Reloads for 1903 Springfields.

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raljr1

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I have load data for the M1 Garand, but was wondering do I need to load any differently for 1903's than I do for my 760 for my 721?

I have some 150 Gr speer pro bullets that I'd use for the Garand. Should I just stick with the Garand load for the 03s too?

The load I am currently loading is 53.5 gr 4350 with hornady 165 SSTs.

Thanks for the input. Just getting started with rifle reloads.
 
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Your load for the M1 should be fine in your 1903, although, some of the very early 1903's had the heat treatment issue. However, if your brass was fired in the M1, make sure that the rounds will chamber in the 1903 before you get to the range. I like to use the Wilson case gauge, I would feel very nervous chambering a live round in the rifle indoors.
 
The 1903 does not need special burn rate powder for it's load, like the M1 rifle.

Any 30 Cal. bullet can be used in it, to find out what it likes, best.
Mine likes any spitzer from 147 to 180 grs, from target to light factory loadings.

Stock iron peep sights can make 1,000 yard hits, with 20/20 eye sight, on good days, once you get the sights logged in for drop and windage.

Have fun.
 
This is what the CMP has to say about loads for 1903s:

"The CMP advises to not use .30/06 ammunition in M1 Garands, 1903s, and 1903A3s that is loaded beyond 50,000 CUP and has a bullet weight more than 172-174gr. These rifles are at least 70 years old and were not designed for max loads and super heavy bullets."

M1903/M1903A3 Rifle Information - Civilian Marksmanship Program
 
Load your favorite recipe for 30-06, if it gets you in the right zip code keep on keepin on.

The most important thing is to shoot that 03.
 
I would use the Garand loads or whatever is a load that is mil. equivalent that your sights are calibrated for on the 03. Unless you are gonna take it bear hunting or something. Loading manuals have all kinds of heavy loads that are for really big game and a variety of bullets for modern bolt guns. So go for the 150 gr. and whatever gives the same MV as GI ball ammo is what I would do. If you have a Garand, why have two different loads to contend with. Use something you can shoot from either one.
 
To the O/P:

So... You have a 760, a 721, an M1 Garand and a 1903 Springfield.

Your 1st foray into reloading 30'06 shot about an inch group @ 100 yards...

What more is it you desire?

Sure, come up with a load for those 150gr Speer Pros for the M1 and the 1903: no real need to shoot the SSTs out of those when you have two other hunting rifles, is there?

Cheers!

P.S. Hornady has (had?) a Vintage Match in 168gr with the A-Max BT bullet that was designed for the M1 as I recall... Maybe now they use the ELD?
 
Last edited:
sbrmike said:
IMR 4350 is a horrible choice for an M1Garand. IMR 4064, IMR 4895 are far safer. The slow IMR 4350 spikes the pressure at the wrong time. You are risking a bent operating rod.
Click to expand...

I should have clarified, the 4350 load is what I use in my hunting rifle. I have not decided what powder to use in the Garand.

Thanks for the caution..
 
I worked up a load for my Garand, with IMR 4895. Started at minimum and worked up until I achieved reliable functioning. Some of the lighter loads did not have consistent ejection. I then upped it a half grain. I am using 150 BT bullets. I shoot that load in my Garand, 1903, 1903A3 and M 1917 Remington. It shoots as well as I can, and will not cause any unnecessary wear and tear on my rifles.
 
No issues with 03s (excepting of course the whole low number thing, and IMO those should not be shot period.) Any safe .30-06 load is fine in any high number 03.
 
When I worked up my best load for the M1 48gr 4064 That day at the range I was shooting 5 shot groups at 100 yd that you could cover with a US Quarter. I happened to bring along my 03A3 with a 2 grove barrel. It shot this same load the same way. There are three things to consider: The bullet is most important. Sierra 168 Internationals or MatchKings. Powder by far 4064, the case made little difference I used a lot of SL53 and LC54. I used that load in my Garand and won 5 bench rest matches with it.
 
I got a thin paper back book from NRA publications THE M1 RIFLE. 2005 edition. Good book for new owners. It has load data for the rifle in it. Has 147/150 thru 180 gr. bullets. A long list of powders are mentioned in the loads. They neglect to give too many details such as cartridge OAL. But with the surplus FMJ boat tails I got they have a crimp groove as a clue. I compare these loads to info in loading manuals for more info.
 
Both your shoulder and your old Springfield will really like 130 gr HP bullets for casual shooting. Five years ago we went to the Springfield National Championship at Camp Perry. A top ranked shooter told my buddy to use medium powder charge listed in reloading manual and 130 gain bullets. He was right. No discomfort shooting and accuracy was not a problem.
 
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