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Garand Ammo... Dumb Question ??

select-fire
Speaking with a FFL dealer I made the remark about hunting with my Garand. Dealer advised NOT to shoot factory 06 ammo cause it will hurt the gun. Stated it was too powerful for Garands. I was planning on using 180 soft points. I would appreciate any comments or info on this.
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • fort_knox
    It is not that they are too powerful. It is the heavier projectile that can be a problem. The operating rod can become bent with a heavier projectile. This is exacerbated by a lack of lubrication also...usually meaning; no lubrication.

    I have seen suggested loads using up to a 168 grain projectile, but have no knowledge/experience with anything heavier.
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  • select-fire
    If that is the case then 150gr SP's shouldn't be a problem?
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  • fort_knox
    Correct...as long as you are using commercial loads that is. If you are reloading; that is another issue.

    147-150 grain was standard military ball projectile weight. The 168 grain I was referring to was some "match" projectiles I looked up in one of my Garand books.

    Edit: Just looked again; saw some reference to 168-175 grain match loads held to within 2,580-2,630 ft/sec.

    Also; the author tried to bend an op-rod. He ran 691 rounds of Browning 220 grain roundnose through it w/o damage. He then removed all the suggested lubricant (heavy grease..."MDS/graphite bearing grease" in his case) with turpentine and then oiled it (BIG mistake...no oil!!!). Afterwards, using the same ammo "bent it after seven rounds."

    In light of this; I see no problem with the 180 grain as long as you use a heavy grease to lubricate the action.

    Select-Fire-

    The book I referred to was;

    "The Complete M1 Garand-A Guide for the Shooter and Collector", by Jim Thompson. Copyright 1998. Published by Paladin Press.

    www.paladin-press.com

    The author cites that among the commercial line; Federal worked well for him. It can be a concern with some underpowered loads not cycling the action adequately.

    Personally, I have only used surplus ammo in mine. I have some commercial I intend to shoot someday.
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  • nmyers
    The M1 rifle was designed for use with USGI .30-06 ammo; "the books" say that you should only use that ammo. Besides the risk of damage, some commercial/reloaded ammo will not work the action reliably.

    Having said that, thousands of hunters use the M1 rifle with commercial/reloaded ammo. I would suggest that you consult with those hunters who read the M1/M1A forum on the Culver Shooting Page ( www.jouster.com ).

    Neal
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  • select-fire
    I should have known better than to read some books. I am buying some 150 Federal or Remington stock 30-06 ammo. If this stuff doesn't cycle, I will pull the bullets out of it and stuff em in the miliary stuff I have. Dealer was telling me the factory ammo was loaded TOO HOT to work in a Garand and would screw up the bolt by slamming it back. I would think just the opposite that the factory stuff would not cycle the action. Usually military ammo is hot. I know some factory ammo will not cycle my sub gun.
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  • Pearyw
    One of the main problems is the burning rate of the powder. You need to use something such as IMR 4895. The slower burning powders such as IMR 4831 can cause problems such as bending the op-rod. That is one of the problems with commercial ammo. You don't know what the burning rate is. I load different powders for my bolt actions than I use for my M1 rifles.
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  • Tailgunner1954
    Personaly I'd worry about the "Lt Mag" type ammo more than I would the "standard" stuff in a Garand.
    Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
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  • jonk
    the 180 bullet is at the top of the NRA recommended loads. Nothing heavier should be used- well I HAVE but only with cast bullets and ultra light loads that don't even cylce the action. So that said, if you handload, the 180gr with a suitable load would be fine. Otherwise, I would err on the side of caution adn go with a lighter bullet.... 150 or 168 gr. soft point will still do the job nicely.

    "...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf
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  • joeaf1911a1
    Personally, I would pull the bullet (on a M-2 ball G.I. cartridge),
    replace it with a 150 gr. slug of your liking, sight it in and try it
    from there. This way you have the proper burning rate powder. OP
    rods can be bent and are expensive to replace. Use the same powder as
    was in it then. (without removing any of its powder or changing primer).
    This way you will have a shell case, powder, and primer meant for the
    M-1 rifle. (post '56 is sure to be N.C. primed. But would use newer
    if possible}.
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  • Oklahomabound
    So, who provides the USGI .30-06 ammo?
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