Re: Loading for semi-auto?
My Garand load is 50gr IMR-4064, commercial brass, WLR primers, and 147-155gr bullets. For 168-175's, I drop that to 48.0gr.
Garand loads tend to be built around limited bullet weights and faster powders in a generally mild loading. IMHO, the primary issue is to preserve the oprod's integrity, and loads that achieve that goal are relatively unlikely to bend the rails of a Rem 742 or 750 action.
My other .30-'06 rifle is a lighter weight M70, and I wouldn't terribly mind having a Saiga .30-'06.
Greg