M1 Garand/Ammo Question

[mothermopar]

Would love to get an M1 Garand... but my concern is that with ammo, you should ONLY use military surplus ammunition. I think Hornady is producing new 30-06 ammo made to duplicate the M2 ball... and it won't be cheap.

My specific concern is this: how much military surplus ammunition is out there? Meaning, will there still be ammo available in 10 years? All of the stuff was made in or before the 1970s, I believe... its a finite resource.

What 'can' be done to the M1 Garand to allow for the use of modern commercial ammunition, if the need ever did arise?!

 

[Jolly Green]

I was looking at a M1 a couple of months ago, as a canidate to be my first rifle, and this is what I remember:

*Ammo: According to the CMP, they got alot more Greek HXP (or the like) in stock and it should last quite a while (what they said abou the last batch, but...)
*Modern Ammo: You either should reload lighter rounds (for the sake of the gas system or buy an adapter gas plug. These will allow you to shoot high pressure rounds.

Thats what I remember. Hopefully someone will come along and either correct me or agree.

Best regards.

 

[Corey]

Federal Gold Medal is loaded in .30-06 and is safe in the M1 Garand and well as the new Hornady load. The Hornaday load is actually fairly reasonable in price (for commercial 30-06 ammo). Federal American Eagle .30-06 is also safe for an M1.

 

[dmazur]

The adjustable gas cylinder lock screws (aka "gas plugs") are a reversible modification. No drilling, no damage, easily replaced with original part.

They permit shooting modern .30-06 loads in a Garand, provided they are adjusted properly for any change in ammo. (They are not self-adjusting)

Light Magnum or other "hot" .30-06 loads may exceed the capabilities of the device, but normal hunting ammo should be OK.

There are two on the market that I'm aware of (Schuster and McCann) and they are both around $40.

I reload, but I use Varget and this powder is considered by some to be a little too slow for the Garand. The adjustable gas plug eliminated receiver pounding, yet the action is still 100% reliable for me.

 

[mothermopar]

Thanks folks! At least there's two modern loads that are safe... keep the opinions coming. I'm liking the looks of the CMP rebuilt M1's. New, but not new, if you catch my drift.

 

[ol' scratch]

Get an adjustable gas plug for commercial ammo and limit your bullet weight to no more than 180 grains. This is for two reasons-Heavier bullets (Think above 180+) build too much port pressure and could bend your op rod. You could shoot 180, but the accuracy sucks. The sweet spot seems to be from 168-175. Reloading is possible in the Garand. A word of caution. The Garand and some other semi auto milsurps have a floating firing pin. It flies forward and strikes the primer. Primer sensitivity is a concern in ALL milsurps. I personally don't use Federal primers or regular Federal ammo because I have had slam fires with it in milsurps. As far as Primer sensitivity, I did a test in my Garand using Remington primers. I prepared some brass, seated a primer and put the unloaded cartridge in the chamber and let the bolt fly forward on the case 15 times with no primer detonation. I posted the pics on this site. The primer was so dented, it looked like a fired round. I think many of the problems associated with the Garand and slam fires on sensitive primers involves firing pin protrusion and worn out bolts and/or firing pins.

If you do decide to reload, trim your brass EVERY TIME you shoot it. Also, ream your primer pockets so they are within SAAMI dimensions. You would be surprised how out of spec some of the cases I have prepared have been. Seat your primers so they are just below flush. Use a full length die and check your cases with a case headspace gage. I use a Dillion.

Do make sure you get some Greek ammo in the 192 round spam cans. You get en blocs when you purchase the ammo.

All of these things said, my Garand is my favorite rifle.

You mentioned the CMP rifles. My father-in-law just purchased a CMP special service grade. The rifle is completely correct with the exception of the stock. (no rebuild, all parts are correct and match). His barrel is original to the receiver (1955), and gaged in at .5 at the muzzle and 1 at the throat. Beautiful rifle.

 

[FlyinBryan]

Thanks folks! At least there's two modern loads that are safe... keep the opinions coming. I'm liking the looks of the CMP rebuilt M1's. New, but not new, if you catch my drift.

ya, its hard to go wrong with a cmp service grade. we drove from texas to the south store last year and picked out a couple.

this one is a 1944 springfield, all correct except for a couple of small parts (winny trigger gaurd, hr windage knob. this is not out of the ordinary if you can make the trip and pick your own.

definitly get some of the hpx greek ammo. its very good, and very reloadable. reloading for the garand is not hard, just trim every loading, and of course, full length sizing just like for any other semi-auto rifle.

hot loads are no problem at all as long as the correct powder is used (imr4895, h4895, and others with similar burn rates) its actually a very strong action, and i load 147g bullets to 2900fps+, although maximum accuracy for me comes from a little heavier bullet, 168g, running about 2700fps. absolutely nothing slower burning than varget (just my opinion)

this rifle shoots very close to m.o.a., with decent consistency (as does our other, which is a 1950's springer, purchased on the same south store trip.)