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Posted: 5/11/2016 8:27:39 PM EDT
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I'm thinking about reloading some rounds for my FAL. Will the FAL handle full power loads? Or is similar to the Garand where full power loads could wreck something? I have never heard of a need to load down for an FAL before, but I hear it all the time for the M1.
I have loaded lots of .308 for my bolt guns, but haven't ever fired it through the FAL before. One of my favorite loads is a 180 gr Nosler Accu-Bond with 42.6 grains of IMR4064. You think that would be safe in an FAL? Was thinking about working up a similar load for it with 180 Accu bonds but I don't want to over stress it if it can't handle it. Seems to me with the adjustable gas block, that it would likely handle it fine. |
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The FAL has the advantage of an adjustable gas system and is one of the most permissive semi-auto battle rifles around when it comes to developing loads for it.
The M14/M1A uses a short stroke tappet to transfer energy to the operating rod (like the M1 Carbine) and is much less sensitive to high port pressure than the straight piston driven M1 Garand. The roller locked HK 91 and the various CETME rifles are the least permissive as the roller locking system is very recoil impulse specific and operates over a very narrow range. --- The key to developing a load with the FAL is to develop the load you want, and start with the gas system all the way open, then close the gas system a step at a time until you get reliable functioning, then close it one additional step. |
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Quoted:
The FAL has the advantage of an adjustable gas system and is one of the most permissive semi-auto battle rifles around when it comes to developing loads for it. The M14/M1A uses a short stroke tappet to transfer energy to the operating rod (like the M1 Carbine) and is much less sensitive to high port pressure than the straight piston driven M1 Garand. The roller locked HK 91 and the various CETME rifles are the least permissive as the roller locking system is very recoil impulse specific and operates over a very narrow range. --- The key to developing a load with the FAL is to develop the load you want, and start with the gas system all the way open, then close the gas system a step at a time until you get reliable functioning, then close it one additional step. Thanks DakotaFAL. This is what I figured the answer would be. But it never hurts to ask, in case there is something specific I'm not aware of. |
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You can certainly give it a try with the 180's but you might get better performance with lighter bullets.
My accuracy load for the FAL and G3 is 42.5gr. of TAC with a 155gr. AMAX. Blammo load is 44.0 of TAC with the Hornady 147 FMJ's. Neither of these would be considered a hot load. |
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Quoted:
You can certainly give it a try with the 180's but you might get better performance with lighter bullets. My accuracy load for the FAL and G3 is 42.5gr. of TAC with a 155gr. AMAX. Blammo load is 44.0 of TAC with the Hornady 147 FMJ's. Neither of these would be considered a hot load. You may very well be right about the accuracy. I won't know until I try. The 180's shoot good through the bolt guns. Even my short Ruger Scout Rifle shoots them well enough. I like the idea of the 180 Accubond's for SHTF scenarios. Doc Gary Roberts lists them as one of the best .308 barrier blind projectiles. I will probably load up something different though for plinking. Have to see what I can find that's cheap in 180 gr weights. I suppose if I can't find the accuracy I want , I could step down to 150 gr Accubonds |
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