Range Report

[oneshooter]

Been wanting to try my M1 Nat Match 308 with 150gr rounds. Best load was a group 1.4" horiz. x 1.25" vert C/C shot at 100yds from the bench. Load was 44.5gr of IMR4895 w/Seirra 150gr HPBT. May of pulled a few rounds as the sight pict wasn't quite right when the trigger broke. Best part of group is 4 shots in a line 1.4" long with 3 inside of .900c/c. Will work on this load as it has promise.

oneshooter

[Swede]

Sounds like you're on to something. I usually do better with 168 gr and 4895.

[oneshooter]

The only problem is that the load is 1/2gr above max. May stick with it anyway!

oneshooter
Reloadin in Texas

[Swede]

Myself, I won't keep it over max.

Not looking at a loading table I didn't realize you were over max when I read your first post. I always load my Garands under max, trying to stay close to ball spec's. These are older guns that have a lot of parts that can fail. If you bend the op-rod it's going to cost to get a decent NM replacement.

Try 168gr to close up your group. I reduced my groups by 1.5" just by change bullets in my .30-06 Garand. Serria 168 Match HP. ;)

[oneshooter]

I have an accurate 168gr load,just trying a diffrent bullet. 150's $2 cheaper a box!!

oneshooter

[oneshooter]

3 of my reloading manuals show a max of 44gr IMR4895. 4 others list the max as 45gr. I AM CONFUSED!!!! 4-3 4 wins?

oneshooter
Loading in Texas

[dsiteman]

Hello,
Load I have found works very well in my Garand, NM is slightly less than 43 grains of Mil. 4895(surplus) LC Match Brass, 210M primers, either the Sierra MK 150 or Palma 155's seated to max. length, 2.800. As always, work up to whatever load for your particular rifle for safety sake. On simulated 600 yard target(actually shot at 200 yards) slow fire, prone for 20 shots, cleaned target with 12 in X ring and those twelve were grouped into a knot about the size of a quarter. Have routinely shot high 190 scores with 8-12 X's at actual 600 yard range with this load as well.
Kind of strange, for like others, the 168 generally works better in a 1/10 twist barrel at shorter ranges. (Don't care much for the 168's past 300 though.) Never really took the gun that serious until this year and started working up loads for it and was very much pleased with the performance. I have couple "built" match bolt guns used in long range and actually out to 600 they will not deliver any better accuracy. Rifle is match built with good bedding, solid handguards, quality barrel, 4.5 lb. trigger which does break clean on last stage, but for a Garand, very pleased with it.
Martin