30-06 ammo for a Garand

R

Robert Nicholson

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I am wanting to pickup whatever cheap ammo I can for when I get a Garand. How important is it, that the ammo be lower powered?
If it is important, what muzzle velocity should I be limiting the choice of ammo to? I would just be shooting 200 rounds to get the feel
of the Garand before making it a safe queen.:confused:
 
The M1 Garand was designed to shoot the post WW1 174 gr. pointed boat-tail cartridge originally. It was loaded with IMR 1185 but for a number of reasons was superseded by the M2 152 gr. flat-based cartridge. The gas port pressure of the USGI spec M2 ball in an M1 is around 6,000 psi (+/- 2,000 psi if I remember correctly) when powered by IMR 4895. So essentially any ammo that meets the maximum pressure should be ok. That said, other than surplus M2, specially made factory or reloaded ammo, commercial hunting ammo will usually be way over the GI spec and certianly risk damaging the rifle. Another option is a vented or ported gas plug (Brownells has them). They are cheap and if setup correctly, will protect the rifle from damage. I have been reloading all my 30-06 for years using 150 gr ball and 47 gr. IMR 4895 and have never had a problem.

Hope that helps.
 
Last edited:
r_taylor said:
The M1 Garand was designed to shoot the post WW1 174 gr. pointed boat-tail cartridge originally. It was loaded with IMR 1185 but for a number of reasons was superseded by the M2 152 gr. flat-based cartridge. The gas port pressure of the USGI spec M2 ball in an M1 is around 6,000 psi (+/- 2,000 psi if I remember correctly) when powered by IMR 4895. So essentially any ammo that meets the maximum pressure should be ok. That said, other than surplus M2, specially made factory or reloaded ammo, commercial hunting ammo will usually be way over the GI spec and certianly risk damaging the rifle. Another option is a vented or ported gas plug (Brownells has them). They are cheap and if setup correctly, will protect the rifle from damage. I have been reloading all my 30-06 for years using 150 gr ball and 72 gr IMR 4895 and have never had a problem.

Hope that helps.
Click to expand...

^72 grains in a 30-06 case, are you sure sir??
 
Ad found on the site of a well-known Vancouver gunshop which used to owned by Alan Lever

There is factory ammo:

AMERICAN EAGLE .30-06 FOR M1 GARAND

$31.50
Sorry, small quantities of ammunition are available for in-store purchase only.
American Eagle .30-06 for M1 Garand

Technical Information

Caliber: 30-06 Springfield (M1 Garand)
Bullet Weight: 150 Grains
Bullet Style: Full Metal Jacket
Case Type: Brass

Ballistics Information:

Muzzle Velocity: 2740 fps
Muzzle Energy: 2500 ft. lbs.
 
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