I will soon get a new MIA out of lay-away and have some questions.
1. What is the break-in process with this rifle?
2. Any favorite hand loads and how do you establish a maximum overall legnth on a semi-auto?
3. I would like to get a detachable scope mount so I can shoot match and still have glass for coyotes. Any ideas here? Thanks for your input.
Try 41.5 of IMR 4895 with a 168 Sierra Matchking loaded to about 2.800" overall length. Another good one might be the 175 Matchking over 42.0 of IMR 4064 (this was a great 600 yard load for me in my M1).
For single-loading (slow fire at 600) you can seat them a bit longer than the magazine length and still get one round in the mag - I think.
Used to know about the scope mount but it's been a rew years, I've forgotten. :-(
Have fun with it! Are you going to shoot the Buffalo Creek Gun Club or Colorado Rifle Club matches?
Colorado Pete, I live on the western slope and am not familiar with those ranges. I plan to start with a small range here until I have the basics worked out and see where it takes me. Outside of the Marines I have no range time so I dont know the ropes. Thanks for the load dope.
The break in is about 150-200 rnds. I've had molly and ss barrels and never bothered to clean them much usually when the bolt would stick I'd clean it and use a flexible bore swap for the chamber a little grease here and there and away i'd go had best luck with stainless barrels. used 2460 with good luck at 200&300 yds and eventually went with N-135 under 168's for an across the course load cause It was a pain to keep track of what's what. I'd start with a couple grains short of max and work up in 2/10 intervills for group. The two point mount is the only way to go I got one from GunBroker for about $35. and it's fine. for glass Ive used a redfield 4-12 with the target turrets and had good results testing loads. a weaver makes a great scope for the money in the v series as does nikon burris etc.I like the 6-24's you are limmited to mag legnth for your oal small base dies are suggested and loads below the max might get you 3 reloads out of once fired brass but 2 is the safe bet and a broke case extractor is a good investment. Ive seen what a discharge out of battery can do so get a go no go case gauge to properly size your brass. good luck
Back when people shot the M1A in across the course matches, the load most masters used was AA2520 and the 168MK.
The only barrel breakin you need is a good cleaning before you shoot it.
Use a case shoulder length gage like the RCBS case mic or the Mo's gauge and only push the shoulder back .003" and you can get 5 firings easy from your brass.
Jacks got a good point the mike would be a good investment though I blew the bottom out of an m1a on a hot day with 2520 burned thru the primer and chiped out a piece of the bolt after which it took out the mag and but an eight inch bruise on my forearm in prone position haven't used it since
