We do not know what powder factory loads may use and if the powder is too slow it may damage the operating rod. I would not use factory hunting loads in an M1 Garand. All the best...
Gil
I'll mirror what Gil has posted. Before becoming aware of the problem I used Federal factory loads. I knew something wasn't right from my time shooting them while on active duty. Later found out about powder issues and have used only handloads since.
I agree, don't use them. If you reload, the newest Hornady manual has a special section on loading specifically for the M1 Garand. I'm still working up a load, but this is the best route.
If you don't reload, like the poster said above me, Hornady makes factory ammo designed for the M1 Garand.
Garands are not meant to be shot with any old 30/06 load. Handloader magazine had an article a few months back on that topic. Reloading for the Garand. Some manufacturers also sell 30/06 cartridges made specifically for the Garand. Reloading die manufacturers have dies for the Garand.
All this doesn't mean you can't get away with shooting random loads. However, in my opinion, Garands are fairly expensive rifles, even for "shooter grade" specimens. It is just too easy these days to do it correctly. If cost is an issue, why not hunt down some mil surp. I've run across pretty good deals on the internet recently.
Generally, Garands like specific bullet weights, shapes and pressures. Bolt action hunting rifles and sporting rifles in general in the '06 are different animals.
Brownells sells an adjustable gas plug for about thirty bucks that screws right in without any work or permanant change part# 100-001-054AH I use them and can shoot what I like
NO! Search out the publication: "The M1 Garand, our new service rifle", an NRA pub from ~40 years ago.
there are lots of resources out there that discuss pressures and loads that are safe in the Garand. The one you mention is not, unless you want to start buying $300 oprods on a regular basis.
Shooting the wrong (Slower) powders in the Garand will bend the operating rod and will break the accelerator "legs." After I replaced one operating rod and two accelerators, I started using IMR 4895 and stopped shooting the 50 cents per pound IMR 4831 in the late 1960s.
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