M1 Garand ammo

[L4yerCak3]

Hey all sorry if this is a repeat but I couldn't find anything in the forum.
Just got my hands on an M1 and was wondering what I should be running through it as far as bullet weight? A web page I stumbled across said anything under 180 gr, a gun store I asked said 180 was fine. I wanted to find out for sure before I damage anything due to my own stupidity. Also, I saw somebody selling adjustable gas pistons, are these worth my time/money? I should add its chambered for 30-06
Cheers

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

The USGI rifles were very carefully tuned for the M1 ball load. Ideally nothing heavier than 150gr. The idea is that more mass stresses the Operationg Rod.

I found an adjustable gas plug sold on CGN.

 

[L4yerCak3]

The gas plug allows you to use heavier loads?

 

[kohr varik]

yep, as mil specs, 150gr is king. Try not to go too heavier.

 

[bearhunter]

Just stick with the 150 grain bullets and don't screw with success.

If you are going to handload for the rifle, make sure you full length resize your cases and keep the length trimmed properly. They respond well to consistent ammunition.

Hornady, makes a specially loaded 30-06 round specifically labled for the Garand. If you're going to buy ammo off the shelf, I would suggest you order some of this in.

So far, in all of the Garands I've seen, I've never seen a broken op rod that was caused by shooting heavy bullets. That doesn't mean it can't or won't happen. I have a bud that regularly shoots 200grn match bullets out of his unaltered Springfield Garand, he purchased new in grease from Allen Lever back in 1970.

He has close to 5000 rounds down that bore and it still shoots consistently enough for his tastes. He handloads everything that goes into it and is extremely careful about pressures not exceeding 45,000 psi.

It will be the increased pressure and gasses that will damage the op rod, not the heavier bullet.

 

[NB.nagantsniper]

i have a very interesting article about RELOADING for the m1 garand .

i will email it to any who may be interested. i often refer to it , its guidelines are old but worth reading / very helpful.
just pm me with email ill send it.

from don

 

[ghostntheshell]

Muzzle velocity is key is it not? I don't recall what it was supposed to be.

 

[A&Shuntr]

Original M2 ball was around 2700 fps with 150gr FMJ

 

[L4yerCak3]

NB.pageant sniper I would love to get my hands on that
Does the adjustable gas plug work or is it even worth my time?

 

[browningautorifle]

It's worth your time. You can then shoot whatever you wish to use.

 

[Zdragunov]

Talk to pocketfisherman about the gas plug. U can use heavier loads and different powder. You still have to be ceraful, I wouldn't go over 180grains.

 

[na1lb0hm]

port pressure is the main concern.

without the adjustable gas plug I would not risk running factory ammo. Even 150gr. Do you really want a bent op-rod? that not a cheap touch to a new to you rifle. Don't listen to the gun store, sorry, but that's my 0.02.
There seems to be some debate about the adjustable gas plugs. I run one, even with my reloads. The garand is smooth now, and I rest a little easier knowing that a bent op rod is less likely.
Purple will chime in soon i'm sure. 4895 is a good powder choice, as is 4064.

If you aren't set up to reload. look at getting into it. 8 rounds at a time gets expensive quickly.
Make sure you trim, full length resize, use primers that aren't going to cause slam fires.
check your brass often. Don't use it past a couple (2-3) reloads.