It differs from the M1 Garand in several aspects, not the least of which is the fact that the Garand is chambered in. The M1A - a Springfield Armory-trademarked designation for the civilian version of the M14 - is the most widespread M14 action used by recreational and competition shooters in the United States. Operating rods bend, parts crack and break. However, if you load the Garand with a slow-burning powder, the pressure peak occurs later and lasts longer - resulting in significantly higher pressures flowing through the gas port and into the operating system. With appropriate powder, the pressure peak occurs early and drops off well before the bullet passes the gas port. These cyclic rates are achieved by using medium burn-rate propellants such as the various 4895s. This rifle was designed to function within a specific cyclic parameter. If that's the case, he asked, why is there no such caveat for the M1A?įor starters, yes, slow-burning powders can be dangerous in the M1 Garand. He pointed out that many articles caution against using some powders in the M1 Garand because doing so can bend the operating rod.

While the M1A is less susceptible to damage from improper reloading than the M1 Garand, using the wrong propellants can still stress your rifle.Ī reader of our magazine recently asked us about loading for the M1A.

M1a socom accuracy