Lots of folks have said they have not had any problems shooting current 30-06 hunting ammunition in a Garand.
What everyone needs to realize the gas system in a Garand is the weak link. Excessive port pressure can damge the Op-rod and Op-rods are getting difficult to find and shops that repair Op-rods are few and far between.
With modern 30-06 ammunition, the chamber pressure is no higher than 1940’s vintage ammunition but the burn rate is slower so the pressures at the end if the barrel when the bullet is exiting the barrel are higher. The gas port on the Garand is at the end of the barrel. So, the modern ammunition creates a higher port pressure than the Garand can accept.
As noted, there are a couple gas plugs available that will releases the excess pressure. These have been around for a long time.
Will firing a round or two of modern ammunition wreck a Garand, probably not. Long term use, you’ll probably damage your Op-rod.
The Op-rod is durable enough to work under conditions it was designed for. But, at the difficulty in replacing or repairing the Op-rods, why even consider risking damaging it.
If you are a reloader, a list of suitable powders for the Garand is all over the internet. You can load hunting bullets the same weight as FMJ bullets over the Garand safe powders with good results.
There are a couple Garand safe ammunition available but they tend to be FMJ type ammunition
For non reloaders wanting to hunt with their Garand, one if the pressure reducing gas plugs is the way to go.