Ammo for M1 Garand and M1A?

Sparty_76

If I were to purchase a M1 Garand or M1A1 can I just buy off the shelf 30-06 or .308 ammo from my local sporting or gun shop. Does it make a difference in size (weight) or type of the ammo? Just wondering... Thanks!

Emmett Dunham

You can shoot hotter hunting ammo in the Garand if you put an adjustable valve in the gas system. With the valve each type ammo can be adjusted so you will not damage the Op rod. There is a section of the reloading guide that I use for loads for the Garands. The data in the guide is lower pressure loads tuned to the gas system on the Garand. You can also buy surplus M2 Ball ammo at good prices and lots of people use this ammo. I would try to shot M2 Ball Ammo if you don't reload. The M1A1 has a bullet proof gas system on it and you can shoot about any kind of ammo through it and find that one round that gives you the results you like.

Emmett

nmyers

The M1A is only manufactured by Springfield Armory Inc. It is primarily designed for the 7.62mm NATO round WHICH IS NOT THE SAME THING AS THE MORE POWERFUL .308 WIN. However, Springfield Armory advertises that their rifle will also handle the .308 WIN.

M14-type rifles made by other companies may or may not be able to safely handle more powerful cartridges.

Neal

SOXXIE

THE currently available 'DAG' german nato surplus ammo is very reliable and accurate in M14 type platforms.