308win (m1a) reloading

Grumulkin · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 3:35 am Post subject: Re: 308win (m1a) reloading

Quote::

Use IMR 4064 or H414 and the bullet weight that best suits your barrel twist.

H414 is the same powder as Winchester 760 and, in my view, a bit slow for the M1A. IMR 4064 is what I use.

popgun · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 10:07 pm Post subject: Re: 308win (m1a) reloading

Read First: I am not trying to pick a fight just doing the Ricky Recardo thing. I have some splainin' to do. Very Happy

Grumulkin wrote:

Well gentlemen, I actually reload for an M1A.

Yep, several of us actually have and reload for the M1-A. Like several of you I have been reloading mine since the warranty ran out over 20 years ago.
Your advice is right on but you will find that Winchester or Remington primers are hard enough without the extra expense of the CCI military primers. Still, the CCI military primers are a great choice.

Crackshot wrote:

Dont let everyone scare you! Reloading for the M1A is not that difficult.

I had no intention of putting a scare on anyone just trying to give him the information he asked for regarding loading for the M1-A. True, it is not difficult to load for the M1-A but it does have problems with many powders that have the wrong pressure curve. Too much port pressure and you break parts in the M1-A. That not only hurts the rifle but it is darn expensive to have fixed too. The M1-A like the M1 has a history of slam fires so the primer subject needs covered too. Component selection, Brass, Powder, Primers, and Bullets are all important if real accuracy potential is to be gained in the M1-A. It is not rocket science but just important details that need to be covered when answering a question like this. You just don't casually start picking components for a friends rifle and going for it with the M1-A.

I still stand by my advice not to reload for someone else. It's a good way to loose friends, one way or another. Sad

chambered221 · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 4:38 am Post subject: Re: 308win (m1a) reloading

I agree with not reloading for someone else !!! Your just asking for trouble !!!

If I shoot a friends gun I’ll only run factory in it. If they shoot mine only factory or my reloads !!!

I’ve got a question in regards to powder choice.
Why doesn’t anyone suggest BL-C(2) ? Is it not the original powder developed for the M1A ?
I’ve noticed that IMR 4064 and either IMR or H 4895 seem to be the most popular.

Crackshot · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 7:55 am Post subject: Re: 308win (m1a) reloading

We are cool Popgun, Yes I know about the powder issues, IMR 4064 and a few others are VERY GOOD for the M1A. Primers are another issue I have had no problems with as long as they seat them deeply enough, I have had no issues with useing CCI Benchrest primers.
Just my experieance.
AS for loading for some one else, I usually just let them load on my equipment until they can get there own equipment(Family & VERY close friends). But I wont load for someone I have not known for along time.

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

popgun wrote:

Yep, several of us actually have and reload for the M1-A. Like several of you I have been reloading mine since the warranty ran out over 20 years ago.

Pssss M1As from SAI have a lifetime warranty and they mean it. On another board someone made mention of having a rifle who was the 5th owner accepted for warranty work! Shocked

Dimitri

Crackshot · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 4:53 pm Post subject: Re: 308win (m1a) reloading

Dimitri, I have had 4 Springfield M1A's of every model over the last few decades and have had no issues from Springfield over warranty. But I have to admit, i have had no issues with an M1A that I could not take care of myself. I have not heard of any one being refused warranty work though no matter the age or ownership.

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

Crackshot I bought my SAI M1A at 2,400$ for a loaded model over a Norinco M14S for 400$ because of how they back up their warranty which told atleast me that they stand behind their product to preform 110% plus it is mainly made in the US which is another plus over buying from China. Smile

Dimitri

chambered221 · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:24 am Post subject: Re: 308win (m1a) reloading

No takers on the BL-C(2) powder question !!!

Where's all the knowledgable M1A guys. Sleep

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

chambered221 wrote:

No takers on the BL-C(2) powder question !!!

Well....

Quote::

The BL-C(2)™ is a spherical powder that began as a military powder used in the 7.62 NATO, commonly known as the 308 Winchester.

So yes it was the Original powder they used But IMR 4064 and IMR/H 4895 powders burn very similar to what is needed as well and its common and useful for many different loadings. Might be a "whats on the bench" issue to some. Smile

Plus there is Reloader 15 is used in the Special LR ball for sniper rifles (LC M118LR).

Dimitri

chambered221 · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 8:05 pm Post subject: Re: 308win (m1a) reloading

Thanks D, I thought I Read Book

that somewhere !!!

popgun · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 8:29 pm Post subject: Re: 308win (m1a) reloading

chambered221 wrote:

I’ve got a question in regards to powder choice.
Why doesn’t anyone suggest BL-C(2) ? Is it not the original powder developed for the M1A ?
I’ve noticed that IMR 4064 and either IMR-4895 or H 4895 seem to be the most popular.

I have used BL-C(2) in several calibers and I haven't used it in the M1-A for one non shining example. It burns dirty and leaves allot of crap in the bore and on moving parts making clean up a more work intensive job. IMR-4064 burns cleaner and gives me great accuracy in the M1-A, and, "in my rifle" a tad better accuracy than IMR-4895 or H-4895 with Speer 168 gr BTHP's. With 175 gr BTHP it is a toss up between the three powders for best accuracy "in my rifle", all are great.

chambered221 · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 8:36 pm Post subject: Re: 308win (m1a) reloading

Thanks popgun, easier clean up in a semi-auto makes sense to me !!!