Picking up a new M1A next week, and I'm going to reload for it. In light of the seeming-permanent absence of the M1A favorite H4895 from the marketplace, what are some other good choices for the M1A? I know about IMR 4064, but are there any others?
- Thread starter fxdrider
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Varget, N150, N540, and ARComp are among the powders I've used for .308WIN. Varget is probably the most popular across 150-175gr bullets. I like N150 these days in semi-autos because it doesn't generate heat anywhere near as fast as many of the others.
I use varget and 748 and AA2520. The last two are ball powders which work fine with open sights, meter easy and are fairly inexpensive and available. Another powder which I have never used but has been available would be Accurate2495
IMR4895. 41.5 grains give or take a half grain, with a 168 or 175 SMK will work all day every day.
The only one not listed here that Hodgdon lists on their "service rifle" {M-14 / M1A} is BAL C 2
AA2520, I've been using it since the 90's at Camp Perry. 41.5 grains, GI prepped case, 168 SMK. MV 2540 out of my service match rifle.
Sub MOA all day.
IMR 4064, 42.3 grains, 175 SMK, LC Match prepped brass runs 3/4 MOA.
Thanks everybody. Some good suggestions here. And I think I still have some IMR 4064 and AA 2520. Will load and try some.
You see I'm older, can't run 3.5 miles anymore and don't shoot High Power (can't see). But I re-purposed my M1A for "other" stuff.
VV advises N140 and N135 for M1/M1A. N150 is closer to 4350 speed. Accurate Accurate 2520, 2460 2230, 4064 are also compatible.
If its a 308, I go with Varget as my first choice. It just plain works.
I've been messing with seating depth lately. This was 2.806, for some reason my 1st shot is always separate from my groups but my groups are always like this. They measure 3.22 if you include the flyer. .67" if you don't. 100yds
btw
