Loading a Garand with Non-FMJ Ammo?

[QuebecoisWolf]

Anyone ever tried it?

We all know how much military 1911A1s love to cycle hollowpoints (answer: they don't). Given the raw amount of strength in its springs, if there was ever a WWII military weapon capable of feeding just about anything, I think it would be the Garand. Besides, with AP ammo, tracers, and other oddball surplus available, it's tempting to use the Garand as a poor man's AT rifle.

Although I've heard that very heavy loads can damage the Garand's relatively fragile operating rod, I'm curious if a Garand could function on a diet of softpoints, HP, and whatever else could be found in .30-06.

This question came about after a furious session of Fallout New Vegas.

Mods: Wasn't sure whether to put this in Rifles or C&R. Move if needed.

 

[K31]

I've shot BTHP Sierra bullets in a Garand. If I had a Garand and if it wasn't lost in a boating accident.

 

[Threeband]

Some people use them for hunting. Apparently they feed SPs alright.

I would use an adjustable gas plug, like the Schuster plug.

http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/77...s-plug-with-wrench-m1-garand-steel-parkerized

 

[BlackBart]

Anyone ever tried it?

We all know how much military 1911A1s love to cycle hollowpoints (answer: they don't). Given the raw amount of strength in its springs, if there was ever a WWII military weapon capable of feeding just about anything, I think it would be the Garand. Besides, with AP ammo, tracers, and other oddball surplus available, it's tempting to use the Garand as a poor man's AT rifle.

Although I've heard that very heavy loads can damage the Garand's relatively fragile operating rod, I'm curious if a Garand could function on a diet of softpoints, HP, and whatever else could be found in .30-06.

This question came about after a furious session of Fallout New Vegas.

Mods: Wasn't sure whether to put this in Rifles or C&R. Move if needed.

Something I loaded here years ago, don't exceed 168 gr and use faster powders then things like 4350. http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=10278&highlight=Garand+Loads+Natl+Rifleman+March

 

[Sev89]

I've run a few boxes of the bottom-line winchester soft-points through mine without a single hiccup. I really need to get one I can use whenever

 

[Storm40]

This question came about after a furious session of Fallout New Vegas.

threadjack - if you get the Gun Runners' Arsenal pack, you can buy the battle rifle, which is a garand w/out having to do the quest. I love using the garand in that game, even if it's just a little "off" visually...

on topic - if I ever take my garand hunting I'm planning on getting the gas plug. figure it's better safe than sorry here!