[longrangehunter]

Howdy,

I have been trying, without success to find military loading data for my M-1A 7.62 X 51 NATO (.308) . I have some 147 grain bullets and some 164 grain bullets ( all military bullets) that I need loading data for. I plan to use both military and civilian brass. (and yes I know about reducing the loads in military cases by 5 percent. )
Mostly Federal cases and some old Lake City match brass. I've obtained a small base die for this and have everything ready to go but need loading data. From what I recall when I was in the military, we were told that the 147 grain load produced a speed of 2850 FPS nominal.
Can I simply use something like IMR 3031 or IMR 4064 for the 164 grain bullets, and IMR4198 and IMR 3031 for the 147 grain bullets, and use standard reloading tables for the .308 Winchester as long as I stay within the same speed that the military uses? Another problem since I can't find any data for military loads is that although I am pretty sure about the 147 grain bullet I am not sure about the heavier bullet, ie. speed, etc.
Any help that I can get will be really appreciated.
Thanks!

longrangehunter

 

[Andy6965282]

Since you are using normal powders you should be able to use .308 win data for like weight bullets.

The 147 gr would be pretty close to a standard 150 gr which is 42.2 gr of IMR 3031 at 2800 fps.

The 164 gr would be 165 gr which is 39.1 gr of IMR 3031 at 2600 fps.

These are not max loads and are NOT reduced to account for millitary brass. The only thing you need to worry about is the COAL. I hope that gets you started and thanks to Sierra for the data.

 

[Guidedfishing]

I used to load military brass for a M24. I never had a problem using IMR 4064 with the 168gr bullet.

good luck
GF

 

[Blackhawk44]

Don't dirty that small base die yet, you might be able to trade it for something that you might truly need. Unless your M1A has a custom barrel with a tight match chamber, you should not normally need small base dies. Try shooting loads made with standard dies to check before pulling out the small base sizer.

 

[MAC702]

I was given an Excel spreadsheet for duplicate military loads. I've used the .30-06 data myself. This was circulated widely at our Vintage Military Rifle matches, so many guys are using this data, but I cannot tell you the original source, so verify it. I cannot attach a spreadsheet file here, but I will triple-check for typos:

.308 with 150-gr HPBT or FMJBT:
45.5 grains Win-748
39.0 grains IMR-3031
42.0 grains IMR-4895
44.0 grains IMR-4064

.308 with 168-gr HPBT:
43.0 grains Win-748
39.0 grains IMR-3031
40.5 grains IMR-4895
41.5 grains IMR-4064

I have also used Accurate Arms powders in the same burn range by linearly extrapolating the data and cross-referencing several data books.

 

[longrangehunter]

Thanks!
That's more help than I expected. I have plenty of IMR 3031, and IMR 4064 so will start getting that brass ready now. I have some factory Federal Match 168 grain rounds that I will try before using that small base die. I doubt that I can send it back though. You can never tell, I may need it sometime in the future. Nearly every thing I have read states that a small base die is needed for semi-auto rifles. Maybe it's just a safety issue?
Thanks again for your help.

longrangehunter

 

[FredT]

Mac702, your loading table is right on for what I always loaded for service rifle.

M1As are not bolt guns and are designed to operate at a specific pressure that is not book max.

I personaly never seen a semi auto that NEEDED small base dies. Good standard dies and proper case trimming always seemed to work.

Speer and Hornady have loading sections specific for the semi auto service rifle.

IMR 4895 has always been my "go to" powder for the M1a and the Garand.

 

[Guidedfishing]

Yup. that is the exact load I was using; 41.5 grains IMR-4064 with the 168gr bullet

good luck
GF

 

[MikeG]

There are an awful lot of people recommending small base dies, but mostly those seem to be people who don't actually use them.

I don't know a single person who owns one. My dad has reloaded semi-auto rifles for years and never has used one......

 

[MAC702]

Well, I use them (Dillon) in .308 for my M1A. I never loaded .308 any other way, though.

I load .223 and .30-06 with standard Lee dies and shoot them in an AR and an M1 with no problems, though.