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Posted: 8/24/2007 7:43:19 PM EDT
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Hey guys. I bit the bullet today and obtained an M1A "loaded" with the SS barrel. I have a couple of questions that some of you might be able to help me with: 1) The manual says not to use reloads. Any creedence to this? 2) Which mount should I use for a scope? I was on Sniper.com blogs tonight and they do not recommend the Springfield mount. Any suggestions? I have all sorts of hunting rifles but I was planning on using this rifle this year for antelope in ND as I drew a buck license. Thanks for any advice you may offer. Daryn |
As previously stated, SA is covering their backsides regarding reloads. The issue is the (relatively) heavy floating firing pin, which as I understand can cause primer detonation before the bolt is fully closed. This will cause sudden and violent disassembly of your rifle. If you reload, be absolutely sure your primers are fully seated and don't use soft primers. According to my reloading supplier, Federal GMM primers are to be avoided in the M1A. There are "military" primers I've seen available from Wideners that are ideal. I've been using CCI primers with no issues. |
Thats not always the case. The GI Contour barrels have a generous (relatively speaking) chamber. Sticking with standard FL dies has never let me down before. The only time i use my SB die is to "restore" once-fired machine gun brass I order from time to time. Also of note, my M1A is also a loaded model with the Stainless NM barrel. I reload to M80 Ball spec and stay within the spec! Also, for those talking about no commercial ammo, Springfield recommended to me to use American Eagle 308. (150gn. ~2800fps) I however have been using Federal Powershok with Softpoint 150gn.'s (Loaded exactly the same as the American Eagle rounds) |
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A buddy of mine that was in the Marine Corps said that he has shot many a round through the M14 using the American Eagle 150 grain .308. I began the barrel break-in process today using the American Eagle. Thanks for all the input and I am always willing to hear more. I have a custom rifle that won't be done in time for the upcoming antelop hunt here in ND so I decided to use the M1A. I will most likely get the Sadlak mount them mount my Nightforce 5.5x22x50. In the meantime, I am going to do some reloads to find out what works best in the M1A. Once I have my ballistics down I am going to order a Leupold 4.5x14.50 with the custom reticle etched to my specific load. Thus far my shots are 7 inches high and 2 inches right at 100 yards with the iron sites. I have not adjusted from there yet as my day ran out today. With that said, my little brother has a custom .243 Ackley with Leupold 8.5x25x50 zeroed at 100 yards. He used 30 clicks and he was banging the gong consistently at 500 yards. I was able to hit 3/4 from that range also. It seems he is set for the upcoming antelop hunt. Only problem is that when we reloaded for him we seated the bullet a little long for the clip. For now he has to shoot "singleshot. I will post a pic of the gong a little later. Daryn Daryn |
1st I agree about the small base dies, the rule that you must use small base for military or other semi auto's is gunshop dogma but is unfounded. I never had a need for the small base in 20 years of reloading. I did learn some other idiosycracies with the M1/M1a's and the correct reloading technique for them. Google zediker. Nuf said on that. 2nd regarding American Eagle .308 FMJ, yup in my experience good to go in the M1a. So is UMC .308 and Winchester 7.62mm. I think they do consider the military type semi rifles when making this stuff. I would not be so quick to assume that the Federal powershok is pressure safe in the M1a just because the bullet weight and catalog velocity match the AE FMJ round. If you asked them at Federal and they said it is then fine. But if you didn't ask the Q, they could be using a different powder with a completely different pressure curve that may be too high for the op rod and cause some battering. Also be aware that just because at a point in time the two loads used the same powder (and pressure curves) doesn't mean that Federal might choose to use a different powder at a later date. Remember in their mind they're reloading for the average rifle, not the M1a. just points to consider SoS |
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I've shot Federal through mine. Not thousands of rounds yet but it seems to work just fine. And FWIW, the AE150 grainers are pretty accurate in mine. I think the cheek weld thing is overrated. Scoping it, does make it high, that however doesn't necessarily mean you're going to shoot for crap. BTW, I hope you are either have a mechanized way of getting around for spotting them or you are in very good shape. A loaded with a scope is pretty heavy. I carried my Garand a couple of years ago hunting and I liked it, but it was heavy. And if the sun is to your back and you're in the woods in low light trying to shoot at a running deer, your rear ap shines and you can't see anything else. If I would've had my open sighted lever gun or heck a .357, I woulda had that one. Or if I would've learned to look over the ap and know where it's hitting. Because it was only about 30 yards away. 
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Your barreled action fits inside the MCS making it a flat top. You can use any AR type butt stock and pistol grip combo you want. This is mine   |
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SWEET! Nice setup. Thanks. Although not at all new to shooting, hunting, handgunds, AR15's, etc. I am new to M1A's and just had to have one. Tony (LAW483) helped me out on some questions regarding the Troy MCS as I had never heard of it until yesterday.so now I found yet more money I HAVE to spend. Daryn |
| Different strokes for different folks. Tht Troy setup just never really appealed to me. I am just now starting to like the look of the EBR setup. But, when I eventually find an M1A I want to buy, I will probably keep it in the original wood stock. There is just something classic about it. |
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Where in ND? There's lots of good places to really reach out and touch. When my father came to visit, we headed to the Minot range with his M1A. His is a SA Super NM. I'm pretty sure he's got the Smith Enterprises mount on his. Definitly satisfying to repeatedly hear that 800 yd gong ring. |
I live in Fargo but often get out to Minot during hunting season. If you want to shoot I would be happy to get onto the range with you. |
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