can’t seem to get it straight
I just purchased a new M1A STD rifle from Springfield and Forest Gumped my way to the range and thought I was doing the right thing by shooting 25 rounds of Winchester 150gr Power Point, running a lightly oiled patch through the barrel between each shot without any issues. Then I read not to shoot rounds with exposed lead or partially jacketed rounds through my M1 due to the lead particle issue.
The more I read about this “battle ready weapon” the more confused I get, so I am reaching out for help here. I do want to keep this great weapon in the best condition, shoot it also, and would like to learn the best practices to reload the ammo (I know the warranty issue) and to purchase the best ammo for this rifle (.308 Win or 7.62x51 NATO), or, is it the same beast.
The paperwork that came with my M1A states that the headspace for my rifle is “1.631”; would this make a difference as to the over-all length of a round that I would reload? To be specific, the Layman 48th edition reloading handbook has the .308 Winchester (7.62 NATO) OAL at 2.810, I noticed that the TM 9-1005-223-12 technical manual for the 7.62-MM/M14 rifle (page 58, Authorized Rounds) states “Length (in.) for the 150.5gr (approx.) is 2.80in. Could I surmise that the difference is not an issue? Am I over thinking? I do want the best care for my M1A, and I know you all understand my concern. I would like to also ask you, where in Gods green gravy can I find the best reloadable ammo within spec. for this rifle without selling a kidney and, additional body parts? I have exhausted my search on the net and it’s no-where to be found for a reasonable price, that’s why I’m asking the reload question.
Would any of you experienced re-loaders share the absolute best reload data for my M1A, ie powder and grain amount, primers, case and bullets ( I like the 150gr), there is a lot of data out there and I would value your opinions over all other data. I have a Dillon RL550B, in the Dillon catalog I can purchase the 3 set dies for the .308 Win, or is there another preferred die set that would be better or, more like the 7.62 NATO for the M1A, is there a difference? I apologize if this question has been addressed, I just can’t seem to get it straight in my head. GI3 DISHOUT