Garand Ammo Question

coopdog373 · Mar 14, 2014

Fellow Garand Owners et. al.-

My mother stumbled onto some Ammunition that a family member had squirreled away some time ago. The Ammo seems to be in beautiful condition. I am curious if anyone can advise me if its safe for my M1 Garand since its 30.06 Ball. I have provided pictures. The head-stamp is F N 58. Your thoughts are appreciated ole wise ones..

BradMacc82 · Mar 14, 2014

Looks like it's probably for an '03 Springfield to me.

I wouldn't risk it, unless someone can with absolute certainty say it's safe for the Garand.

BigDaddy · Mar 14, 2014

BradMacc82 said:
Looks like it's probably for an '03 Springfield to me.

I wouldn't risk it, unless someone can with absolute certainty say it's safe for the Garand.

Aside from being on 5 round stripper clips, why would 1956 Fabrique Nationale (Belgian) be safe in an '03 and not in a Garand?
No...wait, I can safely dispose it for you.

BradMacc82 · Mar 14, 2014

BigDaddy said:
Aside from being on 5 round stripper clips, why would Fabrique Nationale (Belgian) be safe in an '03 and not in a Garand?

IIRC, FM2 Ball was a distinct loading specifically for the Garand as to not beat up the internals of the gun, being it's a gas-operated rifle.

'03 Ball ammo is loaded hotter and can do damage to the internals of a Garand.

Polecat · Mar 14, 2014

Choot it! No special loads for '03 vrs Garand. :sad20:

BradMacc82 · Mar 14, 2014

Polecat said:
Choot it! No special loads for '03 vrs Garand.

Learned something new then.

Had always been told that FM2 Ball was the thing for Garands, guess I was told wrong. I stand corrected.

Polecat · Mar 14, 2014

I have been shooting for

+50 years and the only caution I know of is using modern fast burning ammo or reloading same with fast burning powder. Harms the oprod and so on. Just "Google" the info and don't rely on "experts" on this forum. Search is ur friend.! :innocent0

stu929 · Mar 14, 2014

It should be fine to shoot. I would probably hold onto it though as the bandoleer should match the ammo. Nice piece of history.

As for the M1 the whole reason its an 06 was all the rounds left over after WWI.

Buy some HXP and stash that away.

Jerry M · Mar 15, 2014

Is it corrosive?

BigDaddy · Mar 15, 2014

Jerry M said:
Is it corrosive?

I learned something too.

FN used corrosive primers until 1958.
Commercial ammo not specifically designed for the M1 should not be used unless you have an adjustable gas port.
CMP recently (January) sold FN 55/56 API as M2 ball
One guy bought this ammo years ago for $7/100
Over the years a lot of people have shot FN ammo and their garands on the CMP forum without problems.

coopdog373 · Mar 16, 2014

Thanks folks...everyone's opinions, concerns, guidance and recommendations on this subject have been appreciated. I have performed a fair amount of research and this group was part of it...

End of the Story: No reason to shoot it now so it will be tucked away as a nice collectors piece (STU929 GREAT GUIDANCE) :-) or as my FPL (Final Protective Line). I DO NOT have any concerns shooting the ammunition NOW :-) but that being said I wills scour the CMP site and other sites for more relevant ammunition before its all gone..

The good thing is a I have an ammo can full of this stuff..in great shape and with matching bandoleers that are in pristine shape as well...

THANKS FOLKS

stu929 · Mar 16, 2014

HXP from CMP is the only way to go. Good ammo good brass and reloadable. Nobody can match the price.

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