[REGonz]

Greetings!

I just ordered my CMP Special Garand, and I'm extremely eager to own my piece of American history!

I did have a question about ammo.

After looking at the previous threads regarding blanks damaging the garand, I was wondering if there is any live ammo that I should look out for?

I intend to use the rifle, but am concerned that some of the newer powder formulas may burn too hot, or have too much pressure for the weapon.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[jbrooks]

Buy the ammo that CMP sells. Any M2 ball equivalent is fine, US Gov't ammo made after about 1953 is non-corrosive.

JWB

 

[REGonz]

Thanks for the quick reply!

Ordering ammo might be okay, but being able to buy locally is better.

Basically Im wanting to know if I can go into any wal mart and buy 30-06 ammo and not have to worry about damaging the rifle.

 

[JBS]

Thanks for the quick reply!

Ordering ammo might be okay, but being able to buy locally is better.

Basically Im wanting to know if I can go into any wal mart and buy 30-06 ammo and not have to worry about damaging the rifle.

No,

You need to make sure it is listed safe for the Garand. Federal and Hornady make M1 safe ammo. Boxes are well marked.

 

[jbrooks]

PMC makes M2 ball-compatible ammo also.

If you choose to reload you can make your own ammo that is as good as or better than commercial. And you can play with bullet weights also, and use any type, such as soft points, ballistic tip, etc.

As I'm sure you've discovered by using the "search" dunction, the issue is the type of powder used, not the bullet weight. M72 match ammo uses 172 graiin bullets, and you can easily go to 180 grain, but your powder choice is critical.

Commercial hunting ammo is probably not acceptable for the Garand.

JWB

 

[Orlando]

Install adjustable gas screw and use ammo off the shelf.
Just curious why didnt you order ammo with your rifle??

 

[REGonz]

I didnt order ammo with the rifle for 2 reasons.

1 - I just about tapped my funds acquiring the rifle.

2 - I never really considered any restrictions on ammo until I read the thread about blanks damaging the rifle (another post). That got me thinking that there have been a lot of changes in powder technology since the Garand was introduced.

 

[Orlando]

Save your $$$ and order surplus from CMP. You wont find it cheaper anywhere else

 

[normannewguy]

There is website that lists ammo that is ok for Garand to shoot and has a gas plug that makes almost all commercial ammo safe for Garand. Website is http://www.garandgear.com/
Check them out and until then like the other said use Garand safe ammo.

 

[Tommo]

Thank you very much for the link. I have fired Seller & Bellot 150 grain ammo in my Garand with no problems and the information on this site confirms it does not produce excessive pressure.

 

[REGonz]

Wow that website is incredible.

Thanks for the link!

 

[Vos Parate]

Thanks for the quick reply!

Ordering ammo might be okay, but being able to buy locally is better.

Basically Im wanting to know if I can go into any wal mart and buy 30-06 ammo and not have to worry about damaging the rifle.

Local ammo = CMP ammo marked up an additional 50%.

 

[Gearjammer]

Any commercial or Milsurp in the 150GR. range will be fine, but stay away from the hopped up premium stuff like what Hornady calls "Light Magnum".

Also, stay with medium burn propellants and don't use heavy bullets, say above 168gr.

The damage you describe is warping the operating rod, this is very bad!!

 

[Orlando]

Why dont you ask Gus Fischer his opinion. You will get the real low down

 

[REGonz]

Why dont you ask Gus Fischer his opinion. You will get the real low down

Whos that?

 

[willriskit]

He's a retired Marine armorer listed under Gun Professionals in the Forums section. Anything he tells you will be gospel.

 

[Orlando]

A retired armorer who is very knowlegeable , he has his own section here on the forum http://m14forum.com/gus-fisher/

 

[LausDeo]

Whos that?

This gentleman, who is such an M14/M1 expert that he has his own section of the site: http://m14forum.com/gus-fisher/

 

[phantomguy]

So my 1944 30-06 garand ammo is corrosive? Should I fire some, what actions must I take to keep my DCM garand pristine?

 

[Orlando]

Yes it is corrosive. After firing you need to do a complete tear down and clean, barrel, bolt face, remove gas cylinder clean under it, end of Op Rod, etc, etc. Then relube with grease
Its not worth it, save corrosive ammo for a bolt rifle