Available M1 Garand Ammo

Kronjoe

Kronjoe

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Hey guys,

Just picked up an M1 Garand, SA 1944. She's a beauty and I want to treat her right.

I hear it's best to shoot either M2 ball surplus or modern loads designed specifically for the M1 in order to not damage the gas system.

So far I've found Hornady, American Eagle,PPU and Sellier and Bellot all make ammo specifically for the M1, but it's sold out everywhere i look.

Anyone know of a source for these ammos, or any other 30-06 round that would run nicely in my Garand that I can buy online?

Thanks
 
Instead of starting a new thread, I figure I'll ask my question here. There is ammo that is rated at about 2700fps at the muzzle, which is slightly less than M2 Ball. Would that be safe to shoot through an M1 Garand? Has anyone tried it?
 
diabeticfreak said:
Instead of starting a new thread, I figure I'll ask my question here. There is ammo that is rated at about 2700fps at the muzzle, which is slightly less than M2 Ball. Would that be safe to shoot through an M1 Garand? Has anyone tried it?
Click to expand...

If it cycles your rifle properly, it will be just fine.
 
Dear CMP Family,

The CMP advises to not use .30/06 ammunition in M1 Garands, 1903s, and 1903A3s that is loaded beyond 50,000 CUP and has a bullet weight more than 172-174gr. These rifles are at least 70 years old and were not designed for max loads and super heavy bullets. Always wear hearing and eye protection when firing an M1 Garand, 1903 and/or 1903A3 rifle.

This warning is an update/addition to the Ammunition section in the Read This First manual enclosed with each rifle shipment (M1 Garand manual-page 6 and M1903 manual-page 10).

Civilian Marksmanship Program

Grizz
 
The factor to really watch, in addition to the bullet weight and muzzle velocity, is the burn rate of the powder. Modern .30-'06 150-gr. hunting ammo uses powder with burn rates that are very different from M2 Ball of 1936, and as a result the cycling curve will damage the op rod. The only safe solution is to find the ammo mentioned above made specifically for the M1 Garand, reload, or use the adjustable gas plug with the modern ammo.
 
diabeticfreak said:
Instead of starting a new thread, I figure I'll ask my question here. There is ammo that is rated at about 2700fps at the muzzle, which is slightly less than M2 Ball. Would that be safe to shoot through an M1 Garand? Has anyone tried it?
Click to expand...

The m1 garand pressure issue is overly exaggerated. Saying that the garand was design for the m2 ball is plain wrong. It was design around the m1 ball wich was a stronger bullet (dont rember the spec but I think it was a 175g). Also the cmp always said that anything under 180g should be safe to shoot in a garand. But as someone pointed out they apparently recently issue a warning concerning some old ammo under 180g. As long as you use modern ammo under 180g you should have no problem. Even the guys trying to sell you gas plug are providing a bunch pressure test chart clearly showing that anything under 180 is safe http://www.garandgear.com/m1-garand-ammunition
 
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albertacowboy said:
The factor to really watch, in addition to the bullet weight and muzzle velocity, is the burn rate of the powder. Modern .30-'06 150-gr. hunting ammo uses powder with burn rates that are very different from M2 Ball of 1936, and as a result the cycling curve will damage the op rod. The only safe solution is to find the ammo mentioned above made specifically for the M1 Garand, reload, or use the adjustable gas plug with the modern ammo.
Click to expand...
I can’t say it any better. My Garands get fed the proper reloads. If you fire normal 30-06 in a Garand it will eventually cause damage. How many shoots will it take I don’t know, but is it worth the risk.
 
diabeticfreak said:
I'm sure you're right, but I don't want to ruin my OP rod to save $10 on a box of ammo lol.
Click to expand...

It would take HIGHER pressure ammo to ruin your op rod.

What you didn't and should have mentioned was the weight of the bullets in the cartridges

I am assuming they are 150 grain spire points.
 
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