Best place to get M1 Garand ammo? (Such as M2 Ball, ect)

greenoliver1

greenoliver1

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Hi,

I recently invested in a M1 and after doing some research, and learning most 30-06 is too hot for the M1's gas system and op-rod, I'd like to invest in some M1 safe ammunition. Is there still any surplus M2 ball around? Or will I have to get newer production ammo meant for the M1? I have a few boxes of older American Eagle (AE3006N) that's 150 gr FMJ boat tail, that some have said just as long as the rifle is greased well the 150 grain ammo will be alright.

I want to get a ported has plug, but I've yet to find one in Canada. I guess I'll have to order the plug, some en bloc's, and a sling from the US.
 
Wanstall's had new production American eagle M1 specific 30-06, surplus ball may be hard to find, I have not found any.
I have a couple of hundred rnds in bandoleers tucked away for a rainy day
 
Reloading is another option. Garand friendly loads for less than half the cost of factory stuff (if you can find it). My rifle shoots best with 165 gr Hornady SP's and a"'middle" type load of 4064. Good accuracy and not hard on the old warhorse.
 
American Eagle Red Box will work just fine or you can go the extra step and buy American Eagle for the M1 Garand. Personally I don't think they are much different when you look at the specs. on both.

http://www.garandgear.com/m1-garand-ammunition

Peak pressure and Total Impulse on both are well below M2 ball specs. Good Lubrication of the Garand goes without saying regardless of what you are putting through it.
 
One of the sole reasons I never chased the Garand fairy myself right there.
Great rifle with an annoying requirement for specific type of an already expensive cartridge unfortunately.
.30-06 surplus is few and far between. If you do find it it's usually corrosive and you won't find it in bulk anywhere. Because the Garands are so finicky on ammo, anyone selling the real deal sells it at a ridiculous premium etc.
Used to see it here and there at gun shows at the usual gun show prices ie 400% more than regular commercial 150gr Hunting ammo lol

I got me an M14. It's like a Garand without all the annoying aspects of the design and finicky scarce ammo ;) lol Good luck with the search Sir!
 
greenoliver1 said:
I want to get a ported has plug, but I've yet to find one in Canada. I guess I'll have to order the plug, some en bloc's, and a sling from the US.
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One of the forum members used to sell gas plugs, maybe Pocketfisherman?


Travis Bickle said:
I got me an M14. It's like a Garand without all the annoying aspects of the design and finicky scarce ammo ;) lol Good luck with the search Sir!
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Either reloading or a gas plug solve both those issues.


Mark
 
CanukMauser said:
I want to order one of the plugs from Garand Gear but they won't ship north. How did you manage to order it?
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Hopefully get ahold of Pocketfisherman and see if he has any of his Canadian made gas plug kits left? (haven't seen a post from him in a while) I met him one time at a gun show.

There is a series of allen key socket screws with progressive sized holes drilled throught them plus a custom made gas plug.

If you really want to take it easy on the rifle, just use the Pocketfisherman gas plug but have no screw in the hole, just open. You could probably shoot some real beast, out of Garand spec 30-06 ammo like that without bending the op rod one iota. Only problem will be of couse it won't cycle, it'll be a straight pull manual.

I wouldn't shoot any original M2 ball- I've heard it's corrosive.
 
I have one of each style of gas plug. The ported unit from Garand gear and one of Pocketfisherman's screw based plugs. Gotta say, the ported setup is easier. No adjustment to be done. Also it screws in using a 1/4" driver instead of the world's largest flat head. Both will protect your Garand but one is decidedly easier to use.
 
crashcollins said:
So ummm you are following US export laws right! Just checking because it's not that easy or simple anymore.
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If you do go get it, just be very careful that the package doesn't open and the plug fall into a tool box or tackle box. It would make it real hard to find after, 'cuz it just looks like a bolt or oil drain plug.
 
greenoliver1 said:
I've never had an issue with bringing firearms parts across the border before, unless it cost over my exemption, they I pay more tax.
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The issue is not getting into Canada with it, but leaving the U.S. Once you've made it to Canadian Customs, you're good. Apparently, if you get caught with just one or a few items, you'll be barred from the U.S. for several years.
 
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