Using factory ammo in the M1A?

[SunnySlopes]

I bought a M1A Standard last year and haven't gotten around to firing it, but I'm curious about the ammo.

I read somewhere to not use soft point ammo (exposed lead) as it could foul the feed ramp.

I've got jacketed hollow point (Winchester 308 150 grain) and nylon tipped (Barnes Vortex 308 150 grain).

On the M14 forum someone posted to not use any but military ammo unless you have the headspace checked.

Opinions?

thanx

 

[boricua9mm]

In my experience, everything you've read that has given you these worries is complete bunk.

Soft points might deform slightly from feeding, but it has been my experience that 150gr. soft points tend to shoot very accurately in M1As, and fouling of the feed ramps is not an issue whatsoever unless you plan on shooting thousands of rounds with no cleaning.

Springfield (you DID say M1A, so I assume an SAI rifle) headspaces their rifles to safely fire either commercial .308 or military surplus 7.62NATO loads. Some people say there exists a potential for slamfires when using commercial ammo, but as long as they don't have soft primers (and I've never encountered any), this won't be an issue. Always follow the Golden Saftey Rules and you'll be fine.

 

[Reloadron]

The following is what I believe to be a quote from Springfield Armory:

"We would recommend 168 grain Federal Match or Black Hills ammunition for the best accuracy.
You can use .308 factory ammunition made to SAAMI spec.
You can also use 7.62 x 51 military surplus ammunition with the NATO stamp on it.
You can use anywhere from 147-175 grain ammunition."

My M1A NM is about 17 years old. I have shot assorted 7.62 surplus ammunition as well as commercial .308 ammunition and my own loads. Generally shooting 150 and 168 grain bullets. Never had a problem using good quality ammunition.

Shoot the rifle and enjoy it. Obviously pay attention to what you shoot but no need to get gun shy and no, there is no need on a new factory rifle to have the head space checked before shooting .308 ammunition versus 7.62 NATO ammunition. Not that I am aware of anyway.

Ron

 

[7mmsavage]

My SA M1A standard likes the American Eagle 168 grain match ammo. I just got into hand loading and plan on trying to replicate that round and gradually build up a good stash of ammo. I love this rifle, but man it is expensive to shoot.

As far as commercial rounds not being safe in these guns due to head space, no way. I'm sure that Springfield, and every other gun maker, have designed their guns to basically be safe (read lawyer proof) using whatever someone can readily buy and chamber in them.

Now get out and shoot that thing!

 

[cal30_sniper]

My Bush Rifle loves the Remington 150grn Core-lokts. It also does very will with my own blend of Sierra 150grn BTSP over IMR-4064. I'm using the last of my 4064 up, and then swapping over to IMR-4895 so I can run one powder for both the M1A and the Garand.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

I shoot Remington core lokts almost exclusively in my Springfield standard loaded, from 150-180 grain, right now I aint picky on what I can find and buy. dang sure aint doing no plinking.

 

[maxyedor]

I've shot lots of soft point Federal in M1As and M1 Garands, for a while, it was the cheapest .308 and 30-06 I could find anywhere, and it's actually pretty accurate for cheap factory ammo.

I know Federal makes specific Garand and M1A ammo, but I that's largely just a load developed to work best in the gun, rather than the only safe load for the gun.

I really can't imagine there's any valid reason to have the headspace checked on an unmolested modern production rifle. On a new-to-you Granand, check it, but a Springfield M1A? Wouldn't worry about it.

 

[waffentomas]

OK, shame on you for not firing it yet.

I'm done scolding.

First responder boricua9mm had it right, it's much todo about nothing. Buy ammo, shoot rifle, enjoy. You have the finest semi-auto ever made.

If you ever begin reloading for it, you'll need to get a case gauge to make sure the shoulder is properly resized, but factory ammo will be devoured.