"...never heard anyone else having any issues either..." Do a net search for HXP 76 ammo. Supposedly
just the 76 and 77, not all HXP.
"...should have a copy of Hatcher's "Book of the Garand"..." For the M1, yes. Hatcher's Notebook for everybody.
Same troubleshooting info is in the TM's and FM's found for free at
http://www.biggerhammer.net/manuals/. Note the need for the provided UM & PW.