Ammo for the M1 Garand: All the pieces You Must Know

The M1 Garand is one in every of America’s most recognizable and traditionally influential service rifles and is chambered for the venerable .30/06 cartridge. The .30/06 is one in every of our nation’s hottest sporting cartridges, however that doesn’t imply you possibly can shoot any ammo safely by your M1. Deciding on correct ammo for the M1 Garand will mean you can benefit from the rifle whereas conserving operating easily and avoiding injury to a basic battle rifle. 

Why Not All .30/06 is Good Ammo for the M1 Garand

When you take a deep dive on the lookout for info on the M1 Garand, you’ll shortly see many suggestions on ammo for the M1 Garand and, extra importantly, what’s unsafe to make use of. In brief, you can’t shoot simply any .30/06 ammo by your M1 Garand and make sure that the rifle gained’t be broken. 

The M1 Garand is a gas-operated rifle that’s pushed by a piston on the finish of the working rod. It’s chambered for the basic .30/06 cartridge, however the rifle is designed to perform inside sure stress parameters. A small port beneath the entrance sight permits pressurized fuel to enter the fuel cylinder and drive the working rod again. If there’s not sufficient stress, the gun gained’t cycle correctly. An excessive amount of stress may cause the working rod to bend or break, and a bolt and working rod which might be slamming too laborious to the rear can injury the receiver. 

Many fashionable searching .30/06 masses, particularly these with 180-grain or heavier bullets and slower-burning propellants, produce pressures that exceed what the M1 Garand was designed to deal with, and so they shouldn’t be used with an as-issued rifle. An exception is when accurately utilizing a vented fuel plug that permits extra fuel to flee, and the shooter can tune the vent for a gently-cycling motion.

What Ammo Is Protected for the M1 Garand?

On the planet of Garand shooters, you’ll hear nearly all the pieces conceivable concerning what ammo you possibly can safely shoot in your M1. Some shooters will let you know that solely classic M2 ball ammunition is protected. Others will let you know to not shoot any “business” ammo. Some shooters will let you know that solely 150-grain ammo is protected to shoot—overlooking the truth that there are a selection of 150-grain masses that attain 3,000 fps and have significantly larger stress than classic M1 or M2 Ball.

The reality about what’s protected ammo for the M1 Garand is someplace within the combine. You must usually function cautiously, as a result of these are vintage rifles which have largely been rebuilt a number of occasions. They’re usually a mishmash of components, and changing these components isn’t going to get any simpler. However a lot of the recommendation you’ll see about ammo for the M1 Garand is closely laden with nonsense.

Strain Trumps Projectile Choice

Protected ammo for the M1 Garand is extra about fuel cylinder stress than it’s about projectile weight. A basic consensus is that masses with a chamber stress of fifty,000 PSI are protected within the M1 Garand, whereas the utmost SAAMI chamber stress for .30/06 is 60,000 PSI, which is why it’s good to be cognizant of the ammo you utilize.

Generally you’ll see that fifty,000 CUP is protected for M1s, however that’s possible as a result of some individuals are utilizing Copper Strain Items (CUP) and kilos per sq. inch (PSI) interchangeably, which is wrong. Fifty-thousand CUP interprets to 57,898 PSI, which is over the really useful threshold. Hodgdon’s load knowledge lists most load pressures for the M1 at 44,500 CUP (49,560 PSI), and most pressures for basic .30/06 masses as 50,000 CUP, which is simply shy of the 60,000 PSI max.

Recommendation to staunchly keep away from 180-grain-and-heavier, and fashionable searching masses is sound, however 150-grain bullets aren’t the one good choice to your M1. In reality, when the M1 Garand was adopted in 1936, M1 Ball was commonplace fare. That fired a 174-grain bullet at roughly 2,650 fps. Shortly after, M2 Ball was adopted, which was meant to imitate pre-M1 Ball 1906 masses, fired a 152-grain bullet at about 2,800 fps. M2 AP armor-piercing ammo used a slug of roughly 165 grains. Classic M72 Nationwide Match ammo employs a 173-grain BTHP. 

Recommendation to keep away from “business” ammo for the M1 Garand is well-intended, however incorrect. A number of corporations manufacture fashionable, high-quality ammo that’s loaded in numerous bullet weights to be safely inside the M1 Garand’s necessities. A correctly lubricated M1 with good springs will possible deal with extra abuse than we expect, however there isn’t any cause to beat it up. Any of the precise M1 Garand masses might be protected for a rifle in good working situation, and so long as you’re sticking with masses within the 150- to 175-grain vary at 2,600 to 2,750 fps, you’re in protected territory.

Learn Subsequent: .30-06 Springfield Cartridge Evaluate

How We Examined Ammo for the M1 Garand

Ammo for the M1 Garand ought to perform reliably and safely within the rifle, and correct ammo is even higher. I examined 100 rounds of every load in my CMP-refurbished M1 Garand, feeding single rounds, partial clips, and full clips. I shot each gradual and rapid-fire strings.

I examined accuracy in two methods. First, I fired 10-shot slow-fire teams with every load at a NRA SR-1 excessive energy goal at 100 yards. That is the usual 100-yard goal for the standing and sitting positions in NRA excessive energy, and for all positions in Garand-specific matches. As-issued M1 Garand rifles aren’t practically as correct because the Nationwide Match model, and I discovered that my rifle constantly threw 10 to twenty % of its pictures low outdoors the primary physique of the group. After verifying my taking pictures with my Nationwide Match AR-15 by taking pictures constant 1.8- to 2-inch 10-shot teams with iron sights, I discounted the low pictures from my M1 Garand within the general group measurement as variability within the rifle. 

For extra significant accuracy knowledge and decreased human and rifle error, I borrowed a custom-built Winchester Mannequin 70 with a heavy Krieger .30/06 barrel, bedded in a McMillan Inventory. I recorded a minimal of 4 5-shot teams with every load. 

Ammo for the M1 Garand: Opinions and Suggestions

The basic ammo for the M1 Garand is M2 ball, however it may be laborious to get typically. I discovered these 5 masses to be nice fashionable alternate options.

Finest Total: Freedom Munitions M1 Garand Match 168-grain A-Max

Specs: 

• Bullet: 168-grain Hornady A-Max match bullet
• Brass: Starline 
• Velocity: 2,720 ft per second
• Accuracy Common (M1): 3.2 inches
• Accuracy Common (Mannequin 70): .708 inches
• Worth per field of 20: $23

Execs:

• Inexpensive
• Most correct ammo examined
• Good brass

Cons

• Barely extra recoil than 150-grain ball masses

Freedom Munitions ammo impressed us at our 2023 Gun Check, and once more in an in depth 5.56 and .223 ammo check I performed this yr. For its worth, it’s been a number of the greatest taking pictures ammo I’ve seen. Freedom Munitions manufactures two totally different M1-specific .30/06 masses, and I used to be desirous to see how their match ammo would shoot. 

Though it’s been eclipsed by the 168-grain ELD Match bullet, the 168-grain A-Max is a superb slug that produced a number of the most correct .308 masses I’ve ever been capable of make. For somebody taking pictures M1 Garand matches, the distances are recognized, and the A-Max remains to be a superb contender. On this providing, it’s grime low cost too.

This match load is available in at just below $23 per field earlier than transport, which is considerably inexpensive than most FMJ masses, but it surely averaged an eye-popping .708-inch group measurement from the Mannequin 70, and was on the entrance of the pack with a 3.2-inch 10-shot common by my M1 Garand. Until you’re on the road at Camp Perry, this ammo is almost too good to shoot by a Garand. 

Except for accuracy, the ammo functioned properly and ejected neatly. Recoil was barely sharper than the lighter masses, however case ejection was per different ammunition, indicating comparable working rod speeds. 

Fashionable Traditional: Winchester .30 Caliber Ball M2 150-grain

Specs: 

• Bullet: 150-grain FMJ bullet
• Brass: Lake Metropolis  
• Velocity: 2740 ft per second
• Accuracy Common (M1): 4.05 inches
• Accuracy Common (Mannequin 70): 2.065 inches
• Worth per field of 20: $40

Execs:

• Replicates authentic M2 Ball
• Lake Metropolis brass is crimped and annealed
• Delicate-shooting

Cons

• Costly for plinking ammo

For a dyed-in-the-wool fashionable different to classic M2 ball, it’s laborious to beat Winchester’s modern providing. This 150-grain load is designed to carefully replicate the stress and ballistics of the unique, and it’s a sweetheart to shoot by a Garand. 

This new M2 Ball is loaded with annealed Lake Metropolis brass with a crimped primer and neck. In comparison with different 150-grain FMJ bullets, the one Winchester makes use of is comparable in profile to the older, pointy M2 masses, and contains a cannelure for a safe crimp. 

This Winchester ammo for the M1 Garand is available in 20-round containers and shoots properly for ball ammunition. It averaged 4-inch 10-shot teams by my M1, which is about how my restricted amount of 1968 M2 Ball carried out. At $35 to $40 per field, it’s a bit of costly for plinking ammo, but it surely’s probably the most real fashionable M2-style ammo for the M1 Garand that you simply’ll possible discover.

Finest Worth: Freedom Munitions .30/06 M1 Garand 147-grain FMJ

Specs: 

• Bullet: 147-grain Xtreme Bullets FMJ
• Brass: Starline 
• Velocity: 2800 ft per second
• Accuracy Common (M1): 3.96 inches
• Accuracy Common (Mannequin 70): 1.411 inches
• Worth per field of 20: $22

Execs:

• Inexpensive
• Correct for FMJ ammo
• Good brass

Cons

Of all the trendy ammo for the M1 Garand that I might discover, none got here near matching the worth of the Freedom Munitions M1 Garand 147-grain load, besides their match ammo. The as-issued M1 Garand isn’t precisely a precision instrument, but it surely’s extremely enjoyable to shoot—particularly when the ammo is inexpensive. At beneath $22 per field, these items is a number of the most inexpensive .30/06 ammo you’ll discover. I extremely advocate it. 

It’s bought good Starline brass, is clear and constant in look, and options an Xtreme Bullets 147-grain FMJ bullet, which has a cannelure and is barely extra rounded on the nostril than another 30-caliber FMJ projectiles. The neck and primer usually are not crimped, which could elevate concern in abusive battle situations, however for the shooter it makes little distinction. At 2,800 fps, it’s barely quicker than a number of the M1 Garand 150-grain masses, however nonetheless proper about on the velocity of the unique M2 Ball and it’s protected ammo for the M1 Garand.

When fired out of my Garand, it averaged about the identical group measurement as different FMJ masses, however with a bit extra vertical consistency. Out of the Mannequin 70, it was second solely to the American Eagle load in accuracy. 

Hornady .30/06 M1 Garand 168-grain ELDM

Specs: 

• Bullet: 168-grain Hornady ELD Match bullet
• Brass: Hornady 
• Velocity: 2,710 ft per second
• Accuracy Common (M1): 2.486 inches
• Accuracy Common (Mannequin 70): .726 inches
• Worth per field of 20: $50

Execs:

• Correct and constant
• Finest-in-class B.C.
• Good brass

Cons

• Too costly for plinking
• Barely extra recoil than 150-grain masses

Hornady’s Classic Match is a number of the greatest M1 Garand ammo you should purchase, and for those who’re severe about competing and/or shoot a Nationwide Match Garand, that is the type of ammo you wish to be feeding your rifle. 

According to Hornady’s different match ammo, this load could be very constant and fires a 168-grain ELD Match bullet at 2,710 fps. It’s strong sufficient to cycle the motion neatly and performance easily in an previous M1, but it surely’s gentle sufficient to forestall injury to your rifle. It’s a superb option to take you throughout the course, and this ammo will shoot higher than most M1 rifles are succesful.

Hornady’s load was just about neck-and-neck with the Freedom Munitions match ammo in efficiency, and it was merely the worth that gave Freedom the sting on this check. It did shoot higher in my Garand than the Freedom load, however lagged barely within the Mannequin 70. It’s principally a wash. The .308 ELD Match bullet might be barely higher at bucking the wind, particularly on the 600-yard line. $50 per field isn’t low cost, but it surely’s cheap for premium match ammo like this. 

American Eagle 150-grain FMJ for M1 Garand

Specs: 

• Bullet: 150-grain FMJ 
• Brass: Federal
• Velocity: 2,740 ft per second
• Accuracy Common (M1): 4.69 inches
• Accuracy Common (Mannequin 70): 1.29 inches
• Worth per field of 20: $36

Execs:

• Nice M2 Ball duplicate
• Crimped Primer
• Good brass

Cons

• Just a little costly for plinking

Beneath the American Eagle banner, Federal is loading its personal M2 Ball duplicate. In addition they load a higher-pressure 150-grain FMJ in .30/06, however this one is particularly formulated to be protected ammo for the M1 Garand and is labeled as such. Don’t combine the 2 up. 

This American Eagle load makes use of sharp-looking Federal brass with a military-style “30-M1” headstamp that denotes it as ammo for the M1 Garand. It has a gently-crimped primer that you simply’ll wish to swage earlier than reloading, but it surely’s completely appropriate brass. The bullet is a 150-grain FMJ with a cannelure and barely flattened tip. It principally matches the Winchester M2 duplicate load at 2,740 fps and is a gentle-cycling load that’s enjoyable to shoot.

You’ll discover this ammo for round $36 per field, which isn’t low cost, but it surely’s comparable (or higher than) a number of the costs you’ll pay for classic M2 ball of suspect origins and storage situations. This load was the poorest-shooting load in my M1 Garand, however the best-shooting FMJ load within the Winchester Mannequin 70, averaging simply over an inch. Outcomes will possible range, however this isn’t meant to be precision goal ammo.

Load Your Personal Ammo for the M1 Garand

When you handload, you don’t must depend upon diminishing shops of 80-year-old ammo to maintain your M1 Garand operating. Utilizing the precautions that you simply already ought to make use of as a handloader, you possibly can load protected and correct ammo to your M1. Many load knowledge assets equivalent to Hornady’s reloading handbook and Hodgdon’s reloading knowledge heart supply protected tips for powders, bullets, and dimensions. 

When you’ve bought an particularly correct M1 Garand, it’d pay to do some load improvement, however for plinking, get some FMJ 150-grain bullets, develop a load inside protected parameters that reliably cycles the motion, and get to taking pictures. A primary crack at it for myself with 168-grain Hornady ELD Match bullets atop 46 grains of Varget gave me 2.6-inch teams out of my M1, and averaged .594 inches for 10-shot teams out of the Winchester Mannequin 70. That’ll do. 

Learn Subsequent: Finest Rifle Slings

FAQ

Closing ideas on Ammo for the M1 Garand

There’s nothing unhealthy about pairing your M1 Garand with solely classic ball ammo from a freshly-opened can, but it surely’s not a requirement. There’s additionally dependable, protected, and correct commercially-produced choices. It’s prudent to make use of solely ammunition that’s particularly loaded for the M1 Garand. Keep in mind that protected ammo is about stress, not simply bullet weight, kind, or who made it. Outfitted with that information, you possibly can preserve taking pictures your Garand lengthy after decades-old shares have dried up.