"The Load" and the Garand

[Bumslie]

Hello everyone!

So I'm diving in head first into casting and powder coating. Still working on acquiring my equipment, but I was able to cast up some 155 gr boolits on a friends equipment using an old single cavity lee mould 90385 that was given to me. I'll be shooting my first loads hopefully next week. I'm trying them out using unique and imr 4227.

Anyway, doing all my researching on casting bullets, I was informed of Ed Harris' "The Load". I've been searching around, but haven't really come across much talk of anyone using this in a garand. I understand that it more than likely won't cycle the action (which is fine for me, easy way to save the brass), but has anyone tried this? Any exceptionally good, or bad results?

Thanks!

[iron brigade]

While I have not tried "the load" I have shot 14 grains of blue dot in my 1903A3 with the 311332 bullet. I do have some red dot, may give it a try. the blue dot load shoots extremely well with that bullet. and I can get 500 shots per lb!

[troyboy]

Read the above sticky

[Stoats]

Yes, I have used it in the form of 16gn N110 behind a Lyman 160gn 311 as cast and checked at .312. That's in a .308 Garand.

[dromia]

I think that you would be better of with Harris's "standard" load of 16 gns of 2400 or equivalent.

I have found that to be more consistent than the Red Dot load.

Read his "Cast Bullets and Military Rifles" article that is a sticky here.

[Bumslie]

While I have not tried "the load" I have shot 14 grains of blue dot in my 1903A3 with the 311332 bullet. I do have some red dot, may give it a try. the blue dot load shoots extremely well with that bullet. and I can get 500 shots per lb!

I'm going to attempt some blue dot dot for 223. please keep me updated if you try the red dot ! thanks for the info

Yes, I have used it in the form of 16gn N110 behind a Lyman 160gn 311 as cast and checked at .312. That's in a .308 Garand.

awesome. thank you for that info

I think that you would be better of with Harris's "standard" load of 16 gns of 2400 or equivalent.

I have found that to be more consistent than the Red Dot load.

Read his "Cast Bullets and Military Rifles" article that is a sticky here.

I've been looking for 2400 to no avail here in California. I'll keep looking and try out this load. Thank you for the info. I appreciate it.

[dromia]

If you read Harris's article you will see he lists similar burning rate powders, and loads, that you may have near you.

[Patrick L]

I have indeed shot "the load" in my Garand. As you surmise, it won't cycle the action, but it is as accurate in the M1 as in any bolt gun. For relaxed fun shooting its nice not to have to chase brass.

[30CAL-TEXAN]

Yep, Plenty of "the load" rounds have been run through my M1s.

No auto loading of course but they are great for getting those less inclined to touch the old war birds for fear of recoil on the bench.