NRA's Position Regarding Use of Commercial Ammunition in a M1 Garand

[M1A Rifleman]

Background:
This last March there was a question posted regarding the use of standard commercial 3006 ammunition in an M1 Garand. This generated many responses and arguments, most negaitive on the issue, however my position was and is that as long as the commercial stuff is of a 150 grn bullet with similar velocity to that of GI M2 ball (2700-2800) you are fine. American Eagle brand would be a choice.

Responses from ammunition manufacturers was not helpful on the subject as their responses are geared to prevent claims and are along the lines that their products are safe in modern firearms.

The CMP also did not realy have a response to this question, except to say the rifle was designed for M2 ball and we have all kinds for sale so why not purchase through us.

A web search on the subject also only yields ramblings and here say from claimed wannabe experts on gun boards but again no test data or other creditable information on the subject.

Current Information:
For S&G, I sent the NRA's Technical People a letter with the question hoping they would respond, and they did as of last night - letter attached.

Amazingly they agree with me, the use of standard commercial ammunition within the 150 grn bullet range is suitable for an M1. Accept it or reject it, but that is their opinion as well.

[ocabj]

That letter didn't have a final determination. It even says so. All it does is make generalizations about commercial .30-06 ammo, which anyone can deduce.

When ammunition manufacturers make .30-06, they're making it within SAAMI specifications. SAAMI specs will dictate pressures, but not the curve.

The M1 Garand was built around a gas system, not the ammo.

I will always say, that unless a commercial manufacturer prints the exact powder type (or burn rate) used on that box of ammo you buy, or specifically states it is M1 Garand safe (in writing), don't run it through an M1 Garand with the stock gas system.

FYI: Hornady makes M1 Garand safe ammo. Federal announced some as well. Hornady also prints the load component data on their 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition (powder type and powder charge weight).

[gunshack]

...however my position was and is that as long as the commercial stuff is of a 150 grn bullet with similar velocity to that of GI M2 ball (2700-2800) you are fine. American Eagle brand would be a choice.

I tend to aggree that would more than likely be safe for the function of a garand. However, there's more to it than that. Depending on the burn rate of the powder used, and the pressure curve at the gas port, you may still cause damage to your oprod, regardless of muzzle velocity.

Internal ballistics are quite complicated and not knowing what type of powder (or simply the burn rate) Federal is using to load that round, I'll stick to CMP ammo... At a third the cost.

[M1A Rifleman]

Nonsense, it is clear. The letter says that there position on the subject will not produce a final determination -meaning there will always be those that want to continue to argue the point against using commercial ammo.

From the 3rd paragraph, "As long as the bullet weight runs in the 150 to 172 grn range, the pressures produced (both chamber and port) will be very much in line with M2". Just above this statement they explane how they got here - by manufactures using a low denisty fast buring powder.

[ocabj]

From the 3rd paragraph, "As long as the bullet weight runs in the 150 to 172 grn range, the pressures produced (both chamber and port) will be very much in line with M2". Just above this statement they explane how they got here - by manufactures using a low denisty fast buring powder.

That statement is making a huge assumption that the manufacturer uses a 'low density fast burning powder'. There's nothing preventing a manufacturer from using a different burn rate powder for a given lot of ammo as their component inventory changes. And when they do, there's no indication for the end user of what's in the cartridge.

[M1A Rifleman]

It may be an assumption. It also could be factual based upon their checking facts with manufactuer(s) as the NRA techs have the ability to get more information than the rest of us.

Understanding this could be an assumption, and observing that current 150 grn ammo from American Eagle is reported to have velocities about 2800 fps, this is what I will use should the need to fire commercial ammo ever arise (currently I have more surplus than I know what to do with). The other commercial brands are running reported velocities in the 2900 to near 3000 range, so I would be cautious.

[ocabj]

Ranges around these parts don't take kindly to folks firing FMJ ammo, which rules out the CMP M2 ball. There may be a gas plug in my future.

Really? So you pretty much have to fire HPBT match bullets or polymer/ballistic tips?

[smle-man]

Guess I'm crossing Texas off of my list of places to escape to. My shed is full of FMJ ammo.

[popeye4]

That statement is making a huge assumption that the manufacturer uses a 'low density fast burning powder'. There's nothing preventing a manufacturer from using a different burn rate powder for a given lot of ammo as their component inventory changes. And when they do, there's no indication for the end user of what's in the cartridge.

And I'd sure stay away from any of those "light magnum" loads.

Garand op rods are getting more costly as well. I'd either shoot milsurp or the new Hornady stuff that is being used at Camp Perry (or reload). But I won't argue the point. If someone insists on shooting commercial ammo, have at it. NRA won't buy you a new op rod.....

[trainman51]

I need to know if commericla grade made by Federal Ammunition 150 soft point will work properly in a M1 Garrand . There are stores on the internet about breaking the op rods. I need some clairifaction Thanks