Loading for the M1A suggestions wanted

[Hatchdog]

I’m planning on starting to load for the M1A and would like anybody with first hand experience to chime in. I’m looking for bullet weight/style suggestions as well as powder choice and any primer info. My intent is to load just general plinking type ammo and do not intend to do any long range or any other type of match shooting with it.

I have lots of experience loading for AR 15’s and AR 10’s but the M1A is a different animal altogether. The Sierra manual has a great chapter on loading for service rifles which I have read.

Thanks!

[Rifletom]

Hatch, one of my buds has one and I remember him using Hornady 155gr bullet[A-Max?] and H4895 powder. rifle shoots really well. I believe he has also used Varget.

[Hatchdog]

Hatch, one of my buds has one and I remember him using Hornady 155gr bullet[A-Max?] and H4895 powder. rifle shoots really well. I believe he has also used Varget.

Thanks for the input Tom. That’s exactly the direction I am leaning towards. Of course no 4895 available around here so I put the Bat-signal out on our local gun site for a trade. I have Varget and 748 on hand that I could use in a pinch but both are slower than recommended for 7.62. I have used Varget in .308 match loads for years and it’s spectacular. Also no 155 bullets around but I did find a 200 re-pack from Grafs that I have coming. It’s the Hornady 155 BTHP with cannelure and should be just about perfect in the 7.62. Already have large rifle CCI military primers on hand and 7.62 brass so in a pinch I can use my Varget or 748 but I’m sure a pound of 4895 is out there somewhere.

Thanks again for the info....