Topic: M1 Garand question

[MarkinIdaho]

So, I have a line on an M1 Garand being sold by a friend.  I was doing some reading online tonight and on a couple of websites, the posters were saying don't shoot "hunting" rounds out of a Garand... but they don't say why.

So, can anyone clue me in as to why I shouldn't shoot factory hunting rounds - like the federal blue box type soft points out of a Garand? 

If I don't reload, what options are there out there for ammo for the Garand?  Also, what about hunting rounds - i.e., soft points, not fmj's.  If I get one, I fully intend on hunting with it, so knowing what I can and can't shoot would be a good thing. 

Thanks in advance

[carharttfarmer]

heavy bullets and slow powders  put more preassure on the operating rod and can bend it

[luckypunk]

so, what are you going to hunt with it?

just curious...wondering if I want to kill one too.

[MarkinIdaho]

so, what are you going to hunt with it?

just curious...wondering if I want to kill one too.

Well, mulies, elk... and probably a woof or two.   

So, am I SOL to shoot anything modern factory out of one?

[RGinIdaho]

The caution with the Garand and ammo is rated to modern ammo pressures or gas volume and the operating rod being damaged.

[mopeman440]

Not knocking on you wanting to hunt with the rifle, but you do realize that this rifle will weight almost 10lbs. Also, if it was an old warhorse, the barrel might not be in the best of shape and you might want to find out how it shoots. I built one for my dad with all new or very good Itallian parts and it shoots very well. I also put together a battle field/service grade which shoots good, but I don't think I would hunt with it. As far as ammo goes, you can keep an eye on the CMP website and see if they get some of the surplus stuff in like the Greek XP, or Korean/Veitnam area ammo. I have some of it and it was made for these guns, and it is on the enbloc clips. I have also shot hunting rounds in my rifle with no worries, but it is best to have it checked out and gauged.

[luckypunk]

I'd just use M2 so as not to worry about breaking your gun.  besides turkeys will go down with 150 gr bullets easy.


err, wait....nevermind

[MarkinIdaho]

Not knocking on you wanting to hunt with the rifle, but you do realize that this rifle will weight almost 10lbs.

Hey, I understand... but I've been carrying an m1917 since I was 15.  I'm used to the weight. 

The barrel is bright and grooves seem to be deep.

Doing more research, I've found a Hornady round made for the Garand that would work just find with a bigger animal.  I'd use the fmj's for target and yotes and their bigger cousins. 

Thanks guys.  If I end up getting it, I'll bring by pizza nite. 

[emathey]

You can buy an adjustable gas plug too..  Barring that, you could always load your own and try to replicate M2 loads but with some sort of hunting application bullet.

[birddog1989]

Here is some "safe" loading data for an M-1.  As long as the bullet feeds through the rifle you should be able to load it within these specs and be good to go.

http://www.loaddata.com/members/search_detail.cfm?MetallicID=2713

[ballardw]

A couple of the reloading manuals will also have M1 specific reloading data.

[MarkinIdaho]

Thanks for the reloading info - one of these days I'll get a setup going. 

[Jrhoney]

Ive found that if you stick with ammo with 150gr bullets, it has no adverse affects on the op rod.

[ida83704]

Federal or American Eagle make m1 Garand specific ammo also.