light garand loads

[brettb75]

Im new to shooting a garand and id like to find some good cast boolit loads. I have some 311332 bullets, and id like to find some reduced loads to use with it. Im not worried about cycling the action. I was wondering if some slow burning magnum pistol powders would work. I have some IMR4227, and some 2400. Also has anyone tried reduced loads with trail boss. Thanks alot sor any help.

[sqlbullet]

I am at work, and don't have my Lyman manual here, but they have a ton of loads using a variety of pistol powders.

I want my action to cycle. I use a Lee 200 grain, very similar to the Lyman 311299. I lube it with Felix, load it over 42 grains of H4831 and 1/4 sheet TP. Gives me good accuracy and cycles the action.

I will try to remember to check back here tonight with some data on magnum pistol powders.

[sqlbullet]

My manual does not list a 311322, but Google says it is a 180 grain sp. My manual lists a 311334, which is a 187 gr sp, and should be very similar.

IMR4227 shows 20.0gr start for 1570 fps and 19,000 CUP, and 28.0 gr max for 1976 fps and 29,400 CPU.

2400 shows 20.0 g start for 1666 fps at 25,800 CUP, and 27.0 gr max for 2040 fps at 32,500 CUP.

Strongly recommend you get a Lyman cast bullet handbook. I picked mine up at Sportsman's Warehouse for $10.00. It is a fabulous reference. They list about 20 powders for this bullet alone in 30-06.

[brettb75]

Thanks for the info, my bad it is a #311332 mold, but it is a 180 grain sp. I tried 16 grains of 2400, crimped in the groove. I shot at 25 yards because its all i have in my backyard. I shot an 11 shot group that measured .976 with calipers. I cant wait to try it at 100 yards.

[jonk]

The 4227 MIGHT cycle it. If you're not worried about cycling, try 2400 in increments from 15 to 21 gr. Several of my 06 guns find happiness in the 17-18 gr range.

[brettb75]

i tried 16 grains of 2400 again today and it worked great, i only changed the primers from cci br to winchester standard large primer, it didnt seem to make a difference. I also tried 17 grains of IMR4227 with cci br primers and it was not good at all. over 2 inches at 25 yards in an 8 shot group. It was all vertical stringing, i think it was caused by the position of the powder in the case. The 2400 doesnt seem to be position sensitive. I need to try other 30 cal bullets, these are sized .310, but i have some sized .309 and .311 im going to try.

[Brownie]

I use bullet#311332 with 35grs of 4064 in my garand. it does a good job.

[smokemjoe]

40 grs. 4064 and the 311284, not light load but accuret load, should bump down the bore ride.