I've been wanting to get in on the high-power shoots at my local club for a long time. I've also been lusting after an M1A, so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone. Most shoot these matches with various ARs but I've never warmed up to the Black Rifle. This purchase will represent my first venture into the world of military rifles-not to mention my first "serious" semiauto rifle (have a 10-22). I only know what I've read and haven't a clue about the operation, maintenance, and performance of such a rifle. Our matches are typically shot at 100 yds and I was thinking about handloading the 168gr Matchking. I know there are a few specialized cleaning tools needed and am hoping for some input and instruction on what works best. Thanks in advance.

Jugger
you will enjoy your M1-A, they are fun rifles.

I suggest you try a few boxes of Federal factory 168gr and 175 Match ammo for starters.

There are several good powders for the M1-A.

I have used 39.5gr of IMR 3031 with a 168 Sierra Matchking for many years.

There are newer loads with different powders but this load has shot so good in ANY 308 that I have not seen a reason to change.

As a bare minimum:

GI buttstock cleaning kit. Mainly for the Gas plug wrench

M14/M1A Gas cylinder wrench

M14/M1A Gas Pistol drill

308 chamber brush(es)

Artist brush to paint grease on bolt lugs, bolt roller, receiver lug recesses, etc.

Antiseize (a grease used on exhaust manifold bolts) to coat the gas plug threads

Muzzle and rear sight covers

You can find most of these tools at:


http://www.brownells.com/

http://www.creedmoorsports.com/store/home.php

http://www.champchoice.com/shop.php

Sounds sweet. Let us know how she does at the range.

If you are shooting at 100, you may want to try the Sierra "Palma" bullet in 155gr. From what I understand the 168 gr doesn't "settle in" for a couple hundred yards. Also, Nosler makes a great 168gr. bullet, for a decent price.

Also, "the" powder for 7.62/308 M1A is considered 4895, either Hodgdon or IMR. Varget, 4064, BL-C(2), AA2520 are in the ring for top powders typically used.

Search the net for articles, the M1A a little different to reload for, and there is a lot of info out there. There is also quite a bit on maintenance etc. There is a gentleman named Mr. Ziediker(sp?) who has written tons on the m14-type rifle.

Juggernaut, Ive been looking at those M1A's also. Which one did you get? The springfield super match?

There is a guy at my range club that got a high power shoot organized. Winner got a New M1A last year. This guy has a nice M1A with a kreiger barrel.

Welcome to the M1A Brotherhood Juggernaut76

A few links you may find enjoyable.

Pay particular attention to posts by DIFFERENT

http://battlerifles.ambackforum.com/viewforum.php?f=108...3fc6da4a18908f88f282

http://www.imageseek.com/m1a/

http://www.m14firinglineforum.com/upload/

http://www.warrifles.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=1

You should of bought an AR

Always some dickhead around to piss in someone else's post toasties. Since his decision has already been made, your comments are just .

BTW, I've got both an AR10T and a M1A Supermatch and for fun shooting, I much prefer the M1A.

Scudrunner
He said he had and had been shooting an AR.
I am sure I read that he decided to move up and shoot a rifle!


There was an "all military parts" unfired M1A at the Nashville gun show last weekend. I purposely did not look to closely so I could get away before the "siren" lured my wallet out of my pocket and lightened it considerably.