Other bullets than FMJ for Garand?

[chris in va]

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

 

[Cfish]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.