Hunting Bullets in Garand?

[mmattockx]

A buddy and I are planning a retro day for this fall's season and I want to use my Garand. The game will be deer, both white tail and mule. Initially, I am looking at using the Hornady 165gr. SST for the bullet. One of those around 2650-2700fps will be more than adequate on any deer I have seen, but I have not tried them in my Garand yet.

Has anybody tried a selection of hunting bullets in their Garand and found any that functioned better or worse than others? I figure the plastic tip should approximate an FMJ closely enough to allow for correct functioning, but that is only a guess at this point.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[snowhunter]

The Hornady 165 grain soft points works well in my Garand, as well as being very accurate.

Used that bullet on a running white-tail last season, and after missing an aimed shot, I did some fast "instinctive shooting" from halfway the hip and shoulder, and nailed it good in about 75-100 yards.

Still have to get used to all these shiny empty brass flying out of the Garand

 

[purple]

The nylon tipped bullets will not deform on the feed ramp as they enter the chamber, so the 165 Hornady SST or Nosler 150/165gr BTs are good choices-accurate too. Having said that, there is some debate about the extent to which lead bullet tip deformation actually affects accuracy.

Another good one in the Garand is the 165gr Sierra HPBT, a hollow point game bullet which I find to work well. It is a shorter bullet, so I normally seat it to an OAL of 3.250 in the Garand. Remember to stick to IMR 4895/4064 or H4895 when reloading for an M1.

 

[smellie]

I have shot a variety of commercial ammo from my Garand 4337###, a very late-production Springfield and have had no issues. First ammo the critter ate was Partizan 180s, which are SUPER hot: result was a called 2-round 100-yard group at 3/8 of an inch, shot by a guy with eyes 25 years younger than mine.

I handload for it and must say that it really likes the ordinary Hornady 150 flatbase spire-point, which is one of the cheapest bullets on the market. OAL is the same as an M2 Ball round, which is what I use to adjust my seater. I load with 4895 powder to the WW2 specs and they are accurate and reliable.... almost boring, except for the little groups. I think one of these would certainly anchor your deer for you.

Hope this is some help.

 

[mmattockx]

The nylon tipped bullets will not deform on the feed ramp as they enter the chamber, so the 165 Hornady SST or Nosler 150/165gr BTs are good choices-accurate too. Having said that, there is some debate about the extent to which lead bullet tip deformation actually affects accuracy.

Another good one in the Garand is the 165gr Sierra HPBT, a hollow point game bullet which I find to work well. It is a shorter bullet, so I normally seat it to an OAL of 3.250 in the Garand. Remember to stick to IMR 4895/4064 or H4895 when reloading for an M1.

I will give the 165 SST the first try. I like them as they are pretty cheap, open up easily on smaller game like deer and at the lower velocities I will be getting in the Garand. I am loading using IMR4064 now and will be using it first for the 165's. If that doesn't work out, I have IMR4895 on hand as a back up plan.

Hopefully, this fall I will have pics to post of a deer bagged with my 70 year old milsurp.

Thanks for all the replies and input,
Mark

 

[Alonzo]

I have had really good results with the Sierra 150 SPT, as well as the 155 Palma Match.
Just a quick word of advise on the 165 and up weight for the Garand...do not load them too hot, as there is a possibility of damaging the op rod. The Garand was designed for the 30 M2 cartridge using a 150 gr bullet and...if memory serves me right...4895 powder.
I have been using 4064 with consistent results and have moved away from the 160 plus weight bullets...though I was using the 165 Hornady Match Moly coated bullet with good results.
Just keep in mind that this is not a Bolt rifle and is not really designed for a large number of rounds through the gun...it is an absolute blast to shoot and the ping after the last shot gets everyone's attention on the line at the range...enjoy!!!