AA2520 or IMR4064 for. 30-06 M1 Garand?

[Exiledviking]

Going to start reloading for my .30-06 Springfield M1 Garand.
Got a hold of 350+ Hornady 150 gr SST bullets, once fired commercial brass, Winchester LRPs, and an option to buy either AA2520 or IMR4064 powder. One powder better than the other using the above components?
I'd appreciate your thoughts.

[gunnerblue]

https://www.handloadermagazine.com/m1-garand-handloads

M1's in original condition are very burn-rate specific. If you read the article that I linked, you'll see mentioned that aftermarket plugs are available to fire modern/hotter ammo.

[TomMcC]

Both those powders are a little fast to be optimum for 30-06, but if that's all you can get, I'd say they are both pretty close on the burn chart with 2520 being a bit slower. 2520 will flow out of a powder thrower better, but the IMR might give a better case fill (load density) since it is bulkier. I've used AA2230, 2460, and 2520 for .223, liking 2230 the best, I've used IMR's in my 7mm RM and am using IMR7828 presently. If it were me I would use the IMR4064 for better case density.

After reading the Handloader magazine article above, it looks like either power world work well for the gas system on a M1. I was thinking more along the lines of optimizing the velocity in a bolt action. Slower powders generally giving better velocities. I would still use the 4064 for a better fill.

[HKGuns]

I use 4895 for anything being shot out of my Garands. However, I don't hand load much for them as I still have a case or two of CMP ammo. My Garands get fondled frequently, shot infrequently.

[kerplode]

AA2520 and IMR4064 are both reasonable choices, as are the 4895s. Any of them should give you good performance in the Garand without stressing the gas system.

2520, being a ball powder, might benefit from a mil or mag primer for more consistent ignition. It will probably also show more temperature variation than the stick powders, but it measures nicely.

[Exiledviking]

AA2520 and IMR4064 are both reasonable choices, as are the 4895s. Any of them should give you good performance in the Garand without stressing the gas system.

2520, being a ball powder, might benefit from a mil or mag primer for more consistent ignition. It will probably also show more temperature variation than the stick powders, but it measures nicely.

Thank you.
My understanding is that the Winchester LRPs are on the hot side and close to being the same as magnum primers?

[kerplode]

I think you should absolutely give them a try! Win LRP is a good primer and there's a decent chance it'll be fine with 2520 unless you're in really cold temps or something.

Load some, shoot them, and see what you see. If you notice a big spread in your velocities in a session, or if you get a few rounds into a nice group but have a couple of uncalled flyers, then go back and try a mag primer (if you can get ahold of some) and see if things tighten up.

But if they shoot consistently, then rock on

[kerplode]

Whatever primer you land on, though, be ABSOLUTELY sure that they are all seated slightly below flush. This is critically important to prevent slam-fires and OOB discharges in the Garand.

Run your finger over the back of every case after you prime it...If you feel any primers sticking up, even a little bit, fix them immediately.

[T2C]

IMR 4895 is good powder for bullets between 147g and 155g. For bullets above 155g, IMR 4064 is good powder. Steer clear of soft primers.

Hornady Reloading Manuals published over the past 10-15 years should have a service rifle load section. Service rifle load data should be safe for your op rod.

I installed a Garand Gear gas plug in my 30-06 M1 Garand for a little extra insurance in protecting the op rod and receiver bridge. http://www.garandgear.com/ported-gas-plug.html

[T2C]

One recommendation for a M1 Garand owner, buy a good gas cylinder wrench.