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

[Exiledviking]

Looks like I'm going with the AA2520 as my friend who helps me with reloading .30-06 has an extensive history with AA2520 in a Garand. And to load the brass and bullets I have, I'll need close to 4 lbs. My buddy says he can use some of it too.
I'm not going to be competing with it, it's just for fun so I won't be chasing the best powder/primers/bullets/groups.
In light of how things are, I'm happy to have found these components.

I appreciate all of your responses. I'll report back once I've done some shooting.

[m1a_scoutguy]

Looks like I'm going with the AA2520 as my friend who helps me with reloading .30-06 has an extensive history with AA2520 in a Garand. And to load the brass and bullets I have, I'll need close to 4 lbs. My buddy says he can use some of it too.
I'm not going to be competing with it, it's just for fun so I won't be chasing the best powder/primers/bullets/groups.
In light of how things are, I'm happy to have found these components.

I appreciate all of your responses. I'll report back once I've done some shooting.

You will do well with 2520, it is fine for what you're doing plus it does load easy being a ball powder. There is a reason it was/is called Camp Perry powder; it was very popular with Service Rifle shooters. With everything else that's been suggested, if you don't have one yet I would suggest a Wilson case gauge, it helps you set up your sizing die for just the correct shoulder setback and checks the overall length so you can see if the case needs trimming. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1016251573?pid=685086 Important for M1s and any Service rifle. Have fun and let's see some pic's when you are all done!

[Exiledviking]

You will do well with 2520, it is fine for what you're doing plus it does load easy being a ball powder. There is a reason it was/is called Camp Perry powder; it was very popular with Service Rifle shooters. With everything else that's been suggested, if you don't have one yet I would suggest a Wilson case gauge, it helps you set up your sizing die for just the correct shoulder setback and checks the overall length so you can see if the case needs trimming. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1016251573?pid=685086 Important for M1s and any Service rifle. Have fun and let's see some pic's when you are all done!

I appreciate that advice. After reading the service rifle section in the Sierra reloading book, I bought a RCBS Precision Mic https://www.rcbs.com/case-processing...n-mic/564.html to measure the headspace. That section was very informative. I plan on reading it again.