Hi there, I've recently started loading for my M1 Garand in 30-06 and have some questions for those with experience with this. I want to duplicate the M2 ball load and have come up with a load of 48.0 of Varget with a standard primer under a 150gr bullet that shoots well. My question is with the generous chambers in the military rifles and the need(I think) to full length resize the case how many times should you reload a case? I am useing WW,RP and the Greek HXP caseings. Also other M1 gas system friendly loads for the 150 grain ball would be appreciated!
Garands do have a reputation for loose chambers. Therefore, I would avoid the "small base" dies, as they are most-likely not going to be needed.
However, because of their floating firing pins and the risk of slam-fires, I would strongly suggest AGAINST partial-resizing or neck-sizing as well.
Because of these combination of factors, I've resorted to buying the RCBS X-die set in 30-06 to load all most Garand loads with. Once the case is trimmed .020" shorter than max length, you just full-length resize and load, and you should never have to re-trim your brass again. I just switched to this set-up, so I can't say how many loads I'll get, but this is what I think will be best.
With this system, I do not believe it will be necessary to use the heavier-cup thickness "mil-spec" primers from CCI (which are more expensive in my area, even though they're wholesaled at the same price...). If you can get the CCI-34s at a good price, no reason not to use them, though.
As far as loads, keep in mind that the Garand gas system was designed to work with powder loads between 44.0grs and 50.0grs. I would expect unreliable functioning below 44 and battering the gun (especially the op-rod) above 50.0grs. Also, it would be wise to stick to 50,000psi loads or lower. The proper port pressure for the Garand is between 9000 and 11,000psi, but it's near-impossible to find anyone who publishes the pressures of loads at the 23" down-the-barrel point.
Thus, most recommended powder charges are 46.0-48.0grs of medium-burning powders, such as Varget, IMR-4064, and IMR-4895, with medium-weight bullets (147gr to 173gr). You can also use several other powders, including RL-15, Norma-202, H-4895, AA-2495, AA-2520, and Ramshot TAC with that range of bullet weights. (Find published loads that stay around or below 50,000psi and have powder mass of 46.0-48.0grs and you'll be fine. Often, they are the starting loads for these powders with these bullet weights.)
