Best Semi-Auto 30-06?

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IMG_0551.JPG I have been using the BAR in .30/06 for 30 years. Delicate? No. Accurate and reliable, Yes. I have two CMP M-1 Garand's and use mostly ball ammunition purchased from CMP. I have used 150 Grain Remington in these which was recommended as a "light" round very unlikely to damage the operating rod, but I wouldn't mind advice from the members here if that is so, and advice on other factory loads. Would it be best just to buy a gas valve? IMG_3542.JPG
 
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The Garand was adapted the year I was born; I was issued my first 18 years later and have had a life long love affair with them. Breech pressure is not the main concern as to ammunition suitable for the M1 rifle, but port pressure, making powder burn rate the issue. Lighter bullets (up to 170 gr) are normally loaded with faster powders which would produce lower port pressures than the slower powders commonly used with the heavier bullets. Too high port pressure can bend the op-rod, therefore, not sure it would be the preferable rifle to burn up a bunch of mixed ammunition, IMO. Personally, I'd choose an inexpensive bolt gun for that duty, but that's just me.

Just a bit of information to clarify the strength of the US Rifle, Cal. 30 M1 and the ammunition it used.

General Julian S. Hatcher served as OIC of Springfield Armory in 1917, Chief of Machine Gun & Small Arms Section, OIC of Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing @ Frankford Arsenal 1923-28 and later served as Chief of small arms division of the Ordnance Department before and @ the beginning of WWII and as the engineer in charge of troubleshooting during the development/adaptation of the M1 Garand is intimately qualified with both the rifle and it's ammunition.

From his book: "The Book of the Garand":
50462936992_8740b6eaaf_b.jpg
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*In the early 60's, we were issued and shot M72 Match ammo (173 gr boattail bullet @ 2640 fps) on AMU with no ill effect on op-rods. Again, powder burn rate/high port pressure is what damages the op rods, not breech pressure.

And his book, "Hatcher's Notebook":
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Regards,
hps
 
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How much you want to spend?? Get a Rem woodsman for $500 or less on GB and blast away! If you just blasting Mountain Dew bottles at the gravel pit, reliability is probably not a priority. If you want something more reliable, and the for the US Gov to mail a semi-auto military assault rifle to your house get a CMP garand. If you want to get thru a huge pile of 30.06, and have the $$ get a full auto beltfeld! Ruben Mendiola has two 30.06 1919s in stock for only $21,995. You would be the coolest guy at the gravel pit!!
 
Jeremy2171 said:
Yes...the garand can safely use commercial ammo with no modifications. Both commercial and milsurp ammo operate at similar pressure.

The best thing you can do to keep it running is properly greasing it and inspec oprod spring.

It's not as weak as the internet makes it out to be
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So you're saying that using an adjustable gas plug with a properly lubed Garand is like wearing a belt and suspenders?
 
Wait a minute. If any commercial ammunition is alright in the M-1, why do I hear all these horror stories about bent operating rods?
 
JeeperCreeper said:
I'm always keeping my eye out for a fun range toy and seeing what's on the market..
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I really like my M1 Garand. But it doesn't like modern .30-06. I've gotten surplus and new manufacture ammo that's made for it, but I'm not sure I'd make a hunting rifle out of it. I think someone else mentioned the Remington 7400 and I think that's on the right track. My brother has one of these and REALLY likes it.
 
index.php


Garand food
 
Jeremy2171 said:
Chamber pressure differences for one...

Remington ammo is safe in the garand.

Saying Hornady offers no loads for the garand when they do and have for a long time... even though it's not necessary.

Claiming that M2 ball was made specifically for the garand when it wasn't.


Just a poorly researched article done by someone who doesn't know what they are talking about.
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I'll trust the guys that are actually collecting and shooting M1s over internet sages.
Them and Hatcher's Note Book and Book of the Garand.
 
P5 Guy said:
I'll trust the guys that are actually collecting and shooting M1s over internet sages.
Them and Hatcher's Note Book and Book of the Garand.
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Good so you will be listening to me and Hatcher then?? Because I've been shooting and collecting them over 30 years now and used Hatcher as my reference when posting here.
 
Jeremy2171 said:
Good so you will be listening to me and Hatcher then?? Because I've been shooting and collecting them over 30 years now and used Hatcher as my reference when posting here.
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So have I. Bruce Dow and the GCA have the best info. Those are the folks I trust.
That has worked for me for three decades, I'm sticking with what works.
 
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