problems reloading for the M1 carbine

5483 Views 46 Replies 18 Participants Last post by deiter, Sep 1, 2016

jcb

Discussion Starter · Jun 6, 2016

Well, I am loading 115 grn. lead bullets with 14 grn. of H110. Everything is trimmed right and seating depth is .020 under C.O.L. Win small rifle primer, L.C. once fired brass.
I am using RCBS three die set and is a roll crimp die rather than the preferred taper die. My problem is light primer strikes nine out of ten times. I jsut can't figure out wha tis the problem. I have two carbines and it is doing this in both. So I think I can eliminate the gun factor.

Could this be a head space problem due to too much crimp?

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wiz1997

· #9 · Jun 7, 2016

The majority of 30 cal carbine reloaders suggest the taper crimp over the roll crimp.

I reload for both the M1 Carbine and a Ruger Blackhawk in 30 caliber.

Both headspace on the cartridge mouth with the Blackhawk being more critical.

I use an ever so slight taper crimp.

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wiz1997

· #17 · Jun 7, 2016

bustedknuckles said:
How picky is the 30 carbine on case length then?

For the M1 Carbine not too picky, but for a revolver it becomes a little bit more picky.

If trimming for a revolver you must trim to the chamber length of the revolver.

The Sierra 9th Edition shows the minimum trim length to be 1.280" which is fine for the Carbine.

I have to trim the cases to no less than 1.285" for my Blackhawk.

I use 14.9 grains of IMR-4227, 110gr, FMJ. Sierra 5th Edition data.

Use same load for both rifle and pistol.

The Sierra 9th Edition no longer shows a load for IMR-4227 using a 110 FMJ, lawyers maybe?

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wiz1997

· #20 · Jun 8, 2016

If buying once fired brass watch out for the LC-52 stuff.

The Chinese began manufacturing counterfeit brass with the headstamp LC-52.

The brass is Berdan primed and will break decapping pins.

I bought approx 1000 LC once fired brass and then sorted it by date.

Found three of the Berdan primed cases in a batch of LC-52 but not before I bent a decapping pin on the first one.

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wiz1997

· #24 · Jun 8, 2016

jcb said:
Well, thanks to every ones help I have my problem fixed. It appears it was in the crimp. My dies is a roll taper and I was putting a little too much crimp in it. Now I have my die adjusted to just barely touch and crimp. I put two magazines full through it and it functioned fine.

14.5 grns. of H110 and a 115 grn. cast bullet seemed to shoot just fine.

Since this is my first experience loading for the carbine, any further comments would be appreciated. Thanks again.

According to my books 14.5 grains of H110 puts the velocity out around close to 2000 fps which is way over the recommended velocity of lead, which is 1500 fps max.

If this is à USGI M1 Carbine why would you beat it to death with a max load and plug it up with lead? Just my opinion.

If you're looking for an inexpensive bullet for plinking I would go with plated, at least you won't be plugging any thing up.

Plated bullets use the same load data as lead.

I drop the load I posted earlier from 14.9 to 13.9 when using plated bullets which puts velocity around 1600 fps, just a little over.

Plated bullets get a bad wrap for being inconsistent, but the manufacturers have made improvements.

If looking for an accuracy load you'll be better off using FMJ. IMO

Regardless of what bullet you decide to go with, please don't push that old work pony (M1 Garands are the old workhorses) too hard, would hate to lose the rifle or you.

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wiz1997

· #38 · Jun 11, 2016

jcb said:
I haven't run across that bit of information as yet in my searches of loads for these little carbines. Can you provide a link or a source?

I've yet to see any mention of using a magnum primer in the carbine round.

A magnum primer burns hotter and sends the spark further into the case thereby igniting the all the powder at nearly the same time.

Igniting all the powder at nearly the same time results in higher pressures which could be detrimental to the rifle and rifleman.

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wiz1997

· #40 · Jun 12, 2016

DudleyDR said:
Are you relying on the internet for your information?

At the risk of being considered harsh and cruel I submit the following: Have you read all of the actual printed manuals from the powder companies and bullet manufacturers? They test these things. They know. How many years have you subscribed to the "Handloader" or "Rifle" magazines...or "The American Rifleman" magazine and read their loading data? There is a very credible publication called "Pet Loads", too. Sometimes the answer is not just a few clicks away and there are no shortcuts. Sometimes you have to put in the time yourself. Magnum primers can be used for standard loadings for some powders in some circumstances. Find out what the factories recommend first hand. Regards.

No one has read all the printed material from powder or bullet manufactures.

Been reading the American Rifleman for close to 20 years.

The OP is obviously new to reloading for the M1 carbine and should be advised accordingly.

The "Pet Load" guys have been reloading for years and have the experience and knowledge to keep things safe.

Let's get the OP on the right track, without info overload, and then let him decide if he wants to continue load development.

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