[IrishCop]

Couldn't stand it any longer. Finally filled out the form, dug out copies of my birth certificate and stuff and ordered a CMP Special - Original receiver, new barrel and wood.

Now I have to wait 30-60 days. And I SUCK at waiting.

And I have also noticed that even .30-06 ammo is in short supply. I found a couple boxes of Remington 165 grain Core Lock, which I don't think is too hot for the Garand action. I have heard that some of the more modern high performance stuff might bend an op rod or raise other havoc. Any truth to this?

 

[phantom4570]

Yes!
The M1 was designed for a burn rate between 3031 and 4064 and bullets from 147g to 174g in match ammo. Slower burn rates allow high pressure at the gas port which can damage the rifle. This is an engineering limitation of most gas operated rifles.

That being said. Keep in mind that Remington doesn't want their own ammo to blow up their own consumer grade semiauto hunting rifles. Chances are that 165g CoreLokt is OK an in M1.

Does anyone know if the 142g bullets from pull down Nato 7.62x51 cause any mischief in an M1?

Here's something similar regarding the M1A: http://gunhub.com/m14/58459-m1a-help.html#post526864

 

[FOBC]

garand ammo

I PERSONALLY wouldnt shoot any hunting ammo through my garand i either reload my own to specs or shoot the military surplus ammo to much pressure youll bend the op rod not a cheap fix i wouldnt say all hunting ammo is bad some might be ok but why take the chance

 

[Luigi]

The CMP has 200rds bulk loose Greek Surplus cheap. Order some.
I reload with IMR4895 for both my Garands and M1A.

 

[stand watie]

IrishCop,

ANY of the STANDARD VELOCITY 150-165 grain factory loads from Federal, Remington or W-W rounds are FINE for hunting with Garands. - The HOT rounds & 170+ grain loads are NOT liked by Garands.
(I've shot literally THOUSANDS of rounds through my "sporterized Garand deer rifle", which has a flat black "depot rebuilt" 1942 SA barreled action by RRAD, Monte Carlo LH stock, a forward mounted B&L 4x scope and some "trigger work", with nary a problem.)

yours, sw

 

[Charlie Petty]

I don't think the pulled bullets would be a problem. A middle of the road with either 4895 or Varget should be fine.

 

[IrishCop]

Thanks to all for the advice. I saw the Greek ammo on the CMP web site. I think I will probably pop for an order of those.

I still haven't gotten around to getting set up for reloading. Haven't really got a decent reason. Guess I'll have to bite the bullet (sorry) sooner or later.

 

[Charlie Petty]

Sadly this is not the time to try to start reloading. The ongoing panic has caused ALL components to disappear.

 

[IrishCop]

Yeah Charlie, I have heard that from guys I know that do reload. And as with ammo, supply and demand...heard that even primers (if you can find them) are outrageous.

That's what I get for procrastinating.

But I plan to keep my eyes open...maybe buy stuff piecemeal if available and not downright robbery. Heck, I need EVERYTHING. So a press, dies, shell holders, etc. A little here, a little there...maybe by the time I get all of the hardware the components will be available again...maybe.

 

[Luigi]

Phantom,

I have used several hundred pulled 150gn FMJ's ( from some Indian 7.62x51) in reloading for my garands. No problems. Don't have any info on 142gn?

If it was only a 2 hr drive from Anniston, I would be in the poor house by now!

 

[IrishCop]

After almost five months of waiting, my M1 from the CMP is being delivered today.

Took the day off so I could be sure to be here when FedEx pulls up...you have to sign for it.

The CMP was deluged with orders...the original wait time was 60 to 90 days. It is now at least 90 to 180. That is for the RM1 Special...a Springfield receiver with new Criterion barrel, new wood and the rest refurbished GI parts.

The shipment notice gave me the serial number. The receiver was manufactured in December 1943.

You guys ever see the Married With Children episode where Peg tells Al she ordered him a pizza (she didn't) and he stands in front of the door looking out the window, hopping from one foot to the other? Well, that's me. Feel like a kid waiting for Santa Claus.

 

[bearcat6]

Congrulations Terry, you will love it to death. Well worth waiting for.

 

[shep854]

Garands are also great workout tools; the Marines make 'M1 calisthenics' an art form!

I have one (a Korean return), but am leery of shooting commercial ammo myself.
This site is informative; discussion welcome:
Shooting Commercial Ammunition in your M1 Garand
The pressure graphs was enlightening. The conclusion was that most commercial ammo was safe for a stock M1

That 'ported gas screw' sounds reasonable, if only for peace of mind.

 

[IrishCop]

Thanks, Bearcat.

Shep, I saw that ported gas screw, too. Stumbled on that site a ways back. The graphs were very interesting.

I'm wondering if it would be a worthwhile investment. :duh:

 

[Charlie Petty]

If you stick to GI equivalent loads it isn't necessary. I always used the lights load that gave reliable function with 4895... usually a couple of grains below max

 

[dfariswheel]

If you stick to USGI specification powders and no bullets heaver then 173 grain, you're okay, but since you have no way of knowing what commercial ammo is loaded with for powder, a Schuster Gas Nut is a good investment.

That way, you can shoot most any good hunting ammo without worries of damage.
This can be a big saver if you luck onto some ammo on sale or need to use something you don't know for sure what it's loaded with.
It's easy to pull out the GI gas nut and install the Schuster for commercial ammo, and put the GI nut back in for known M1-safe ammo.

And last, remember: In the M1 Rifle GREASE is the correct lubricant. Oil is used to prevent rust, but the parts are to be greased to lubricate.

If you want the original, Brownell's still sell USGI spec Lubriplate 120A grease which was the original GI specified grease for the M1.
Or, really any heat and water resistant grease will work fine. A tube of Lithium grease from a hardware store or Walmart will work great.

Another M1 and M1A pointer: Grease the hammer and especially trigger pins. Grease will work better then oil and will help prevent bent, galled, or broken pins.

 

[IrishCop]

Thanks Charlie and DFariswheel. I have 200 rds of Greek M2 ball, and don't plan to use this for anything but recreational shooting...and maybe holding while I watch "Band of Brothers". :0)

I was only thinking about that vented gas port should it continue to be difficult to find commercial ammo on a regular basis as I still don't reload.

I used to have a small tube of Lubriplate about a decade ago. Nice to know it's still avaiable.

 

[IrishCop]

Oops

 

[shep854]

For some (maybe many), OTS .30-'06 is about all that's practical; that's why caution and all the questions.

 

[Ratfink2u]

Congrats on that fine choice in American battle rifles! I think I have a bag of clean brass somewhere if your interested....just let me know