[XLIV]

I have a basic loaded that currently shoots 2 MOA with surplus ammo (portugese). What is the easiest way to get under 1 MOA with this rifle. I heard everything from bedding to match gas cylinder. I was thinking a scope would eliminate my concern that I wasnt getting a good sight picture.

Should I have just invested the extra 800 to get a super match?

 

[ZEITSEF]

1 MOA

I doubt if you can do much to get an M1A to shoot MOA with
ball ammo---handloads or federal Gold Metal match with a bedded
rifle with NM options will get you close,just my experience.ZEITSEF

 

[XLIV]

ok..bear with me guys after all I'm still a fengie..

What kind of NM options are we talking about, besides the match sights. I have the factory stainless match barrel..and I'm working out a load right now using 4895, 168MK and '67 LC NM brass..

 

[dighawaii]

My Home Prep for Loaded M1A

XLIV:

Sounds like you and I have similar rifles. I have two SA "loaded" M1A's with SS barrels. I am using one to experiment on. I am also seeking to exact the maximum accuracy possible without having to send it to a Gun Smith. The following is after the detailed examination of the entire NEW rifle for function, fit, lubrication and general accuracy.

I started with visually checking the op rod alignment and the op rod guide for movement. When satisfied (I didn't do anything, it looked good to me), I turned my attention to the gas cylinder (this item is NOT unitized or to NM conditioned) and piston. The inside of the gas cylinder and piston was cleaned with a gas cylinder cleaning tool and the outside of the piston polished by hand as best as possible. I have unitized gas cylinders on order but have not arrived yet.

What I did in the mean time, was to "shim" (purchased from Fulton Armory) the gas cylinder with the cylinder lock timed at the 5:00 position being careful to frequently check gas cylinder port alignment.

This creates a solid gas cylinder fit on to the barrel. I also made sure that the front band was touching the stock evenly and properly aligned because it was not unitized or epoxied to the gas cylinder.

Next, I checked the NM flash suppressor for tightness and fit. I cannot check the alignment until I receive my FS alignment tool from SA. I like the fit but decided (just for fun) to replace the FS with a SA Muzzle Brake to evaluate if it will reduce the "bounce" and recoil on my Harris bipod.

This completed the verification process of making sure that all barrel mounted peripherals were attached solid and without movement.

Lastly, I Dremeled the front ferrule area to open it up so that the gas cylinder did not touch the ferrule or stock only the lip of the front band making contact.

This is about all I did so far in getting my "loaded" rifle prepped to shoot as accurately as I possibly could make it (at least for now). I also added a scope and an ARMS #18 mount and a Harris bipod.

If you are inclined, I highly recommend the Kuhnhausen Shop Manual for M1 Garands and M14/M1A rifles (its one book) and the Scott Duff M14 Book. These are both outstanding books with excellent graphics. The amount of info that you will get from these books will be enourmous. Almost as good as I get from this forum.

Anyway, this is just some of the stuff that I did and was meant only for reading. If you want to try some of these things, just take your time.

Aloha and Best Wishes,

Tom O.

 

[dighawaii]

My Reload Info.

XLIV:

Sorry, I forgot to add that I am using similar reloading components.

IMR 4895 - 41.5 +/- .3 gr. for M1A (42.0 +/- .3 gr. for bolt)
CCI Mil Spec Primers
Once fired (trimmed and prepared) or New Military Brass
168 Gr HPBT Sierra MK or Nosler J4's.

Loaded on a Dillon 650 with Dillon dies plus Dillon crimp die.

So far, I have been getting good to great results. My handloads have proven to be more accurate than the Mil Surp Port ammo that I have. Although, the Port is more fun to shoot because I don't have to load these guys. This formula is only what I use. Please follow prescribed loading techniques in loading your handloads. Be Safe and Careful!

Aloha and Best Wishes,

Tom O.

 

[SixTGunr]

Great info..thanks. Your loads are almost identical to mine except my target bolt gun likes the same 41.5g - 15 out from the lands. Havnt gotten exact chamber dimensions on the m1a, figured I'd just stick to the 2.8something OAL so they feed correctly out of the magazine in anticipation of some highpower competition shooting.

The model number on my rifle box is 9806..can't find that one listed but I'm sure it's a basic loaded.

Have you done anything with regards to bedding? Also, am unclear what is being referred to as "front lugged, rear lugged and double lugged" receivers.

I should invest in the books you mentioned so as not to bore you guys with all my questions. Thanks - 44

 

[XLIV]

oops..forgot to login..

Did I also mention I'm computer illiterate? - 44

 

[dighawaii]

Follow Up!

XLIV:

Your questions are most welcome and the books that I recommended will help you in making some great conversation, I bet.

My Springfield Armory (SA) "loaded" M1A's are MA9825's according to the box they came in. If you look at the SA web site, it should identify the differences in rifles that they offer. Nice pictures and information. Anyway...

A bedded receiver whether in a bolt or M1A will aid in insuring that the receiver to stock fit is a "tight as possible" giving you the best in fit and repeatability. Special care needs to be exercised with a bedded stock.

I have decided to go with WhamoCamo synthetic stocks instead of bedding the stocks that came with my "loaded" rifles. I think its the closest thing to bedding a stock without having to do it. The fiberglass will not compress like wood or warp in rain, humid or extreme weather. Their web site is http://www.whamocamo.com if you are interested. If you prefer wood (especially NICE looking wood), look no further than our very own SparrowHawk (Hawk's) web site at http://www.sparrowhawkm14.com/ . Great stuff from both. If I get started on raving about their products, I won't stop. :lol: So...

Match Receivers can be found with a rear lug or a rear and a forward lug. See http://www.entreprise.com/ they have some good pictures of these type of receivers. I think they refer to these as single or double lugged receivers.

I am sure that other members can offer you even more information than I can. But I hope this was of some help.

Aloha and Best Wishes,

Tom O.

 

[ZEITSEF]

MOA with ball ammo

I bought a pre ban Supermatch about a month ago and just shot it
yesterday--off the bench @100 with the iron sights my groups with
ball were 1.5" to 2.5" for five shots a couple groups put 4 shoys into
3/4"---5 shots of Gold medal match went 1-1/8"---again no scope and
54 year eyeballs! 8O ZEITSEF

 

[dighawaii]

Zeitsef:

That is some AWESOME shooting! And with iron sight no less! I think that is when they say... "you were one with the force". 8)

With tight groups like that, you don't need a scope! On the other hand, I have really bad eye sight recently and mine are not getting better with age (trust me)... I think I need a scope. At least until I can get to a eye doc and some new glasses. 8O

It's been fun "tinkering" with the M1A's but having a SuperMatch must be the ultimate in ownership. Glad to hear you had a GREAT DAY! Now, that's good for some "bragging rights". :lol:

Aloha and Best Wishes,

Tom O.

 

[XLIV]

whoa..now thats sending some lead down range to the same hole..

Doesn't Fulton Armoury sell NM eyeballs yet for all us old fogeys?

Perhaps in addition to telling us about the rifle, you could give us some one-liners that you used with the Mrs. to get her permission to buy it..
44

 

[ZEITSEF]

Group size

Those groups are ok---I know that on the other board there are
regulars over there that shoot those groups @ 200 yds with 40 kt
crosswinds!!! :roll: Got very lucky on the price of the Supermatch rifle
my friendly dealer took it in trade and on a cash basis including sales
tax it was less then $1500,also barrel was 2 on TE gauge so hasnt
been shot a whole lot. Actually it did cost me more---put in a whole
NEW kitchen and downstairs tile floor=$20,000 maybe IT wasn't a
bargain after all!!!!! ZEITSEF

 

[dighawaii]

Zeitsef:

The super shooters are the one God blessed with trained good eyeballs, a gorilla solid hold and a light feathery touch on the trigger squeeze. I need scopes, Harris bipods and a Ransom rest to shoot awesome groups. 8O

I better call Fulton to see if they got those NM eyeballs in stock. 8O

But $1500 for a SM is a GREAT deal. A few months back I purchased a used (slightly) NM for $1414. When you compare apples with apples, it sounds like a really good deal. And I thought I walked away from that one the winner.

Best Wishes,

Tom O.

 

[XLIV]

I picked up this basic loaded for 800..didnt know if that was a good deal or not till I started reading these forums..

Still havent been able to locate the model number anywhere on springfield's site..the box says model M9806. Maybe it's something thats not offered anymore.
44

 

[dighawaii]

XLIV:

Not you too! Wow, I seem to missing out on some deals... $800 huh? My first SA loaded laminated M1A cost $1600 plus tax and the second SA loaded M1A cost $1500 plus tax with the "junk" SA synthetic.

Looks like I'm living on the wrong side of the "pond".

The only way I've managed to survive and feed my addiction was to buy from the web. The first NM only cost $1414 and this NM that I am buying is $1330. I thank my lucky stars every night for RoadRunner (my cable ISP). :lol: Without the web, the local dealers are asking for big $$$ for NM or SM M1A's.

I know is A$$ backwards to be spending less money for more rifle.

Geeeeeeez. I am stoked. But I still congratulate all of you on your REALLY AWESOME deals. :lol:

Tom O.

 

[XLIV]

What I saved on the initial purchase I should be able to dress it up in one of those nice whamocamo outfits..now which one to choose..hmm..such decision..
44

 

[dighawaii]

XLIV:

This is the "fun" part. EENNNNJJJJOOOOOOYYYYYY!!!!

Aloha,

Tom O.

 

[Oxmix]

There are lenses that can be installed in your national match sight to improve your sight picture. A friend of mine uses one in his M1A.

Regards

Ox