I just got an M1A and want to know if I need to hold the velocity down as you must with an M1 Garand. Same basic actions. Thanks in advance shooters.

Yep, same basic action. Powder burn rate is important. Powders like IMR and Hodgdon 4895 are good safe picks. You may know but just in case, remember you have a floating firing pin. The possibility of slam fires can be reduced by using harder primers like CCI #34. I use mil-spec cases, CCI #34 primers, mostly H4895 and bullets from 155gr to 190gr. Mine seems to like VLDs....figures, they cost more.

I have found that in my national match, CCI primers and IMR4064 seem to offer the best accuracy I have shot. No real pressure issues, and it works well with 168 grain match bullets, AND 155 palmas.

155 I prefer the Sierra.
168 Nosler match get the nod.

Start @ 40 grains of 4064, and work from there. For my rifle, the best accuracy shows up between 42 and 42.5 grains, and gives a good-but-not-top of the scale velocity.

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Chris in NH.

"some days, I wish my dogs could talk"

Thre is quite a difference in the operating rod between the M-1 Garand, and the M 1A. The newer Hornady loading manuals have a separate section for .308 service rifle loads. They list VIHT N-135, H 4895, IMR 4064, AA 2495, AA 2520, IMR 4895, Varget, VIHT N-140, RL-15, VIHT N-150, and Win 748 as being suitable with 155, and 168 grain bullets. I have very accurate loads for my bolt gun using both IMR 4895, and RL-15.

If you're looking for a manual, Speer's also indicates good loads specifically for gas-operated semi-auto service rifles (though I think they mean for the M1A, not the M-1 Garand). Don't have it with me or I'd list some powders from it.

42.0 of 4064 in a W-W case, Rem 9 1/2 primer and Sierra 168MK is a killer load in my Hart barreled Winchester 70 target rifle. The rifling twist rate is 1 in 11. The same load also shot well in my NM M1A with Douglas heavy barrel and also 1 in 11 twist.

yup, forgot that...

I'm using the factory stainless match barrel with a 1/11 twist.

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Chris in NH.

"some days, I wish my dogs could talk"

42 grains of IMR 4895 under a 168 BTHP loaded to 2.80 w/ a 210M or BR-2.
thats the USGI milspec on the match 308 load.
you can drop it by .5 and use H4895 and get as good if not cleaner results.

I'm shooting an AR10t. I've found that Partizan Prvi 168 grain BT, with 43.5 grains IMR 4064, Federal match cases, Winchester regular primers does great.

Jim

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I want to thank everybody for all the good info. I have always treasured data from shooters more than that from books. When I get through testing I'll post the results.

Again, thank you very much, shooters.

How about a load for the 147 FMJBT??

You can use data for 150-155 grain bullets with the 147.

I just loaded some 155 Noslers up today for my M1 Garand with IMR 4064... I was really surprised at how well it went through my powder measure.

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