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M1A ammo

Mr. Perfect
I am considering buying an M1A, such as this one:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=210841400

I would like it for several reasons, one of which would be for hunting deer sized game (possibly Elk). Is it possible to shoot .308 hunting cartridges in this rifle? Over on the GD forum it was suggested that perhaps that was not possible. Thanks guys in advance for your input.
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • edharold
    That is a heavy piece to carry hunting, especially in elk country.
    Check your state laws, many don't permit semi automatic firearms and most have a limit of about 5 on cartridge capacity.
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  • mark christian
    Unlike the gas system on the M1 Garand, the M1A/M14 will allow for a wider range of bullet weights without damaging the rifle. You can go up to 180gr but forget about soft point ammo as it will not feed properly and that limits your hunting ammo choices. I can think of a number of much better (and much cheaper) deer rifles than an M1A.
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  • Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by mark christian
    Unlike the gas system on the M1 Garand, the M1A/M14 will allow for a wider range of bullet weights without damaging the rifle. You can go up to 180gr but forget about soft point ammo as it will not feed properly and that limits your hunting ammo choices. I can think of a number of much better (and much cheaper) deer rifles than an M1A.
    Would love to hear your recommendations. Thanks.
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  • je2140
    If you want semi auto, I would look for a Browning auto in 300win mag or 7mm mag.
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  • rovernut
    I live and hunt in elk country. the M1A will cleanly take an elk. yes they are heavy, but for MR. PERFECT it should be no sweat, right? I carried a M-14 all over VietNam for 2 tours, so a 2 week elk hunt an't impossible. as to the power, We killed many asian water buffalo with the M-14, an elk is a little smaller!! a heavy rifle will hold a lot steadier after you chug up the mountain after those elk, then a wispy sporter will. good luck.

    Did Uncle Sam end up paying for those water buffalo or did no one care if you shot them?
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  • badsbsnf81
    Barnes TSX in the 165 or 168 weight out to about 225m or so.
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  • givette
    .308 Winchester rounds are approx. 5K greater in pressure than 7.62 rounds. Bullet weight notwithstanding, see if you can reload some hunting rounds (bullets) to military 7.62 pressures.

    You will hear of many 'I've shot .308 in my M1A without any.....etc'.

    Firing civvy ammo in an M1 Garand can cause outright failure. Not as apparent in the M14/M1A, but it's the longevity of the gas system that takes it on the chin. As an analogy, picture [anything] on the receiving end of a 1lb sledge, or a 3lb sledge.

    That's the difference. Hope I helped. Joe

    EDIT
    You can take your M1A out hunting tomorrow, with standard hunting rounds, if you close the grenade cutoff. That would make firing the gun with civvy ammo safe for the parts that would be prone to damage, but you'd have a single shot rifle.

    Check with Springfield, INC/Brownells..see if they have adjustable gas plugs, whereby you can 'dial in' the gas system for the round you are planning to take afield. Best again, Joe
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  • cpermd
    I will disagree w Givette

    I have shot a metric ton of commercial 308 in 150 and 165 grain from our M14 clones

    Never had a single problem

    The M14 clones handle them fine

    Do not try them in the Garand much

    CP
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  • tsavo303
    mine dosent like (accuracy wise) .308 loaded to modern pressures. it likes surplus and 168gr gold medal (which is not that hot either)
    neither of which is hunting ammo. if you handload, i am sure you could brew something up, but a bolt action or BAR would be easier
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  • tsr1965
    By all means, I would follow tha manufacturer's directions. If it says only 7.62 NATO, then that is what you need to put into it. After all, they are the ones assuming any liability that might arise from shooting a bazillion rounds of 308 commercial ammo thru it. If it grenades in your face.

    The Browning BAR, or Winchester SXR are great rifles if you need a semi-auto for hunting. Otherwise I would suggest a Savage 116, Tikka T3, or a Winchester Model 70 to get the ball rolling in a Bolt action. The 308 Winchester chambeering will be OK, but 7mm Rem Mag, or 300 Win Mag would be better if you are tolerant of a little recoil.

    Best
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  • nmyers
    Springfield Armory Inc advertises their M1A (& they are the only company that makes the M1A) as chambered in 7.62mm NATO (.308 WIN). That tells me that they think that their product will safely handle .308 WIN.

    http://www.springfield-armory.com/assets/pdf/1SPRINGFIELD_Book_armory_MA9102.pdf

    OTOH, I wouldn't trust my good looks to any Chicom M14-clone sold out of the back of a truck in a dark alley. Lots of luck getting warranty work out of Polytech or Norinco.

    Neal
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