M1A (M14) operating rod question

I have had a Springfield Armory M1A for several years and usually shoot 150-168 grain bullets through it. I have heard that bullets 180 grain and larger may even break the operating rod, any input, info on this appreciated.

I think that mainly pertains to the m1 garand. However you might call springfield and see what they say. If it is too hard on the op rod i am pretty sure you can get an adjustable gas plug. I know you can on the garand

I shoot 175smk's out of mine all the time whether it be Federal GMM or similar or my hand loaded stuff.

Excess gas Pressure is what bends the rods. Typicaly heavy bullet speeds = high pressure. If you hand load or have an adjustable gas plug you can reduce the load or adjust the plug to allow for hugher pressures.
Never loaded or shot 180’s but like dunshee he 175 work great.