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M1 Garand Handload with N-135

168 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  JEFFJP_N_JJ
I've tried a 150gr fmj load with 44gr N135, found it in the M1 Garand section of Hornady's book, 9th edition. Accuracy is good and it feels smooth to shoot, just wanted to double check that i won't damage my rifle over time.

What do you guys think? Due to availability and prices i can't replicate the US powder based ammo.

Thanks.
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That sounds like a very, very light load for a 30-06. You are likely not going to damage anything with that load, as long as it cycles ok. (I assume you have an M1 in 30-06 and not 308W.)

About a decade ago the Hornady ballistics engineer posted that 46.3 grains of N135 with a 168gr AMAX bullet and match primer was a very good 30-06 match load out to 600 yards. It’s a full power load, but what you are loading is what I’d call a “reduced recoil” or “low velocity load.” The burn rate of N135 might be a tad fast for an M1, but with 44 grains and a 150 grain bullet - its not going to damage the rifle. Again, I assume you are taking about 30-06 caliber. If it’s 308W I need to look at the Viht reloading manuals).
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Forgot to mention the caliber, it's a 30 06.
Low velocity load sounds good to me, it's good for 100ish yards.

Thank you.
I am using the stuff now, since the powder shortage is still going on....Good results in my M14s
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I already had .30-06 active in QuickLOAD, so I changed the bullet to a 150 grain Hornady FMJBT, the powder to 44 grains of N135 and the result was only 33,500 psi of chamber pressure and 2450 fps. If an M1 will cycle this load, I'd be quite surprised.
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It cycles and ejects without problem, I just had to switch out my adjustable gas plug for the standard one.

Which other garand safe loads using VV powder would you suggest?
I use 40.5gr of N135 for 155gr Hor 1685gr/Hor/Sierra 168gr bullets in my M14's
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