I'm getting my 1st Garand and would like to have some recommendations on what ya'll think the best bullet weights for shooting out to 600 yards would be. I will be reloading for this rifle and would like to start getting projectiles as I can.
thanks
Ironhead
M1 Ball was a 173 grain BTFMJ at 2630 fps pushed by IMR 4895.
M2 Ball was a 150 grain FBFMJ as 2800 fps pushed by IMR 4895.
I've loaded some 165 grain Sierra BTHP that would shoot better than 1 MOA.
The issue with the M1 Garand, or any gas operated rifle for that matter, is the burn rate of the powder used for loading. If a powder with too slow of burn rate is used, the gas system can be over pressurized and the op rod can be bent.
Get a good manual and ask questions. Have fun.
Unless you are buying an adjustable gas plug to go with the M1, you should stick will M2ball specs.
Likely 150-168gr.
The hornady 168 Amaxes (along with the Sierra and Nosler 168 BTHP's) are good.
A number of people like the 155 Hornady Amax as a slightly lighter load.
Make sure that you get loading information for the M1 rather than generic .30-06 information. You will save yourself and your rifle wear and tear if you do.
It can be difficult to be competitive in High Power with an M1 or even an M14 and National Match versions of these rifles command a high premium. But you can learn a great deal from shooting them (sight alignment, trigger control and follow through are always the same). Just don't become discouraged if things don't work out like you planned.
If you are interested in shooting the John C. Garand matches the lighter bullets like the 155's or handloaded 150's can bring good results at these 200 yard matches.
Ready Set Go
Get one of these and you can work up any reasonable load with most any bullet weight without beating up the op rod.
http://www.garandgear.com/m1garand/detail/33-springs-and-things/flypage/75-ported-gas-plug?sef=hcfp
I like shooting 168 grain A-Max, In all my older USGI rifles . I load 46 grains of 4064 IMR, it's a little light but I get 1 moa out of my MC-1 with it ( marine corp M1C). It works well in the 1917,1903, and the 1903A4. The light load is less recoil and easy on the old rifles. Any large rifle primer will do as long as they are fully seated in the primer pocket. I don't like changing Garands design with that after market gas plug.
I like the pulled M2s for the cost, I know these are really scarce right now. Cheaper bullets allow for more shooting, that is a good thing in my book. I have used the Hornady 150 FMJ with canalure with good results for a cheap bullet. The 155 A-Max is a good bullet too but costs a little more.
I am not a fan of the gas plugs either.
My only reason for 168s is they seem to do better in the wind at longer ranges. I like having one load for all my .30 rifles. I tend to go old school on older rifles. There's no wood on that rifle pictured in an earlier post.
Scored a Match M1 this weekend. NM rear and front sights, bedded, glued hand guards, may or may not have an NM op rod.
My plan right now is for IMR 4895 with Nosler 168's or Amax 168's.
Thanks for all of the info and fast replies. I started looking at bullet weights when i was looking for stuff for my AR loads to try and get some stock going but didn't want to buy until I had some good info on it.
Thanks again.
Ironhead