30-06 question

[SactoDave]

Greetings!

I am about to go shooting up at the Nevada City range. I have a different rifle - an Eddystone. First time out with it. I think I looked up the SN and it’s a 1917 Used to shoot a 1950’s Springfield. Will this Springfield ammo work in the Eddystone?

I figure caliber is what matters, but since these boxes have Springfield printed on them and this rifle isn’t, I thought I’d check with those that have more experience. I can probably find an answer on YouTube, but these sort of questions (and the OT forum) are the reason I’m a paying member.

TIA!

[flyer898]

30-06 Springfield refers to the development of the cartridge by the U.S. Springfieild armory. It has nothing to do with who manufactered the rifle.
I use 30-06 Springfield cartridges in my Johnson semi-automatic rifle manufactered by Cranston Arms, as well as in sporting rifles manufactored by Remington and Savage.

[Elgatodeacero]

.30-06 Springfield is the official designation for this chambering so it is the correct ammunition.

A more important question is has your Eddystone been checked for receiver cracks and other safety issues? Hopefully someone that knows more about the Eddystone 1917 rifle safety issues will post.

See:

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting...dystone.93653/

And

https://www.ar15.com/forums/armory/T...is_/14-339535/

[Mayor McRifle]

.30-06 Springfield is the actual name of the caliber. It’s just called .30-06 for short. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.30-06_Springfield

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[Divernhunter]

Major McRifle---.30-06Springfield is NOT the name of the CALIBER. It is the name of the CARTRIDGE. The name of the CALIBER is .308 or 30CALIBER.
There are a of cartridges that use a 30caliber bullet besides the 30-06. Also the 30-06 is usually written without the dot/period in front of the 30 part

[SactoDave]

Thank you all!

[jgaffney]

I bought an Eddystone from CMP some years back, and I've found it to be a solidly-built, reliable rife. Heavy, though. I'd hate to have to run across a battlefield toting this thing!

When I first got the rifle, the bore was pretty black. I tried all different methods to clean it, but I never saw shiny metal. After a while, CMP had Criterion barrels for the Eddystone, so I bought one. Not every gunsmith can make the change, but I found one that could, and he did an excellent job. Now, the rifle shoots great, even with iron sights and my 73-year-old eyes.

SactoDave, before you get serious about the rifle, have the bore checked. Many Eddystones were decommissioned and given to American Legion posts and other similar organizations. These rifles were used for ceremonial purposes, firing black powder blanks. Black powder is highly corrosive, and has to be cleaned with hot soap and water. Needless to say, many of these rifles did not get the care that they needed. A new barrel will make everything right again.

[pd5190]

Do not use just any high powered 30-06 cartridge. The newer high power/heavy bullet hunting rounds are too much for the older military rifles. Use those rounds specified M1 Garand compatible, or surplus military ammo. Both are not easy to find. Look at the recommendations specified by the CMP for rifles of that age.

[RNE228]

Curious which range? I know there's an indoor range; have a relative that shoots there. Otherwise, I think they go to Spenceville.

[Garand Hunter]

Prvi Partizan makes M1 Garand rnds as well Federal Garand ammo, look around. 30-06 fmj ball is available in most shops. I shot Federal Classic 165 gr for deer hunting in my M1 Garand for years, no problems.

Psalm 1

[1990Husky]

The M1917 (originally built as the 1914 Pattern 303 Enfield) rifle action is one of the strongest military actions ever built.

You should be able to shoot any commercial 30-06 ammo of 150gr-170gr that has a muzzle velocity of around 2800 fps or less. The problem with heavier/hotter loads is really the bolt.

If you reload, your best bet is to use a M2 ball load.

[Epaphroditus]

I wonder if there is a known serial number range that has the over torque issue?

[Jeremy2171]

Originally Posted by pd5190

Do not use just any high powered 30-06 cartridge. The newer high power/heavy bullet hunting rounds are too much for the older military rifles. Use those rounds specified M1 Garand compatible, or surplus military ammo. Both are not easy to find. Look at the recommendations specified by the CMP for rifles of that age.

Good lord..please stop with this nonsense.

If you really don't know the answer don't give misguided ones

[Jeremy2171]

Originally Posted by 1990Husky

The M1917 (originally built as the 1914 Pattern 303 Enfield) rifle action is one of the strongest military actions ever built.

You should be able to shoot any commercial 30-06 ammo of 150gr-170gr that has a muzzle velocity of around 2800 fps or less. The problem with heavier/hotter loads is really the bolt.

If you reload, your best bet is to use a M2 ball load.

AGAIN....wrong...

You can shoot ANYTHING you want in an M1917 rifle.


"M2 ball load" pffftt.... please let that internet myth die.

[ditchdigger]

In my experience, the 1917's like longer bullets. 168's and 175's will be more accurate than 150's.

[Calif Hunter]

The 1917 and P14 action has been used for years for heavy magnum conversions. The P14 bolt, set up for the rimmed .303, didn't even need to be modified for the belted magnum rounds, if I recall correctly. As others have said, it is one of the strongest military actions ever made. There have been cracking issues if it has been rebarreled. If so, check for cracks. If not, shoot any factory .30-06 load in it. A bubba sporterized 1917 was my first centerfire rifle, a gift from my Uncle Bill when I was 14. I learned to reload for it.