Powder for M1A & AR-10

[rsgirdner]

I am loading for a M1A & a AR-10. I purchased Reloader 15 powder, is this too slow a burn rate for these gas guns? Will it damage the guns? I purchased Match King 168 gr boat tale bullets and Winchester primers, any other thoughts?

[Dan Sierpina]

I am loading for a M1A & a AR-10. I purchased Reloader 15 powder, is this too slow a burn rate for these gas guns? Will it damage the guns? I purchased Match King 168 gr boat tale bullets and Winchester primers, any other thoughts?

Different bullet weights require different burning rates for optimum velocity and accuracy. RL 15 will work, as will other powders. H4895 is a classic .308 powder. AA2520 is liked by many.

You should have bought a couple loading manuals, prior to purchasing powder.

[rsgirdner]

I did purchase the manuals, I also talked with someone at Sierra, he recommended the RL15. I have since read (only one place) that the RL15 has too slow a burn rate for the gas operated M1A. IS THE RL15 TOO SLOW FOR THE M1A?????

[Dan Sierpina]

I've never heard of powder being too slow for the M1A, only M1 Garand's. It would be too slow for the M1. The issue is the long op rod of the M1. The M1A op rod is much shorter, and not subject to the same forces.

[rsgirdner]

Thank you Dan. I did not want to damage my rifle.

[lee blackman]

H4895 with a 168gr BTHP is a well used combination thats been around a while for the M1A.