I've been loading 150gr Hornadys in mil brass to shoot the run and gun matches with my Tanker Garand. So far they have worked OK for me, but I was wondering if any have loaded 125's for the M1, and if so can you tell me how they've worked for you?
The 125 grain bullet such as the Speer 125 grain TNT HP is a perfect bullet for target work out to 200 yards. I mostly load these bullets for my .30-06 Garand and 7.62 NATO M1 Garand. Up side is no large muzzle flash, reduced recoil and enjoyable shooting without getting beat up with max loads. My preferred powder is H4895 or you could use IMR 4895 and IMR 3031 with good results. I no longer shoot the 155-175 grain bullets unless you are looking at long range shooting. Check out this thread at the CMP discussing using 125 grain bullets.
Cal: .30-06 Springfield
Rifle: M1 Garand
Primer: CCI 200
Powder: 47.5 grains H4895
Bullet: Speer 125 grain TNT HP seated @ 3.150"
Case: Lake City 69
Velocity: 2751 FPS @ 15 ft
SD: 8.0 FPS
ES: 26.0 FPS
This load is very consistent, accurate and easy to shoot. Load data is for my rifle only. Reduce and work up load. A lot of guys shoot the 125 grain bullet, so there is a lot of information out there.
My Garand load for the Speer 125 TNT is almost identical to JohnF above, but I use 48.0 grains IMR 4895. Try them, you will really like them. Also a perfect load for my 1903A3. I have not shot them beyond 200 in a while, but I will soon. Good luck!
Thanks JohnF and Shoot-2-thrill. I don't expect to be shooting much past 200 for these matches, and low recoil for fast follow up shots is what I was looking for. I was told by one of the M1 reloaders that I know, that the 125's weren't compatible with the M1's 1 in 10 twist I just wanted confirmation that he was wrong. I'm going to try it as soon as I can find some of the TNT's . thats for your load info.
If you keep the load under 3000fps you should be good too go, past 3000fps 1/10 barrels can make the 125 TnT spin apart. FYI Sierra's 125 pro hunters don't have this problem.
FYI the load data I provided had a chrono velocity just under 2800 fps. I agree with Phil that pushing the TNT above 3000 will cause problems keeping the bullet together. There is no need to do so, and it kind of defeats our intended purpose. Low recoiling accurate round. They really pay off in rapid fire stage.
Since I'm loading these for the tactical match, I ordered 500 of the 125 SMK's to avoid any concerns over the plastic tips. If my G likes them, I'll try the TNT's next. Thanks for all help given.
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