This past weekend I felt the urge to finally set up an old RCBS Rockchucker I bought at an estate sale about a year and a half ago, along with a bunch of other equipment and components. With that, I decided I was going to start reloading .30-06 because I haven't shot my M1 Garand in way too damn long, so before you know it I spent most of Saturday afternoon setting up my dies, trimmer, case prep, etc.
I ended up using once fired PPU cases, Winchester Large Rifle Primers, and I selected H4895 to be my powder of choice. I loaded 20 rounds with a Hornady 150 gr. FMJBT over 47 gr. H4895, and then 20 rounds with a Hornady 168 gr. HPBT Match projectile over 46 gr. H4895.
I took those rounds to the range Sunday afternoon along with a clip loaded with PPU .30-06 M1 Garand loads. Off the bench, the 150 gr. reloads printed very much the same as the PPU loads at 100 yards with 5 round groups, and felt very similar in recoil. The 168's shot very well, the group was basically cut in half and the recoil seemed to be more of a "push" compared to the 150's. I felt like I wasn't doing the rifle justice having a hard time seeing the target in the shade. After 4 clicks right of windage adjustment I was zeroed in. Shot another set of groups again at 50 yards since I could see the target much better, and the 168 gr. loads shot VERY nicely, 5 shots within I'd say about an inch and a quarter. Ended up shooting the rest of my rounds at various steel plates between 100 and 200 yards, way too much fun.
What's everyone else running for loads with their M1 Garand? I think I'll be doing some ladder work with the 168's next, and I've got a GI sling on order.
