Load for M1 Garand

[Oldbrass]

My brother got a Garand for Christmas, I did some research and read NOT to use modern hunting ammo...any Garand owners here to offer advice ? I use to load 30-06 and still have dies. This is an old beat up battle rifle but I think it's beautiful

[Rifletom]

Hmm. I don't own a Garand, but, am curious about this also. A quick google search is a 50-50 mix of answers. Someone will be along to educate us both.
Is your brother going to reload for it?

[fortyshooter]

I would think a military rifle would be built fairly rugged to handle it but then there is the wear and tear after years of use?

[Hatchdog]

Not sure if the M1 has the same floating firing pin as the M1A but if so be sure to use Military primers. They have a hardened cup that helps prevent slam fires that can occur as the bolt moves forward causing the firing pin to lightly strike the primer of the live cartridge in the chamber. I would think any Military surplus ammo would be fine in it.

[Headhog]

I've owned a M1 Grand since 1985 when I got it from the DCM (predecessor to todays CMP). You don't want to use a heavy bullet (180 gr. and up) for these rifles. I use either 150 or 168 gr, full metal jacket bullets. My favorite load is 47.5 gr. of IMR 4895 with either bullet. The gun functions perfectly with this load and you will not beat it up. I've also experimented with other powders (IMR powders) and had good results. Just start at the low end of the load data and as long as you are getting good function don't bother to go higher.

If you do a search of the net, there is a ton of information on loading for these old rifles. Here is a link from Hodgdon specifically for reloading for the M1 Grand Service rifle: https://hodgdon.com/wp-content/uploads/ ... l-data.pdf

This should be all you need.

Paul

[Oldbrass]

Is your brother going to reload for it?
[/quote]

he's not a reloader

[Oldbrass]

Thanx headhog, that's some good data. I have Varget and 4064 I'll load some up

[Pitchman1968]

I have owned an M1 for 22 years and practiced with them when on active duty with Navy in the early 1960's. Listed below for your brother are some thoughts for a beginner on the M1:

Watch a video on how to load the 8 round enbloc clip and how to insert it into the receiver.

Use hand loaded or military surplus ammo, as factory loaded .30-06 ammo is intended for bolt action rifles and can be too "hot" for an M1's operating rod

If your brother gets into reloading for the M1, these are some helpful guidelines

use spitzers bullets weighing between 150 & 168 grs,

among appropriate powders are IMR 4895, Varget, and Accurate 2520,

recess primers in the primer pocket slightly below the cartridge base to prevent "slamfires" when the bolt contacts the case.

Use only enough powder to achieve 2500 - 2650 FPS muzzle velocity, e,g., I use 45 grs of AA 2520 with 165 bullets and averagely get 2550 fps, reloads with a higher velocity can bend the operating rod,

Never load single cartridges into the chamber as that practice increases the likelihood of suffering an "M1 Thumb" which is exceedingly painful

[Oldbrass]

Thanx for tips 1968. I've studied quite a bit and decided on a load. Hornady 150 FMJBT #3037 with 46.2 gr varget with COAL of 3.185.. This is the maximum load per hornady 9th edition at a velocity of 2600FPS which is within your recommendation...The bullets arrive in a few days

[Pitchman1968]

That is good load, fine for target shooting and whitetail deer. You will be surprised how light the 'felt recoil' will be.