CMP: Ordering Ammo - Questions

[Northslope Nimrod]

I need to pick up some ammo for my M1 Garand. Here are my questions.

1. Must I jump through the same hoops to buy "ammo" from CMP?
2. I need clips. What is the best ammo to order? Should I order a can of ammo already in clips? Or should I obtain clips another way?
3. I read that I can't shoot commercial ammo unless I buy a gas plug. Isn't that just for heavier loads and/or heavier charges. Isn't their some anemic 150 grain ammo on the commerical market that I could buy?
4. Can I reload the brass from CMP?
5. When I reload for my Garand, (without a new gas plug) what must I keep in mind? Special powders? Bullet weight?

 

[bratch]

1. Yes
2. I buy some on clips and some boxxed each order
3. I think PMC is close to mil spec
4. Yes
5. There are a couple powders recommended with the proper burn rate but I've forgotten which

 

[foghornl]

3. Also the Federal Gold Medal Match is OK for The Garand.

5. Copy & Paste from Hodgdon’s website re: powder for .30-06 loads for the Garand

If loads are to be used in a semi-auto, especially the Garand, H4895 should be the powder of choice to protect the operating rod. The gas system of the Garand was designed to use the amount of gas produced by H4895 for proper function.

 

[lmccrock]

3. Used to be, the generic lines of ammo were suitable for an M1. For instance, UMC, WWB, and American Eagle.

Lee

 

[dmftoy1]

If you've already successfully ordered a Garand from CMP then it's dead simple to order ammo from them via their website . . a couple of clicks, your CC # and your customer number and it's on it's way. (no need to send in new paperwork, etc etc.)

FWIW - I bought 2 spam cans on clips and I'll probably buy my next batch sans clips since I have a surplus now.

Good luck!

Regards,
Dave

 

[TAB]

just a FYI, the greek ammo CMP is currently selling will attracked a magnet, some ranges will not let you use it.

 

[Swampy]

The two Rules for M1 Garand Gas System Safe loads are:

1) NEVER shoot bullets HEAVIER than 180 grains.
2) NEVER shoot powder that is SLOWER than IMR-4320.

Most USGI ammo is based on one form or another of 4895 powder. The perennial Highpower target load in the M1 for the last 4+ decades has been a 168-175 gr. Match bullet over IMR-4064 powder.

Commercial loads are considered iffy on powder burn rate, even if the bullet weight is within spec. You never know, from lot to lot, what powder is being used in commercial ammo.

Best to all,
Swampy

Garands forever

 

[ftierson]

The Greek .30 Cal. M2 ammo that the CMP is selling right now is great ammo, non-corrosive and boxer primed, and is currently about the best deal in the nation on any centerfire rifle ammo...

If you're buying it for your Garand, by all means get the clipped stuff. You can never have too many Garand clips... J&G is currenly selling them for $1 each...

US production military .30 CAL M2 ammo used IMR 4895 (stick) and WC 852 (ball) powders...

If you are loading for the Garand, keep in mind that there has been some WC 852 designated powder sold that has a burning rate much slower than 'real' WC 852. Just make sure that you check any WC 852 carefully before you load up a bunch of ammo with it for the Garand...

Forrest

 

[Northslope Nimrod]

I didn't buy my Garand from CMP.

I am not a member of any of those groups. I am in law enforcement, however. Is that good enough?

 

[Swampy]

I am not a member of any of those groups. I am in law enforcement, however. Is that good enough?

LE fills the "marksmanship" requirement to purchase a firearm.

You must still be a member of a CMP affiliate club in order to make any purchases.... ammo or firearm.

Best,
Swampy

Garands forever

 

[musher]

I am not a member of any of those groups. I am in law enforcement, however. Is that good enough?

You've practically got it made. Join the Garand collectors association ($25/yr) send the CMP a photocopy of your membership card, credentials, & proof of citizenship and you're good to go.

The $ saved on ammo will pay for the GCA membership quickly.