Frankford Arsenal M72 173gr FMJ-BT bullet in a .30-cal Magnum cartridge?

[cash_tx]

Has anyone here ever worked up a load using the M72 173gr FMJ-BT match bullets from Frankford Arsenal in a 30-caliber magnum cartridge? These were the bullets used in M1 Garands for National Matches for quite a few years. I have a pretty good sized pile of them that I don't have any other plans for, so I am thinking of working up a load using IMR-4350 for my Browning Safari Grade in 308 Norma Magnum as a paper-punching range round. I can't find any load data for 308 NM using this bullet, but based upon comparison to 165/168 and 180 grain bullet load data, I think 64-70 grains of IMR 4350 is a likely range.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

I believe Carlos Hathcock won the Wimbledon cup with that bullet in a 300 magnum. I have heard it was win mag and I have heard 300 H&H mag.

 

[cash_tx]

I believe Carlos Hathcock won the Wimbledon cup with that bullet in a 300 magnum. I have it 300 win mag and a have heard 300 H&H mag.

Thanks, and that is good to know. I read the Carlos Hathcock book "White Feather" back in the late 80's, but didn't know that story.

 

[shootist~]

I think above 64 grains might be too hot. (No experience with the 308 NM, however.)

Hornady's 308 Norma Magnum Data Shows Max IMR4350 with the 168 grain bullets at 63.2 Gr = 3,000 fps.

For their 178-180 grain bullets max with IMR4350 is shown as 63.8 Gr = 2,900 fps.

 

[cash_tx]

I think above 64 grains might be too hot. (No experience with the 308 NM, however.)

Hornady's 308 Norma Magnum Data Shows Max IMR4350 with the 168 grain bullets at 63.2 Gr = 3,000 fps.

For their 178-180 grain bullets max with IMR4350 is shown as 63.8 Gr = 2,900 fps.

Interesting. The Hornady reloading manual (dated 1973) that I inherited from my Dad shows the 168 grain bullet in 308 NM with a Max. charge of IMR 4350 of 68.9 grains for 3,100 fps, and for the 180 grain a Max. of 71.5 grains of IMR 4350 for 3,100 fps. I also inherited his Sierra reloading manual dated 1978 that shows the Sierra 165 grain (no 168 data listed) with a Max. of IMR 4350 of 71.0 grains for 3,100 fps, and the Sierra 180 grain with a Max. of 69.7 grains for 3,000 fps. I suppose my numbers are probably "pre-lawyer", and they do sound pretty hot to me, when compared to the loads I'm currently running with 150 and 165 soft point Sierra's (71.5 and 66.0 grains, respectively).

 

[shattered12]

I've not heard ever worked up a load using the M72 173gr FMJ-BT match bullets ?. Looking forward to hearing responses.

 

[Alaska]

Has anyone here ever worked up a load using the M72 173gr FMJ-BT match bullets from Frankford Arsenal in a 30-caliber magnum cartridge? These were the bullets used in M1 Garands for National Matches for quite a few years. I have a pretty good sized pile of them that I don't have any other plans for, so I am thinking of working up a load using IMR-4350 for my Browning Safari Grade in 308 Norma Magnum as a paper-punching range round. I can't find any load data for 308 NM using this bullet, but based upon comparison to 165/168 and 180 grain bullet load data, I think 64-70 grains of IMR 4350 is a likely range.

The 173gr was quickly replaced by the new Sierra Matchking 168gr in the military ammo. The 308win replaced the 30-06 in the match circles like Palma. All match ammo up to that point in 30-06 and 308 win used IMR 4895. I started my reloading in the early 70’s my first powder IMR 4895 in Military Brass in my 30-06 with 47.2. Today the same load with the 175gr LRX.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

I believe Carlos Hathcock won the Wimbledon cup with that bullet in a 300 magnum. I have heard it was win mag and I have heard 300 H&H mag.

Wow! I didn't know Hathcock played tennis or that guns were allowed to be used.