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Ammunition - M1 30cal

altosaltos Member Posts: 187 ✭✭✭
edited November 2001 in Ask the Experts
I am seriously considering acquiring an M130 cal carbine, a high quality "shooter" verses treasured antique. My question is ammunition: the availability of military 30 cal ball. Or... lack of it. I there a readily available source and (in your opinion) is it likely to be around for awhile. Since my purchase would be for a "shooter" there would be no intent to buy the piece and hang it on the wall. Read: if supplies of ammunition are dwindling, why buy the rifle... Thank you for your insights !Regards,
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Comments

  • fredneckfredneck Member Posts: 9 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I don't think there's a shortage of 30 cal. ammo but it is a rather limited cartridge
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  • royc38royc38 Member Posts: 2,235 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    www.aimsurplus.com. 7.50 a box. Buy as much as you like.
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  • altosaltos Member Posts: 187 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I am not an expert on the M1 carbine, but my understanding is that the standard cartridge is the 30 cal ball (verses other non-carbine 30 cal cartridges). Checking GunBroker listings or Cheaperthandirt.com or any number of other auction or on-line suppliers appears... appears to indicate that gov't surplus has dried up and new production is very limited. Hey, maybe this is a fine business opportunity !And, yes, I agree that the cartidge is limited. But it's supporting a specific, 50 year old design criteria and for target shooting at 100 yards it's adequate. That is assuming... you can get the ammo in the first place.Thanks for the reply !
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  • altosaltos Member Posts: 187 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    checked aimsurplus... none listed...(or I am blind, again)
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  • royc38royc38 Member Posts: 2,235 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I just checked aim. they are temp out. I called and they will be getting another shipment shortly. It is S&B and I shoot it in both my carbines. New,reloadable. and not match accurate but very good quality ammo.
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  • royc38royc38 Member Posts: 2,235 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Altos try www.ammoman.com. They are a little higher but they have bigger selection. (Lake City, S&B< Federal, etc. Good luck.
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  • altosaltos Member Posts: 187 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Great ! Glad to hear it works for you.It appears that S+B is just about the only "new manufacturer" making the product (when available). May I assume your not worried about supply, long term ? If I am going to plunk down $800 on an M1 it would be comforting to know I can still shoot it in 5 years.Thanks !
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  • royc38royc38 Member Posts: 2,235 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The m1 carbine is very popular back east. It is light, handy and most shots in the woods are between 50-150 yds max anyway. So it works for us. I can bet you right now if you buy a carbine within two shooting sessions it will be on your top 5 fun list. Unless you are one of them Howitzer types( must say magnum after the caliber) you will enjoy it greatly. You can shoot it all day and it won't beat you to death. Now it is not the most powerful kid on the block, but it wasn't made for that. It is also not one of those "Bad evil looking guns" (You know what I mean), so it is accepted everywhere and you can still get 30rd mags for them semi cheaply. Good luck and get that rifle. Ps: for the record S&B is not the only company that makes new 30 cal ammo. Federal and UMC also make it although it is slightly more expensive so don't sweat the ammo situation.[This message has been edited by royc38 (edited 11-08-2001).]
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  • altosaltos Member Posts: 187 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Royc38, The good news is that I can get abused by my M1A or 12GA Defender if I reeeeeealy need to. But it would be unwise for me to have my daughter (or wife) start out with a .308 as a first experience at shooting. And, yes, I am not looking for the "assault-rifle-from-hell". It wouldn't matter anyway as I live in California. Therefore... I will need to find 10 round clips (aftermarket).Thank you for the replies ! They are quite helpful.enjoy,
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  • Tall 1Tall 1 Member Posts: 67 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Carbines are fun to shoot, not tack drivers or target guns, just plinkers. Ammo and 15 rd clips are plentiful. Remington and PMC still make ammo. For large quanities of ammo try Maine Cartridge Co. at (207) 826-2267. For clips try S.W.F.A Inc. at www.riflescopes.com or ALPHA Trading Co. at 1-800-829-1925.
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  • oneshyoneshy Member Posts: 417 ✭
    edited November -1
    Just a little clarification. M1 30cal ball ammo is the military nomenclature for 30-06. For your carbine it is marked .30carbine. I guarantee it will become your favorite shooter. I haven't seen any 10rd. clips for it. 5, 15&30 are the most common. I could be wrong about the 10rd.
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