. That's it. Period. End of story. Fires, ejects, and shoots w/ accuracy... just no more than 4 rounds at a whack.

Anyone else try the Cast/Garand trick w/ successful full-clip fit?

[jimb16]

Try seating the bullets a few thousandths deeper.

[Hick]

I found the same issue with a set of 311284's given to me. I took a set of war surplus brass and trimmed them about 0.02 shorter and they worked fine. I not longer use 311284 for this reason-- I'd rather use something that does not require me to trim the cases short (like the Lee 309-200-1r)

[Scharfschuetze]

If you come across either the Lyman 311332 or 311334 moulds, they are a perfect fit for the M1 Garand. My 311334 sized to .310 weighs in at 198 grains with lube and GC using an alloy that replicates Linotype.

Here's the 311334 (on the right) next to the 311299.

[mehavey]

Many (many) thanks guys. As per Bill Mauldin, I was beginning to think it was just me and/or my shootin' arn that was out of kilter
I've got the 32 on order and am keeping an eye out for the 34.
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWVvyDYNn9U/WFauCveYtgI/AAAAAAAAhik/gsJhp8jC1GEpNzBLwu5lDsJbhMHCIbrQgCLcB/s1600/wj5.jpg

[Scharfschuetze]

Let us know how it works in your Garand.

I use 4895 under the 311334 with great results in my Garands using a full 8 rounds in the clip. Depending on the rifle, mine shoot well and function well between 33 and 36 grains. Lake City cases and a CCI 200 primer.

There are several threads on loading for the M1 in the archives here and a search will find 'em. Probably well worth a perusal.

Shooting cast bullets with a Garand can be a compromise between reliability and accuracy, but it's fun getting there. My 311334 mould throws a bullet with a nose just slightly under .300" so it seems to work in the clip well. It might be a bit more accurate if the nose actually was tight in the bore, but then it probably wouldn't work with a full clip. Just a guess, but at any rate, I get accuracy with it that is better than M2 Ball in the same rifles out to several hundred yards.

[mehavey]

Got the 32 this evening; cleaned/greased & preheated it; cast two dozen w/ RotoMetals Lyman#2; sized .309w/Lyman50-50 lube for 185gr; loaded over 35gr of IMR4895/HXP case/3.25"OAL/light crimp juuuust short of the fouling groove; and fired at dusk over an Oehler35 at 50yds just for grins,

Full 8-Rnd clip functioned just fine (as I'd hoped), as did ejection (as I expected)
1.5" group
1,871fps/(projected 18,414psi when QuickLoad Ba was matched to results -- a little lower than I expected)

Tomorrow we'll run day-old bullets (seems to need that overnight settling) coated w/ ALOX (which I find superb for higher velocities); at 100yds, and one of these which QuickLoad would project as ideal combinations:

https://s4.postimg.org/itws1sxh9/Garand_Cast_311332_Candidates.jpg

We'll see

[Scharfschuetze]

Whoohoo! Glad it's working with a full clip now.

My accuracy in the 1 in 10" twist Garand barrel starts to drop off at about 1,850 to 1,900 fps with about any cast bullet.

[BCB]

If you come across either the Lyman 311332 or 311334 moulds, they are a perfect fit for the M1 Garand. My 311334 sized to .310 weighs in at 198 grains with lube and GC using an alloy that replicates Linotype.

Here's the 311334 (on the right) next to the 311299.

Just curious as to what lube you are using?...

Thanks...BCB

[Scharfschuetze]

Just curious as to what lube you are using?...

Thanks...BCB

I use the old NRA 50/50 Alox-Beeswax lube. It's available from RCBS, Saeco or Lyman for use in their lubrasizers. I suppose there are better lubes now, but I've been using it from the mid 70s and I've never found it wanting for either pistol or rifle bullets. It's pretty good stuff.

Link: http://www.midwayusa.com/s?userSearchQuery=Alox+lube&userItemsPerPage=48

[mehavey]

I'm also using 50-50 for anything up to 1,500fps,
but then go to ALOX beyond that.

[Shiloh]

I'm also using 50-50 for anything up to 1,500fps,
but then go to ALOX beyond that.

Larson's BAC for me.

SHiloh

[Oklahoma Rebel]

you didn't have problems shootin the boolits that soon after casting? I thought that they needed a little time to harden? if not let me know, that will help my impatient personality!lol-Travis

[mehavey]

Lyman #2 is noted for its near immediate stability. And although better after a night's rest (aren't we all?), it -- like Napoleon -- can rise to the occasion to a decent degree with only a little sleep.

After 24 hours and playing w/ QuickLoad trying to balance chamber vs muzzle (port) pressure, burn completion, and final velocity ~2k or less...

https://s16.postimg.org/tue6o4apx/Garand_311332_AA2495_sm.jpg

Thank you Scharfschuetze... and thank you Helmut.

[Scharfschuetze]

Outstanding!