What about cast in a Garand?

[CWLONGSHOT]

I have never owned one.
I’m aware of it’s pressure restrictions as result from its gas operating system.
But is it cast friendly? Or is this forboten territory?

CW

 

[waco]

Guys do it all the time. 4895 seems to be a popular powder in the Garand.

 

[RBHarter]

Seems to me like the is a 17? gr bullet that is sort of specific to them . I've read a bunch but never dabbled .

I'm digging in the mud of a foggy memory but it seems like there is a GI match load with a 174 gr HP at 2500 fps with something like W760 from LC and the cast load used 4895s to arrive at the same port pressures with 21-2200 fps . Working into just reliable function and best group .

It seems like one of the bullets well liked is a pointy bore ride that looks like the 312-155 Lee but 2 grooves and in the 175 class .

 

[Tomme boy]

If I remember correctly Unique was the original powder for the Garand with a 150gr bullet. Anyone else seen a mention of this? But yes cast works very well in the garand. The Lee 200gr works well.

 

[dale2242]

I shoot them in mine.
My load cycles the rifle fine and shoots great.

 

[fiver]

I don't think there is any 'off limits' for cast bullets.
I know several guys that shoot them in full auto SMG's, and pretty much every thing else you can think of.

 

[Ian]

From my mental notes. You can use any powder you want. Some will cycle the action, some won't, and some will break things if loaded past a certain point. Powders slower than 4064 loaded close to or at jacketed speeds are a no-no. Reduced loads ok with slow powder but best stick around 4895 or a bit faster with cast bullets and look for 2000 fps with 200 grains and positive but mild cycling.

The operating rod can get damaged using loads that develop too much muzzle pressure but that have very mild recoil and relatively low chamber pressure.

 

[MW65]

I've had great success with rcbs 180 & Lee 155 using the gallery load (bullseye powder) -- acts like a straight pull.

Looking at whipping up rcbs 180 loads with 4895 or equiv for the 200 yard match. Have heard rumors of using a 311299 with a very slow burning powder to make port pressure.

Good luck!

 

[CWLONGSHOT]

What about gas checked bullets?

Shooting at those velocities they are needed.

 

[fiver]

how fast do you want to go?
set your what I want this thing to do list.
then start narrowing the field down.
first by bullet choice then by bullet choice [yep look at it twice, you have to make it feed from the clip] then move on to powder selection.

you know 3031/4895/4064 all work at maximum loads and they all reduce well.
the trick is alloy, diameter, powder amount, fillers, anneal, tension, and other small tweaks that dial in more and more accuracy.

 

[CWLONGSHOT]

I understand that. Since I have been powder coating I haven’t had a single leading problem to nearly 2000 FPS. (Plain base bullets) I’m specifically asking is gas checks are a NO-NO. Like they are in a suppressor.
CW

 

[fiver]

no you want them.
the powder coat will somewhat take their place and really help keep the gun cleaner, but I'd run checks.

 

[Ian]

Definitely run checks. If nothing else they help the bullet stay put in the neck until fired. They also reduce or eliminate gas cutting which can cause lead fouling of the gas port and piston.

Edit to add...I shoot gas-checked bullets through suppressors by the thousands in several calibers and haven't had a baffle strike or lost check yet.

 

[freebullet]

Open the bolt right away if doing rapid mag dumps. Some piston guns will solder shut when run hot & heavy with lead bullets.