Hey folks who have the best reloads for the Springfield M1A. Anyone?

[ggilbert]

Could be M1A, M14, will be interesting. I never tried with cast bullets I’m doing with factory bullets. Thanks for your future interest 😑

[koehn,jim]

There is a sticky by Bruce B that has some great info. on shooting cast in a M1A.

[truckjohn]

Are you looking for cast or jacketed loads?

Is it a 308 or a 30-06 model?

[RED BEAR]

Thats one i am not sure you will ever get a consensus. The best load for everyone is the one they use. Who would load something to an interior level.

[ggilbert]

Sorry I comeback today after my threat: my M1A is a SA Super Macht in 308, and I never tried any casting in. Always use brands bullets. I’m scared to jumping in cast for that gun. Thanks for your interest.

[ggilbert]

Thanks for the information Jim

[Larry Gibson]

You'll find it very hard to go wrong with IMR4895. In LC cases with WLR primers 42 gr under a match 168 bullet will duplicate M852 ammunition. To duplicate the old White Mox M118 Match use 41.5 gr under a Sierra 175 gr MK. It will give better accuracy too.

I also highly recommend the use of RCBS standard .308W X-dies for reloading. The proper use of those will eliminate case stretch feom sizing and will greatly extend case life (usually by 4 - 5 times).

[Walks]

I agree with Larry on the use of STD dies.
The Small Base dies came out for Rifles such as the Winchester Models 100 & 88, the Remington Models 742 & 760, Savage Model 170 and Browning Models BAR & BLR and others I can't remember.

I've used STD dies to reload my Colt AR-15 since I got it in 1975, same for Mini-14, Garand, M1A and even an FN-LAR.

[M-Tecs]

Larry is spot on but if you are looking for something different some things to consider here.

https://www.rifleshootermag.com/editorial/tips-for-safe-handloads-in-your-m1a-style-rifle/83672

http://zediker.com/downloads/14_loading.pdf

[beltfed]

THE Full Length sizing die to use for the M1A 7.62 (308) rifle is
the Forster Bonanza "308 National Match" die. It is dimensioned
to exactly duplicate the M852 and M118 ammo.
IMPORTANT:
To set up your die:
Starting with brass fired in YOUR rifle.
Take down your rifle: remove the op rod, spring,etc.
Remove the Extractor and Ejector
NOW Set up the 308 National Match die in your press.
With it maybe 1/16" or more above shellholder contact
Lube a piece of brass ( I like the Lee Lube)
Size the brass. Wipe off the lube.
Now try the brass in your rifle:drop it into the chamber.
push the stripped bolt closed on the brass in the action.
It should not close/rotate and lock.
Next, turn the size die into the press about 1/8th turn more.
Lube and size the same piece of brass.
Try it again in the rifle with stripped bolt.
Repeat this operation until the bolt will just barely close of its own weight
when you tip the rifle muzzle down 45 or more degrees.
Now Lock the ring on the die.
It is now set for this particular rifle for accuracy and safety against slam fires.
beltfed/arnie
Distinguished and Pres 100 with M1A.