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Quick Look
M1 Garand ammo primarily uses the .30-06 Springfield cartridge, developed in 1906 for U.S. service rifles. Designed for reliability and long-range performance, this ammo remains popular among vintage rifle enthusiasts and competitive shooters.
Why It's a Top Choice
- High velocity with effective range beyond 500 yards
- Reliable feeding and extraction in M1 Garand rifles
- Widely available brass and surplus ammo options
- Strong accuracy for vintage rifle competitions
- Compatible with several classic U.S. military rifles
Key Variants
.30-06 Springfield — Standard cartridge for M1 Garand, ideal for collectors and shooters.
.30-06 Match Grade — Precision ammo for competitive shooting and consistency.
.30-06 Surplus — Budget-friendly option from military surplus stocks.
Competitor Comparison Table
| Feature | .30-06 Springfield | 7.62x54R | .308 Winchester |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1.00–$1.50 per round | $0.75–$1.20 per round | $0.90–$1.40 per round |
| Capacity/Size | 150 grain bullet, 2700 fps | 148 grain bullet, 2800 fps | 150 grain bullet, 2725 fps |
| Weight | ~25 grams per round | ~24 grams per round | ~23 grams per round |
| Optics-Ready | Dependent on rifle setup | Dependent on rifle setup | Highly common |
| Trigger Type | N/A (cartridge) | N/A (cartridge) | N/A (cartridge) |
| Notable Pro | Proven military cartridge, excellent range | Robust, widespread Eastern Bloc use | Popular hunting and tactical round |
| Notable Con | Ammo can be pricier than modern calibers | Rimmed case less ideal for semi-auto | Shorter max effective range |
Best Use Cases
- Vintage rifle shooting and military surplus collection
- Long-range target and accuracy competitions
- Self-defense with classic semi-auto rifles
- Hunting medium to large game in compatible rifles
- Range practice with historically significant ammo
FAQs
Can I use modern .30-06 ammo in my M1 Garand?
Yes, modern .30-06 ammo is compatible; however, use unloaded or gas-trap specific rounds to avoid increased barrel wear.
What makes .30-06 a preferred caliber for the M1 Garand?
Its balance of power, range, and reliability made .30-06 the U.S. military's standard from 1906 through World War II.
How does surplus .30-06 ammunition compare to commercial ammo?
Surplus ammo often offers cost savings but may have inconsistent quality versus commercial match-grade rounds.
