There is a lot written about shooting cast in the M1. I am a cast shooter of 30-30 and shoot a lot of 31141 in lever gun competition. I found reloading with jacketed bullet for the M1 with 44 grains of Varget a pretty darn pricey exercise as I learn how to shoot this new to me type of firearm. George Carlson's well organized write up was my inspiration to give it a go. After 50 shots of various amounts of powder, barrel cleaning I am close 4 MOA but at 37.5g of H380, I will get a low shot (outlier) as the gas system either used more or less, I assume more, to cycle. My point, I could feel a delayed cycle. I started at 36 and could really feel irregular cycles. I guess 38g is next.
I experimented with no crimp so as to not deform the lead upon leaving the case. This resulted in very low pressure and crimped loads would cycle the bolt, non crimped would not. Again, I assume no crimp lets the bullet leave the case before full pressure. Sorry, internal ballistics is not my expertise. I did a little more work with the 31141, GC, White Label Lube 50/50, refurbed CMP M1 with Criterion barrel etc this weekend.
So here is my question. In looking at the fired cases I make two observations. First, there will be a very slight amount of crimp left. I am used to my non crimped 30-30 which has, of course, zero crimp left. Would one not expect the case to blown all the way out so so it looks like it was just sized? Second, I see the ejector strike anywhere from the end of the neck to the shoulder with the same powder load. What does this mean? Border line pressure to get the bolt cycled? I figured there are folks that have lived this already and might speed my learning curve.
My shipment to myself of 311299 will be here tomorrow and maybe that will retire the 31141 project.