[Black-Four]

For years I have felt that if there was only one caliber of rifle/ammunition available, it should be .30-06. .308 a very close second. I have been using an 03-A3 for about twenty-five years because I couldn't afford a Garand. Last week, purely by accident, I learned about the CMP. Now that a Garand is almost on order, I will be needing all the help and support I can get from you knowledgeable gentlemen. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

 

[Chuck S]

CMP rifles are true "army surplus" and the higher priced rifles are in better shape than the lower. The exception is the collector grade which is priced based on the numer of original parts (starting with the receiver and barrel) regardless of condition. All are in issueable condition, but the cosmetics on some is not great.

In US military loading ".30-06" (actually .30 M2 Ball) and ".308" (actually 7.62mm M80 Ball) are the same bullet at the same muzzle velocity -- neither is better or worse than the other, they're essentially the same. Improvements in rifle propellent from 1906 to the 1950s allowed a shorter case for M80 Ball. (Note to Rocket Scientists: we're talking in general here, I'm sure you can pinpoint the minutia! For real minutia note that real .30-06 Ball was last manufactured during WW1 (one).)

-- Chuck

 

[Black-Four]

Thanks for the 'minute details'. I agree with you 100 percent. My claim is based on the amount of different loads available in .30-06 vis-a-vis the .308. We could really "Get Ballistic" and thorw the .270 into the fray if it had earned classic status as both of the aforementioned calibers have.

 

[duckbuck]

Welcome Aboard the Firing Line - Black-Four =D>

Glad you decided to join us here. We have a little something for everyone, so pick a forum you like and jump right in.

We have forums reserved for the M14/M1A rifle, Garands and 03s, as well as other calibers and types of rifles so you should be able to find a forum that suits your needs.

Pull up a chair and we'll set a place at the table for ya. \/

db

 

[Black-Four]

Thanks for the welcome D B. This is really quite an impressive site. I think I'll recon a while and get some more info before I shove off. Be seeing y'all around

 

[Hawk]

Welcome aboard! Glad ya decided to jump in

 

[Chuck S]

Black-4 --

Your experience is well beyond mine, I've had to stick almost exclusively with the military loadings. That whopping big '06 cartridge case can hold a lot of powder in custom loads.

Do be careful hand loading with the M1 as it depends of fairly specific gas port pressures and bullet weights to function properly and safely. I think the rifle was designed around the post-WW1 M1 Ball, a much more powerful cartridge in terms of powder and bullet weight (170gr rings a bell) than the original .30-06 and later M2 Ball. Going to heavier bullets requires more research than a bolt gun.

-- Chuck

 

[duckbuck]

BTW - Black-Four, I just got my first CMP purchases this year and I love em. \/

I got a SG Springfield Garand, a Remington 03/A3 (we ought to be able to swap info about those "bad-boys") and an absolutely gorgeous 1903 Springfield.

Took some doing to clean them up and get them "range-ready" but it was fun and a good learning experience.

The real fun came when I was able to get them to the range. :lol: :lol: :lol: They are all good shooters and almost as much fun to shoot as my M1A.

Good luck with your CMP purchase and let us know how it goes. If you've got access to a digital camera, take some pics. If you aren't familiar with how to post them, send me a pm and I'll help out.

Have a good one and we'll see you around the forums.

db

 

[Black-Four]

Chuck S
I've found that a moderate load in my 03-A3 is the most accurate and will take down any varmint I care to tangle with. Never has taken more than one shot to put 'em down, two with one shot once but that's a hunting story. Hers's my choice for .30-06 load:

165 grain nosler ballistic tip
46.7 grains IMR 4895

Hope you like this one.

 

[duckbuck]

Hey There, Black-Four.

How about we move this thread down to the "Ammo Bunker" forum so it will get more exposure and you get a chance to meet more of the crew.

I'm sure that there are a bunch of 03 lovers that have done some load development and they might want to jump in here.

db

 

[Black-Four]

D B
Anything you say. I'm new and need a little shove in the right direction sometimes. Thanks.