IMR 4198 in Garand

[abunaitoo]

Anyone try IMR 4198 cast bullet load in a Garand????

[RJS3799]

Sure... I load 24g with a 165gr boolit. 19 clicks up at 100 yards, and the accuracy was excellent. Of course with that light load the bolt will not cycle, but thats not a problem, you don't have to dig through the snow for your brass.

Rick

[abunaitoo]

Have you ever tried to up the load so it would cycle????
I'm using 36gr of IMR4895. Shoots great and cycles fine.
Just got three cans of IMR4198 for free. That's why I'm asking.

[BruceB]

I ran a very extensive load series with IMR4227 in my Garand last year. Being even quicker in burning speed than your 4198, my results with 4227 may have some valid comparisons for you.

All of my 4227 loads used a loose dacron tuft over the powder. Bullets ranged from 150-220 grains. In low-20s charge weights, I was getting erratic function, with failures to eject, to feed, or to remain open after the last round. At 26 grains most of these had disappeared but function was obviously just barely "on the edge".

At 27.0 grains of 4227/dacron/311299 (210 grains), function was perfect, velocity was 1830 average, and accuracy was non-existent at over 8" for ten rounds at fifty yards. I believe chamber pressure is definitely getting up there, if gasport pressure is sufficient to operate that action with a fast-burner like 4227.

Considering the burning rate of my 4227 and the weight of my 311299s, I'd say that starting at 27.0/4198 with a mid-weight bullet would be very safe. Adjust the charge upward cautiously, and stop when function is 100%...maybe a grain above that first perfect-function load to allow a little reserve of operating pressure.

4198 works very well in my M1A, but the gas is tapped-off much closer to the chamber, which allows a lot more leeway in powder choices. You should be able to get the M1 rifle functioning semi-automatically with your 4198, but I'll be very interested to hear how well it groups.

[RJS3799]

I don't shoot my Garand in any High power or other matches that would require timed fire, so I am satisfied with the light load. Shooting slow 20 rounds in 20 minutes (off hand) is what I prefer, and what I practice.

Rick

[abunaitoo]

I finally got to reload some 4198. Will try to shoot it tomorrow.
All loads 165gr GC with dacron filler. 27.0, 28.5, 29.5, 30.5.
Lyman cast book shows a 169gr load from 25.0 to 38.5, so I should be safe.

[abunaitoo]

I was trying the load to cycle, not so much for accuracy.
160gr GC with filler, IMR4198.
27.0- no cycle
28.5- no cycle
29.5- eject, no cycle
30.5- eject, no cycle
Primers showed no pressure signs.
All groups were high and 2" to 3" at 50yds.
Lyman cast book shows a 169gr max charge of 38.5, so it looks like I'll be adding more powder.
I'll also try a heavier bullet.