loading for ar & garand

[GUN DOG]

Been reloading for years but never for semi auto rifles, Do you need a small base die for the M1 garand & AR. I also hear that cci mil spec primers (WHITE BOX) should be used. If none on hand what primers should you stay away from. I know that the M1 needs med Burn rate powder at 2700 fps or so, have some data for this one. Mostly looking at primers to prevent slamfires & reliability of feeding etc

 

[GlockCop]

I have used regular CCI primers for all my semi auto for years. My Garand or AR or Mini have never had a slamfire. I really think its more of getting the primer seated in the pocket i.e. deep. I know the white box are supposed to be harder but I really think its more of a depth issue than hardness.

 

[JWE]

Yes you need a small base die for both AR and M1. IMR 4064 has given me excellent results in the M1. H335 for the AR

 

[GUN DOG]

thanks they are on my list now!!

 

[Buzzdraw]

Been reloading for years but never for semi auto rifles, Do you need a small base die for the M1 garand & AR. I also hear that cci mil spec primers (WHITE BOX) should be used. If none on hand what primers should you stay away from. I know that the M1 needs med Burn rate powder at 2700 fps or so, have some data for this one. Mostly looking at primers to prevent slamfires & reliability of feeding etc

Won't need small base dies for a M-1 Garand. I just necksize personally. For an AR you will need to full length resize. I would avoid brass that requires small base dies. I'd avoid Federal standard primers for any floating firing pin rifle. That would include: M-1 Rifle, M-1 Carbine, M-14 and clones, AR-15 and clones, etc. Winchester and CCI standard primers seem hard enough. The GI spec primers might get you a little more safety margin, but probably are not essential. IMR 4064 and IMR 4895 are favorites for M-1 Rifle. Be very careful with powder selection for M-1 Rifle; the wrong choice will cause damage to the gun.

 

[Randall]

I have never had a problem with standard primers in my AR,M1A or Garand.I have used CCI or Winchester exclusively and have no experience with other brands.I have never used a small base die and full length resize only. As mentioned 4895 is the powder for a Garand,also try not to use bullets over 165,168 grains.DO NOT USE 4350 AND 180 GRAIN BULLETS!! If you use slower powder and heavier bullets you will bend the op-rod!

 

[Spiff]

No need for small base dies. I've used Rem 7.5s in ARs with good results. They're tough to find usually though. I've heard the 6.5s will pierce with anything over a moderate load.

Jack, do you really only necksize for your Garand? That sounds like asking for trouble to me.

 

[OKCHunter]

I reload for my AR - Use AA2230 powder and CCI Small Rifle Primers. I've never had any problem with slam fires but I swag (we necessary), uniform, and clean the primer pocket to ensure proper primer seating. Also, RCBS recommends small base dies for semi-autos which is what I use.

 

[Okieprepper]

I reload my 223 with Varget powder, CCI and Federal Small Rifle Primers. I swage and clean primer pocket too. I use full length dies. No problems yet, but could someone tell me what the advantage is when using small base dies for 223??