Talyn
SAINT
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From a CMP email today.
- Thread starter Talyn
- Start date
BET7
Ronin
The 30.06 ammo I bought for my Garand/1903’s, specifically stated safe to use in M1 Garand (or words to that effect), right on the box. It was highlighted to me when I bought the used Garand and I was told not to use just any 30.06 ammo due to high pressures, but ammo that specifically states it‘s safe for use in that firearm.
This is a good reminder notice for those that have these firearms to prevent severe damage to the firearm, and potentially the shooter. Thanks for the post Talyn.
This is a good reminder notice for those that have these firearms to prevent severe damage to the firearm, and potentially the shooter. Thanks for the post Talyn.
Annihilator
Emissary
Good post Talyn.....good information
Recusant
Hellcat
BET7 is spot on about using ammo that is safe for your M1 Garand. Here's an article that confirms that:
M1 Garand Ammo: What Should You Shoot in Your M1? | Gun Digest
Another thing to think about is whether you should change out the GI gas plug for one of these:
Ported Gas Plug (garandgear.com)
Also I'll add, because it's a pet peeve, for you newbies to shooting the M1 please watch using steel cleaning rods on granddad's M1. Steel rods can cause wear at the muzzle that leads to decreased accuracy. It's not unusual to come across M1s that look really good, throat wear is minimal, but muzzle wear is excessive. Too many passes with a steel cleaning rod can be the reason why. The better you take care of your rifle the better your rifle can take care of you!
M1 Garand Ammo: What Should You Shoot in Your M1? | Gun Digest
Another thing to think about is whether you should change out the GI gas plug for one of these:
Ported Gas Plug (garandgear.com)
Also I'll add, because it's a pet peeve, for you newbies to shooting the M1 please watch using steel cleaning rods on granddad's M1. Steel rods can cause wear at the muzzle that leads to decreased accuracy. It's not unusual to come across M1s that look really good, throat wear is minimal, but muzzle wear is excessive. Too many passes with a steel cleaning rod can be the reason why. The better you take care of your rifle the better your rifle can take care of you!
Talyn
SAINT
Likely CMP has noticed that some folks have been using hot handloads and/or commercial ammo that exceeds the specs that these vintage rifles were designed for.
As Bet7 says unless you're using 30/06 ammo that states it's safe for M1 Garands, or loaded to those same specs, then cooking up hot handloads for these rifles will be hazardous.
And as Recusant says there are aftermarket gas plugs that are designed to adjust commercial ammo down to safe manageable levels. I have one M1G with one of those, and you adjust the gas from the point the rifle just shoots single shots to where it operates normally then you lock it down.
I would also suggest the same for the .308/7.62x51 M1A rifles since they were only designed for a certain mil-spec pressure level, and there's an adjustable gas plug for it also. So, those running other commercial loads in an M1A are taking risks also.
My .02
As Bet7 says unless you're using 30/06 ammo that states it's safe for M1 Garands, or loaded to those same specs, then cooking up hot handloads for these rifles will be hazardous.
And as Recusant says there are aftermarket gas plugs that are designed to adjust commercial ammo down to safe manageable levels. I have one M1G with one of those, and you adjust the gas from the point the rifle just shoots single shots to where it operates normally then you lock it down.
I would also suggest the same for the .308/7.62x51 M1A rifles since they were only designed for a certain mil-spec pressure level, and there's an adjustable gas plug for it also. So, those running other commercial loads in an M1A are taking risks also.
My .02
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Talyn
SAINT
New CMP Revision statement (change in bold)
Dear CMP Family,
The CMP advises to not use .30/06 ammunition in M1 Garands, 1903s, and 1903A3s that is loaded beyond 50,000 CUP and has a bullet weight more than 172-174gr. These rifles are at least 70 years old and were not designed for max loads and super heavy bullets. Always wear hearing and eye protection when firing an M1 Garand, 1903 and/or 1903A3 rifle.
This warning is an update/addition to the Ammunition section in the Read This First manual enclosed with each rifle shipment (M1 Garand manual-page 6 and M1903 manual-page 10).
Civilian Marksmanship Program
Dear CMP Family,
The CMP advises to not use .30/06 ammunition in M1 Garands, 1903s, and 1903A3s that is loaded beyond 50,000 CUP and has a bullet weight more than 172-174gr. These rifles are at least 70 years old and were not designed for max loads and super heavy bullets. Always wear hearing and eye protection when firing an M1 Garand, 1903 and/or 1903A3 rifle.
This warning is an update/addition to the Ammunition section in the Read This First manual enclosed with each rifle shipment (M1 Garand manual-page 6 and M1903 manual-page 10).
Civilian Marksmanship Program