jacketed load needed m1a

[koehn,jim]

Does anyone have a good load for a 308 m1a firing 147 gr fmjbt. I just put a new scope and mount and want to sight it in. Thanks in advance.

[starnbar]

I am shooting imr 3031 39-40 gr with a win 147 fmjbt w/w primers lc 08 cases if that helps any try shooting 39 grs first and see if you like the group then go down a gr or up a gr and see how she shoots then.

[starnbar]

Has anybody used those chamber inserts for the m/n 91-30 where you can shoot 32 cal in them? Is it worth the trouble or are they a PITA?

[NickSS]

I found that almost any medium burning rate powder with any load shoots pretty good in an M1a. I shot thousands of rounds loaded with 3031, 4895, 4064, H335, AA 2520 and etc over a 20 year period of time. I wore out 4 barrels doing it and the only thing I can say is that they all shot well. Just pick a load out of any reloading manual in the middle of the band between min and max load and load them up. You will end up with a good load. You can maybe find a better load by experimenting but most loads I tried were more than accurate enough out to 600 yards for competitive match shooting. My all time favorite match load in my M1A supermatch was 42 gr of AA2520 with a 168gr Sierra matchking. That load would hold the X ring at 600 yards all day long as long as I doped the wind right.

[9.3X62AL]

Back when I had A LOT more money and ran a couple different 308 self-loaders (M1A and HK-91), 46.0 grains of WW-748 was a decent-shooting load. I put these up in W-W commercial cases with WLR primers. Groups shrunk appreciably by changing out the M-80 FMJs for Sierra Game Kings of similar weight (150 grains). With 168 SMKs, drop the powder to about 44.0-45.0 grains, and make sure of leade clearance in your rifle.

Note that the 7.62 x 51 cartridge is loaded to slightly lighter pressures than its commercial brother the 308 Winchester. This is diametrically opposed to the situation regarding the 5.56 x 45 and the 223 Remington.

[Char-Gar]

Quick get the garlic and stake! Make the sign of the cross! Throw Holy Water on it! Do something!

Talk of condom bullets has broken out on this holy cast bullet board.

[9.3X62AL]

Charles--

No need for exorcisms or divine intervention, we're just slumming with the unwashed on a temporary basis. I'm generally pretty enthusiastic about anything that turns money into noise.

[Larry Gibson]

Does anyone have a good load for a 308 m1a firing 147 gr fmjbt. I just put a new scope and mount and want to sight it in. Thanks in advance.

I use 43.5 gr H335 or 42.5 gr AA2230 in LC cases, WLR primers and 147 FMJBT M80 bullets to duplicate M80 7.62 NATO (US) ammuntion. I've tested numerous lots of M80 and find the average velocity is 2725 - 2775 fps out of numerous M1As and M14s. Suggest you work up using a chronograph until an average velocity (or pressure signs) runs 2740 - 2760 fps out of your M1A (assuming 22" barrel). With such ammo that matches M80 specs when the rear sight is set to the zero the range setting of the rear sight are quite accurate to 1100 meters.

Larry Gibson

[Char-Gar]

Well, I guess it is OK to take pity on a condom shooter every once in a while, but don't make a habit of it!!!!!

[koehn,jim]

Dont get the exorcism kit out just yet. I still shoot cast in several rifles and my handguns but I wanted to maximize my shooting with the m1a, its an old friend that has been in the safe and now i have the money to feed it a bunch. I have no intention of giving up cast but i feel some rifles are better at long range 500 yds plus, with jacketed. I greatly appreciate all the help from the members who took the time to respond. Thank You.

[9.3X62AL]

Well, I guess it is OK to take pity on a condom shooter every once in a while, but don't make a habit of it!!!!!

Duly noted. I'll keep the heresies and iconoclasms to a minimum--I promise. :)

[Char-Gar]

Well confession time! I live down on the Border and things are pretty dicey right now. I keep a good Garand ready with 200 rns in clips. The load is 47/3031 and a 150 grain condom bullet. So, I guess if a fellow wants to feed his rifle condom bullets, I have no standing to fuss.

[Pirate69]

42.0 grains of IMR4895 (new or surplus).