Other bullets than FMJ for Garand?

chris in va · March 2, 2013, 05:19 AM

Theoretically, if I wanted to use my Garand for hunting or defense, what non-FMJ would feed properly?

Cfish · March 2, 2013, 06:37 AM

I've handloaded Nosler ballistic tips and Remington corelock's (sp) with great results. I've heard on the "internet" that factory Remington corelock's are ok to use in the M1.

hodaka · March 2, 2013, 08:07 AM

I've loaded a range of bullets from Nosler, Sierra, Remington, Privi and Hornady and they all work fine. Just watch the powder you use.

kraigwy · March 2, 2013, 10:06 AM

I load all kinds of bullets in my Garand, 130s to 180, AND cast bullets. FMJ, SP, HPs, etc.

I haven't had any problems with any of them. The only exception is most of my cast bullets I load too light to work the action.

That doesn't matter to me since I use them for off hand practice and in the matches I shoot with the Garand, you single load in off hand anyway.

Powder is more critical. Don't load slow burning powder. Something along the med. burning rates of 4895, 4064, Var., R-15.

4895 was designed for the Garand and I've found it works best in my rifles. 4895 is also a good powder for reduced loads.

Don't load for velocity, load for accuracy. For hunting a 150 - 165 gr bullet loaded to 2700 fps will take care of any game out there. I've found that in the Garand, velocities between 260-2700 fps work best.

RC20 · March 2, 2013, 10:16 AM

That works for the 1093s and 1917s as well so it seems to be a natural area for the twist of the 30-06.

And its more than adequate velocity for correct expansion as any realistic shooting distance

rg1 · March 2, 2013, 12:21 PM

Hornady's 150 grain SST would be my no. 1 choice. Has a cannelure if you want to crimp plus a plastic tip. I think it will be more reliable feeding than a lead tipped spire point. They are not a premium bullet with a premium price. Shoots good in my Garands.

March 2, 2013, 05:19 AM	#1
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	Other bullets than FMJ for Garand? Theoretically, if I wanted to use my Garand for hunting or defense, what non-FMJ would feed properly?

March 2, 2013, 10:06 AM	#4
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	I load all kinds of bullets in my Garand, 130s to 180, AND cast bullets. FMJ, SP, HPs, etc. I haven't had any problems with any of them. The only exception is most of my cast bullets I load too light to work the action. That doesn't matter to me since I use them for off hand practice and in the matches I shoot with the Garand, you single load in off hand anyway. Powder is more critical. Don't load slow burning powder. Something along the med. burning rates of 4895, 4064, Var., R-15. 4895 was designed for the Garand and I've found it works best in my rifles. 4895 is also a good powder for reduced loads. Don't load for velocity, load for accuracy. For hunting a 150 - 165 gr bullet loaded to 2700 fps will take care of any game out there. I've found that in the Garand, velocities between 260-2700 fps work best. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

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March 2, 2013, 06:37 AM	#2
Cfish Member Join Date: September 20, 2008 Location: Central FL Posts: 25	I've handloaded Nosler ballistic tips and Remington corelock's (sp) with great results. I've heard on the "internet" that factory Remington corelock's are ok to use in the M1.

March 2, 2013, 08:07 AM	#3
hodaka Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,010	I've loaded a range of bullets from Nosler, Sierra, Remington, Privi and Hornady and they all work fine. Just watch the powder you use.

March 2, 2013, 10:16 AM	#5
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	That works for the 1093s and 1917s as well so it seems to be a natural area for the twist of the 30-06. And its more than adequate velocity for correct expansion as any realistic shooting distance

March 2, 2013, 12:21 PM	#6
rg1 Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2001 Posts: 1,125	Hornady's 150 grain SST would be my no. 1 choice. Has a cannelure if you want to crimp plus a plastic tip. I think it will be more reliable feeding than a lead tipped spire point. They are not a premium bullet with a premium price. Shoots good in my Garands.