I would like to use my CMP Garand this November for deer hunting but I don't want to use my surplus M2 ball ammo on a deer. Is there any factory 30-06 that is safe to shoot in my rifle aside from special order ammo. (can't ship ammo in my state).
Shafter, take a look at the Hornady 30-06 M1 Garand offering( P/N 81170). It utilizes the most excellent A-Max bullet, in the 168gr. flavor.
If you can stay this side of 250 yards (because of impact velocity), the A-Max will do an excellent job on whitetail.
Yup-Is that the JHP bullets that Hornady loads in their Vintage Match series? If so, Hornady really does do a great job with matching their ballistics to the surplus guns they're meant for. I often find my handloads are just trying to meet the accuracy level of the Hornady loads.
No gun smithing required and very easy to install. If you look back to the link I provided everything you need is included with the plug. While it is not absolutely needed as other members have posted ammunition (hunting) you can use it is certainly a nice to have.I will definitely be buying a 5 round clip or two to keep legal in my state.
About the Schuster adjustable plug - how difficult is it to install? Will I need any gunsmithing or is it something simple like removing the current one and installing the adjustable?
TxBobS said:...wouldn't it still be possible to create too much pressure on the op rod?
Any of the "standard" .30/06 loads with 150gr bullets will work well. Most are loaded with faster burning powders to keep mfg. costs down and are therefore Garand friendly.
I'd suggest either the Remington 150gr "Corlokt" or the Federal "Game-shok". These are some of the least expensive factory loads, typically "hunting" accurate (or better), and are loaded to "standard" .30/06 pressures and velocities.
Besides that, they are the "standard" by which all other "deer" loads/cartridges are measured against. (The Winchester, PMC, Hornady, ect are similar, but not as widely available at this time.).
Just avoid any "extended range", or bullet/loads over 165gr and you'll be "ok" with the Garand. The Hornady "SuperFormance" is an example of what you should avoid.
The Monarch brand as sold by Academy Sports would also be a decent choice. I've shot deer with the PPU (manuf. of "Monarch" ammo) 150gr Soft Points over 48.0-50gr of IMR4064 (Garand safe loads) and got acceptable results.