M80 bullets for 30-06?

[Army GI]

I know for serious accuracy work, I need to stick with premium bullets like the 175gr SMK.

But for plinking or burning ammo (for introducing new shooters) will M80 bullets work decently for 30-06 loads? They aren't pulled, they're brand new never loaded.

River Valley Ordnance is selling them. I know Hornady FMJs are probably a little better quality, but should I at least try them out? I know my 03 Springfield will probably handle anything, but I know the M1 Garand has special requirements for proper functioning. The NRA recommends 49gr of IMR4895 for 147-155gr bullets for safe functioning of the Garand's action. Anybody have any experience with this load?

[Timberwolf]

I know for serious accuracy work, I need to stick with premium bullets like the 175gr SMK.

But for plinking or burning ammo (for introducing new shooters) will M80 bullets work decently for 30-06 loads? They aren't pulled, they're brand new never loaded.

River Valley Ordnance is selling them. I know Hornady FMJs are probably a little better quality, but should I at least try them out? I know my 03 Springfield will probably handle anything, but I know the M1 Garand has special requirements for proper functioning. The NRA recommends 49gr of IMR4895 for 147-155gr bullets for safe functioning of the Garand's action. Anybody have any experience with this load?

If you check all the old field manuels that's pretty much the std GI 30-06 load. When I shot service rifle with an M1 IIRC my load was LC Match case, Fed primer, 49 grn IMR 4895 and 150 SMKs.

[ciscollector]

Be careful with RVO. I have not had personal experience but do a search on this forum for people's experiences with RVO. Does not look so like people are having good luck lately.

[NRAhighpowershooter]

49.0gr of IMR4895!!?!???? I'd NEVER load that hot of a load in ANY of my Garands!!!Remember. those 'field manuals' are WAYY out of date with modern powders. 47.0 - 47.5gr is all I'd load with a 145-150gr FMJ. As for the 175gr SMK's you can also use the 168gr SMK's... nothing wrng with them....the 165gr Nosler BT's work almost as good as the SMK's too.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

I think the Danes used M80 style bullets in their 1980's and 90's 30-06 and it is very accurate ammo.

The 1960's Danish surplus in 5 round stripper clips had 150gr bullets, but the 80's and 90's Danish surplus in Garand enbloc clips had 147gr bullets.

[JeffM]

Search on any forum for RVO and you'll find bad news.

I wouldn't buy from them unless I could knock on their door and deal face to face.

[rayra]

My Speer Reloading Manual No11 lists a .30-06 loading for 150gr with IMR 4895 with a range of 45.5 to 49.5gr. So that 49gr charge is sort of on the high side. And especially so if you are using a bullet heavier than 150gr.

Personally I use a load of 46.5gr of 3031 with 147 or 150gr bullets. A nice reliable middle of the road result.

Biggest thing to look out for with the Garand is the 'peak impulse' (or whatever the label du jour is) pressure of the load you use. Blow it too high, either by too stiff of a commercial .30-06 load or mix too much powder with too heavy a bullet, and you'll bend your Op Rod and render the rifle nonfunctional.

There are adjustable gas plugs available and at a reasonable price. Every Garand owner should have one, in case of need. Otherwise, be very careful about using heavy bullets or commercial hunting ammo in your Garand.

[Army GI]

Thanks for the help guys. I'll reduce my charge to 45.5g and maybe work up to 47g max. No need to run full power loads with these.

[Army GI]

Another question in the same category: with the aforementioned powder (IMR4895), what is a safe starting charge for a 175gr SMK for an M1 Garand? As previously mentioned, no need to go full bore with these.

[rksimple]

DON'T ORDER FROM RVO! I had to dispute the charges with my cc company. Check here.