Commercial Ammo

July 24, 2014

Civilian Marksmanship Program▸Armorers Corner▸Commercial Ammo

Commercial Ammo in Garands

I want to use commercial ammo in my Garand. What concerns should I be aware of?

There are several types of 30-06 commercial ammunition that are represented by their manufacturer as being safe for use in all rifles including semiautomatics. Most manufacturers have a website where you can read about the different cartridges and their compatibility, advantages and appropriate applications. CMP currently sells and stocks some commercial match grade 30-06. We currently use this same round in CMP events with excellent results. Our ammunition can be purchased on our E-Store, mail order, or over the counter in our stores.

Regarding modifications that you can make to your rifle to make it adaptable to a wider variety of 30-06 loadings: there are several variations of an adjustable lock screw that are available from several online sources. This replacement screw allows the venting of some of the pressure in the gas cylinder. The screw is adjustable and allows the shooter through trial and error to find the exact amount of venting needed to ensure reliable extraction and feeding but prevent unnecessary abuse. These adjustable lock screws are not legal for CMP John C. Garand Matches.

26 Replies to “Commercial Ammo”

  1. I Just purchased an RM1917 Service Grade Rifle from CMP. The tag attached to the rifle says “Muzzle Reading +1” and “Throat Reading 2+”. Can you tell me what this means, and can I use current commercial grade .30-06 ammunition with this rifle?

    Thanks,
    Jim Culp

    Reply

  2. Can I use sellier and ballot 150 grain 30-06 ammo on my m1 garand? It does show inn the box that it is for the m1 garand… not sure if it is safe to use….

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  4. I just purchased a M1 Garand at our local gun show. It came in a CMP case and I was told the Barrel rating was 1+ and throat is 2+. Is this good? It did have a new stock with a CMP stamp. I would also like to know if I can shoot Hornady 150 gn softpoint whitetail specials in this M1? If not where can I find some M1 Garand ammo to shoot? Thanks

    Dace Libersat

    Reply

      1. i just recieved500 rounds of ammo they said it is 30-06 .the box was marked 7.62mm my question is this safe to use in my garand? thanks l.william

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    2. The barrel with those measurements is in very good shape. You should be fine with those Whitetail loads as long as you stick to 150gr. bullets. Heavier bullets and higher velocity from slower powder spell trouble. A gas plug from Garandgear is cheap insurance.

      Reply

  5. What commercial ammo are the closest to m2 ball I’m going to be changing my gas plug but I still want to keep it close to m2 ball this just bc I am having so much trouble finding Garand specific ammo and I want to hunt with it so that another thing I am look to get close with a hunting round pleas let me know and thanks and keep in mind I am change the gas plug

    Reply

    2. Federal makes a M1 specific Garand ammo. For hunting loads I pull the FMJ bullet and replace it with a Nosler 125 gr. BT. Drops Whitetails like a laser beam. DRT.

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  6. If you do not keep the end of you operating rod clean, you may start to have a failure to feed. Combat situations in Korea, we would remove operating rod, place between the palm of your hands , in the dirt or sand and rotate till the silver end is clean again. replace and continue the march. Carbon build up on the end of operating rod is the first go to. Hope this will help.
    Thank you and God Bless
    Frederick Dauwalder
    GySgt. U.S. Marine Corps ret

    Reply

    2. Yes. As it is 7.62×51 it’s loaded to NATO spec’s. I fire it in my NAVY Mk II, Mod 1 and my M1a without a problem. From what I understand Criterion adjusted the size of the gas port on their barrels.

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  8. I bought a “Special Issue” IHC M1 last year. The manual said don’t shoot any commercial rounds above 180 grains.

    My first time shooting, I shot 56 rounds of Winchester 165 Grain Super X. The gunsmith at my range I need a gas plug to shoot any type of commercial ammo. Now I just shoot M2 150 grain ball ammo marked for garand.

    Question: Do you think I may have done Dave to the op rod with those 56 rounds of commercial?

    I’ve shot about 500 rounds already and I’m experiencing some cycling issues, ie, an occasional round will stick out of the clip an jam the rifle. I need to pull the op rod back to seat the round in the chamber in order to fire.

    Thx….Brian

    Reply

    2. Look up the Tilt Test on YouTube, if you pass your Op Rod is fine. A lot of 30/06 M2 was loaded very hot and the M1 Ball with the 173 gr. bullet was what the M1 was designed for. IMHO 50 rounds of commercial, especially 165 gr. ammo wouldn’t hurt anything. Garands are noted for a 7th round misfeed but if all you need to do is reseat the round it sounds like you need a little hotter round. Do the test first and work from there.

      Reply

      1. Can I use commercial Fiocchi Perfecta 30-06 160 grain ammo for My M1 Garand

        Manufacturer Fiocchi
        Condition New
        Bullet Weight 150 Grain
        Bullet Type Soft-Point (SP)
        Ammo Casing Brass
        Quantity 20
        Ammo Caliber .30-06
        Manufacturer SKU PF300600
        Primer Type Boxer
        Muzzle Velocity (fps) 2910
        Muzzle Energy (ft lbs) 2820

        Reply

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