Any Garand shooters

sqlbullet · June 19 2012 09:39:43 AM MDT

I have two M1 Garands so far. They are just as addictive as 10mm's.

Both of mine are Winchester's, so WWII vintage. Both are from the CMP. One is a greek return and carries greek wood, the other has much later USGI wood with the small cartouche (sp?). The were field grade guns, but I don't have gauges to check the muzzle or throat.

They both shoot fine. They will put up 3-4" groups at 100 yards with Greek ammo from the CMP, and I can duplicate that accuracy with handloads using lead bullets.

I am currently working up loads for them using surplus WC 872 powder. Previously I have been using H4831, reloader 15 or Varget. Before the cries about the op rod start, keep in mind that pressure curves are very different when shooting lead bullets. Slow powders are find on the op rod when shooting lead. In fact according to quick load a full case of WC 872 behind a 200 grain lead bullet will pretty much exactly match the port pressure of M2 ball ammo.

I plan to get 6 more, one for each of my children. Saving up to make that purchase before the end of this year.

So, any other Garand lovers here?

ebner glocken · June 19 2012 01:21:20 PM MDT

M1s are fun. Try varget or 4064 behind a sierra 168MK and see how things tighten up.

Ebner

sqlbullet · June 19 2012 03:38:27 PM MDT

Thanks for the advice, but I am a solid lead head for my Garands.

Welcome, btw. I see you probably arrived here from my post at the cast boolits website.

Vice · June 20 2012 07:53:15 PM MDT

piiiinnngggg!

I have a Winnie as well.

I absolutely love it! I haven't reloaded for it yet. And I haven't shot it in a few years. But I will.

sqlbullet · June 20 2012 08:28:46 PM MDT

Break it out. That ping is among the best sound in the world. If you need ammo, the CMP has good deals on ammo already in en-bloc clips, and the brass is great for reloading.

I notice in your profile you claim east Texas. I was born in Bowie County, Texarkana, and lived there for a few years, then in Shreveport for another couple before my parents moved back to their home in Indiana/Illinois.

mushraeddur · June 20 2012 08:30:18 PM MDT

I want to get one! A friend of mine invited me to the next shoot and said i could use one of his. We got together and he showed me how to opperate one and i fell i love. Now if i could only convince my wife that i won't live much longer without one!

Rooster41 · June 20 2012 08:31:01 PM MDT

I have shot 1 clip out of a Garand. I have always wanted one and after shooting that one, I really want one. Hopefully someday.

sqlbullet · June 20 2012 08:33:32 PM MDT

Better act fast. The CMP is going to run out someday. And when they do Garands will double in price overnight. M1 Carbines did when the CMP sold out of them.

Vice · June 21 2012 01:44:49 PM MDT

Quote from: sqlbullet on June 20 2012 08:28:46 PM MDT
Break it out. That ping is among the best sound in the world. If you need ammo, the CMP has good deals on ammo already in en-bloc clips, and the brass is great for reloading.

I notice in your profile you claim east Texas. I was born in Bowie County, Texarkana, and lived there for a few years, then in Shreveport for another couple before my parents moved back to their home in Indiana/Illinois.

Howdy SB - when I was on the road in another life I worked the TexArkana area, and a little bit of Shreveport. I've lived in Tyler for over 20 years now.

sqlbullet · June 21 2012 07:06:49 PM MDT

Nice. I rarely make it back anymore. But, once a Texan, always a Texan!

Vice · June 21 2012 09:40:41 PM MDT

You're right! But after about 50 years, this heat is wearing me down.

475/480 · June 22 2012 08:42:47 AM MDT

Yp . I have a 1942 reciever with a 1944 barrel ,shoots good offhand at 50 yards and that is really all I shoot it at.
I use Surplus powder and a Rem 165gr PSP at 2600 fps. During deer season I pick up all the brass I can at the range (200-400 pcs) and use them for shooting during the rest of the year.

Sean

sqlbullet · June 22 2012 08:45:48 AM MDT

Sean, what surplus powder are you burning? WC844/846? I am always on the lookup for a deal on powder for my growing collection of mil-surplus rifles.

loadedround · July 04 2012 08:01:27 AM MDT

I am a Garand owner and shooter myself and own three bought through the CMP (one came through with a NEW NM barrel). All I would like to say is that any of you that want a Garand purchased from the CMP program better get one now. Who knows what will happen after November's election if Obama wins and the subtle threats he has made about fireams and the 2nd amendment in general. This is not a political post, just a not too friendly warning what could happen and is just my own opinion.

475/480 · July 05 2012 10:29:30 AM MDT

Quote from: sqlbullet on June 22 2012 08:45:48 AM MDT
Sean, what surplus powder are you burning? WC844/846? I am always on the lookup for a deal on powder for my growing collection of mil-surplus rifles.

Sorry about the delay in answering -Actually it is WC 748 . I do have a LOT of 844 I have not used it yet.
If you ever need some surplus 844 (8lb ) I will sell you some at a good price.
Sean