CMP M1 Garand and factory ammo question

Aardvark

Aardvark

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I acquired this Springfield as part of a private trade almost a decade ago and I'm embarrassed to say I've never fired it (or any other M1 for that matter). I was told it is "Service Grade, all serial numbers match". It came with a CMP "Certificate of Authenticity" (which has a 2009 date but does not mention grade), a CMP manual, and a spare clip.

I'd like to start by zeroing the sights for 135 yards, and I need some ammo for it. A local Walmart has Remington 30-06 Core-Lokt 150 & 180gr PSP, Winchester 150 & 180gr SP, & Federal Power Shok 150 & 180gr in stock at $17-$19 per box. Of the above locally available ammo would you recommend or avoid any one over the other in a M1 for starts? Any other tips or hints you may be willing to share with a M1 noob also appreciated. Thank you.

M1 rsz_m1_garand.jpg
 
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GOOGLE “GARAND THUMB”!!!

You should also check the ammo you use ... to hot of a load (gas pressures basically) can harm the op rod, bolt and receiver. Original GI M2 .30-06 150gr ball ammo is what the military ran ... but some companies have produces M1 loads with lower pressures designed for Garands. Federal made a 150gr load and I think Hornady made one also.
 
Aardvark said:
Any other tips or hints you may be willing to share with a M1 noob also appreciated. Thank you.
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I am going to stay out of this discussion of appropriate ammo. I know what I use and am not about to change. I will, however, suggest that you get a bunch of clips and try them for proper function. Some of my newer clips just do not fit as well as the ones I have used since the early 1960's. Perhaps the finish on the new aftermarket ones is so thick that they do not load into the magazine well easily. I do not know and have not had the time to sand some down to see if that is the case. Enjoy your new rifle.
 
I shoot a lot of HXP Greek surplus. But PPU puts out a good, modern 150gr Garand specific load for a decent price. But the main thing you need to do to protect your rifle is check the main spring to ensure it is in spec (replace it if not) and then MAKE SURE THE RIFLE IS PROPERLY LUBRICATED!

If the rifle is in spec and properly lubricated, it will handle most any commercial load you throw at it. But there is not generally much need to be shooting heavy 180+gr hunting loads out of it with so many other options out there. That being said, the 150gr and 165gr target type loads seem to be the sweet spot for most folks.
 
Beautiful rifle, by the way. But just to be "that guy", I have to point this out. One thing to remember is that Garands do not have "matching serial numbers". It has one serial number on the receiver. The rest of the numbers are drawing numbers or heat lots. If all the parts are the correct drawing or heat lot number for that particular manufacturer and window of time when your rifle was made, then it is usually called "correct" or "corrected", instead of "numbers matching", which implies that the rifle still has all of its original parts. A documented, all original parts rifle would be somewhat rare and quite expensive.
 
NCFubar said:
GOOGLE “GARAND THUMB”!!!

You should also check the ammo you use ... to hot of a load (gas pressures basically) can harm the op rod, bolt and receiver. Original GI M2 .30-06 150gr ball ammo is what the military ran ... but some companies have produces M1 loads with lower pressures designed for Garands. Federal made a 150gr load and I think Hornady made one also.
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Lol...no
 
Thanks for the responses. I have no CMP case or blue tag. I definitely learned some stuff though: Surplus or M1-purposed ammo, learn to grease an M1 correctly.

Walmart 30-06 150 grain MAY be fine if the rifle is properly lubricated. Probably.

Sound about right ?
 
Beautiful rifle... needs a leather sling though.

if I can ever get to the range, I’ll bring some extra ammo for you to run. Have to meet me at DPRC though. Ammo is on me.
 
Aardvark said:
Thanks for the responses. I have no CMP case or blue tag. I definitely learned some stuff though: Surplus or M1-purposed ammo, learn to grease an M1 correctly.

Walmart 30-06 150 grain MAY be fine if the rifle is properly lubricated. Probably.

Sound about right ?
Click to expand...
Pretty much all 30-06 ammo is fine.

Good lube and a good spring are what's important
 
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Never use the jointed GI cleaning rod for the rifle. Get the muzzle rod guide to keep the rod centered and always clean from the breech. I have a one piece coated rod that is the right length for cleaning from the breech for the M1, M1A, and similar rifles.

I know this isn't what you asked about but I thought I'd throw it out there.
 
rdinatal said:
If you clean from the breach, why the muzzle rod guide? :rolleyes:
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It keeps the rod centered as you pull the patch out through the barrel. The tendency is to pull the rod at an angle which eventually will damage the muzzle. Go ahead and do it however you wish.
 
rufrdr said:
Never use the jointed GI cleaning rod for the rifle. Get the muzzle rod guide to keep the rod centered and always clean from the breech. I have a one piece coated rod that is the right length for cleaning from the breech for the M1, M1A, and similar rifles.

I know this isn't what you asked about but I thought I'd throw it out there.
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Cut up a shotgun shell to fit the muzzle.
I think I used a 20 gauge shell.
I used a 12 gauge shell on the M14's I had.
 
ronn47 said:
Cut up a shotgun shell to fit the muzzle.
I think I used a 20 gauge shell.
I used a 12 gauge shell on the M14's I had.
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that certainly works but for the less handy like me, this is what I have:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018806920?pid=606310

606310.jpg
 
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