I just picked up a new Springfield M1A Scout Squad rifle - it has a 18" barrel and I would like to reload my own .308 Win for it.

Does anyone have any good M1A .308 Win. loads that they would recommend? I'm looking for a all around load for plinking, informal target shooting and shooting hogs.

Thanks for the help.

I use 43.0 grains of IMR 4895 with a 150- or 155-grain bullet, or 41.5 grains with the 165- to 173-grain bullets. However, mine was the standard military configuration.

i believe i'd lean towards 3031 for H335, though there's nothing wrong with 4895, it just might be a bit slow for a 18' tube

MHC

Try this load. I got it from am M1-A shooter over 35 years ago.

I have used it in every 308 rifle I have reloaded for.

The Load is: 39.5gr of IMR 3031.

The bullets are; 168 Sierra Matchking, 165 Sierra HPBT Gameking, 165 Nosler Partition, and the 165 GR Nosler Ballistic Tip.

Thanks for the help!!!

Let us know how that load shoots in your rifle.

I've tried IMR-3031 and IMR-4064 with the 168gr. Sierras in Match prepped M-14s. IMR-4895 beats both of them.

Read the first two articles...www.zediker.com/downloads/m14.html

Hello,
Shot M14NM, M1A's,for number of years and various powders used ranged from those already listed plus RE15, Varget, BL-C2, AA2520(nick name for it was "camp perry powder at one time,)but as stated earlier, for me anyway, IMR4895 worked best for me and results were always predictable. Those were match prepped rifles and for your short barreld service rifle probably just have to try a few to determine what one works best in your rifle. I had one of those several years ago and they will deliver decent accuracy, not match level, but impressive when all things considered. Would suggest you not reload the same brass repeatedly for the gun is tough on brass and separation will occur if you work the brass too much. I would only shoot the same brass no more than 3 times, but may have been ultra careful. Good luck.

martin

I've have good results with 43.5 grains of IMR 4064 WW primers, 168 grain Sierra and Partizan PRVI BTs.

Jim

Would Federal factory 180 grain ammo damage an M1A due to high pressure?

quote:

Originally posted by Cdr_McBragg:
Would Federal factory 180 grain ammo damage an M1A due to high pressure?

I have shot a lot of Federal Factory ammo in an M1-A.
Since I use Federal 168gr Match in them a lot, I usually use Federal 165gr Trophy Bonded Bearclaws, or Winchester 168gr Ballistic Silvertips for hunting. I have shot Federal factory 180gr Nosler Partitions in them and did not notice any problems.

I have never encountered a M1-A that would not feed commercial Soft Point Ammo.

Just after you shoot a couple of rounds look at the brass, and the primers. Also notice its ejection pattern.

If you pick up a Hornady manual they have a section for M1A and M1.

Stay with powders not faster than 4895 and not slower than 4064, same as for a Garand and you'll not go wrong.

I'd be careful of bullets of more than 175 grains, and of unknown powder speed, as op rod damage, very short brass life and excess wear and tear on the operating system as a whole can result.

Many commercial loads may not conform to these parameters, but you must remember the rifle was designed as an improvement of the M1 Garand in the late 40's/early 50's, so your best bet is to stick with recipes of that era for best performance.

IMR 4895 or WC 846 surplus (Like BLC2). For plinking and lower cost shooting the Priv Partizan 150 grain FMJ's not bad with a STD primer. Hornady Reload manual has good data. Lee factory crimp an xlint addition. Forster headspace gauge will help you adjust your die to make sure you're not under or over sizing your brass.

Have fun!