Varget in the garand

S

sigpros

New member
Anyone using varget in the M1? Waiting on my M1 from the CMP and was going to put together some loads. I have 8lbs of Varget on the shelf and thought about using it. What bullet should I go with for the M1?
 
I don't know how much you know about reloading for the M1 so don't feel insulted by my answer Varget is listed in the Hornady manual for the M1 Garand. I suggest getting one. I personally shoot Amax's and IMR-4064. You want a powder with a burning rate in the range of IMR-4895 OR IMR-4064. The Hornady manual lists others in loads designed specifically for the M1 Garand. The pressures are kept to closely duplicate G.I. ammo specs on pressure peaks. If powders are used outside of this range damage to the op-rod may occur. Do not use standard load data for the 30-06 Springfield if using a Garand. You can buy aftermarket gas plugs that adjust pressure but I'll leave you to research that. I use the original gas plug. Most people get in trouble trying to turn a 30-06 Garand into a .300 Win Mag. Standard pressure Garand ammo is accurate and kills critters just as dead. As far as bullets go I shoot some 150's but mostly 168's. I like Amax's and SMK's. Have fun.
 
No offense taken at all. I know 4895 is the go to powder and I should probably just get some of it. I just have the varget on hand. But I do need to get bullets anyway. I'll check the manual for sure. I'm just glad to finally get one of these great rifles
 
I use Varget in the M-1. Just don't get carried away with max loads. The Hornady book show

150 gr. bullet 42.3 - 46.2

168 gr bullet 40.3 - 47.0

Don't know why the 168 has a higher max load. Maybe the bearing service is less. Be kind to your M-1 and load softly. The recoil of the M-1 is like a shove rather than a kick. You will like it.
 
Avoid slow powders and heavy bullets (>175gr); it is high port pressure that bends op rods.

Regards,
hm
 
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