Reloading for the M1 Garand

rljones

I have read that you should only use special primers when reloading for the Garand. This primer has a harder shell which protects against 'slam fire' detonation. Does anyone have any experience with this? I have a lot of standard large primers that I would like to use. I also understand that primer seating depth is critical. Thanks

Pinhead

I have been loading for the Garand for 40 years now and have never had a slam fire. I use Federal large rifle primers, which are about the most sensitive primers you can buy. The problem with a "slam" fire occurs when the firing pin is protuding beyond the bolt face when the bolt comes forward, striking the primer before the rifle is in battery. The firing pin on a Garand is not held back by a spring like the usual bolt rifle but it does have a slot that it should rotate into before it starts to come forward. If it is not rotating into this slot, it is worn or broken and should be replaced by a gunsmith or someone who know how to fix the problem. A harder primer may or may not keep this from happening, depending on the severity of the condition. There is a video that you can buy from Brownell's made by AGI on the M1 Garand that explains this and other malfunctions. Also there are some good manuals on the M1 Garand that explains the maintaince of and how to fix the Garand. The CMP site also has a ton of info on the Garand, you can literly print and make your own manual from their information. I have done this for several of my friends. The M1 is a wonderful machine but it does need to be properly maintained to function reliably. My experience anyway.

jonk

There are CCI #34 milspec hard primers out there for semi autos. I use them in my MAS 49/56 and my Hakim, but have never had to use them in my Garands. Try regular primers first;if they don't slamfire you are good to go. If they do it isn't the end of the world- just keep the gun pointed downrange at all times and if you get a slamfire, it won't hurt anything other than maybe your underwear. [:D]

ww2buff9067

I use winchester large rifle primers and have not had any issues, but I am careful to get the primers fully seated.

woodchuckjohn

Be careful loading for the Garand. Reduce loads by one to one and one half grains to prevent damage to the cycling mechanizm when using GI cases. My manual calls for IMR 4895 or IMR 4064 and load to 2700 fps.

ww2buff9067

Good call, I load 45 grains of IMR 4064 and the standard 150 gr FMJBT bullet. Definitely stay away from the slower burning powders.