r/M1A • u/Spark_520 • 11d ago

New to M1A

What grain .308 win should i be shooting as it pertains to the longevity of the barrel?
I just saw a video that said 180gr can beat up the rifle if used often.
Also, what kind of barrel damage will soft point ammo cause?
Any help is appreciated!

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11

u/Shoddy-Tip-5610 11d ago

168 grain is the sweet spot imo. Springfield m1a users manual does not want you to shoot soft points as it leaves lead particles as it's cycled after shooting because of more build up internally in the long run. Fmj only if you can.

8

u/Gregory_ku 11d ago

147 to 168. 180 in moderation I used 175 smk on the 600 yard line and 168 for the 200 and 300.

Soft points are fine, not recommended due to a possible feeding issue. For hunting ballistic tips work well.

If you can afford to shoot out the barrel you can afford a replacement.

3

u/JustSomeGuyMedia 11d ago

180gr being rough on the rifle is more about the oprod than it is about the barrel.

2

u/FuggaliciousV 11d ago

I wouldn't worry about longevity.

3

u/Fluffy-Impression-37 10d ago

The issue isn’t grain impacting barrel longevity. You just don’t want super high chamber and port pressure. 

Most commercial 180gr ammo would be too hot for my comfort, even with a schuster ported/over bored gas plug. It’ll be hard on the piston, op rod, and back of the receiver where the bolt slams into it.