Article in Hanloader Magazine

[ArtPahl]

There's a rather extensive article on the M1 rifle by Brian Pearce in the Aug. 21 issue (#333). I am wondering what members here think of it. Do his opinions have merit?

My first complaint is that he indicates the rifle is loaded with "stripper clips". That may be a minor nomenclature issue but I think detail is important.

The author goes on to create the impression that the M1 is rather delicate. He dwells on slam-fires and the usual admonition to use medium burn-range powders. I routinely use IMR4895 burn-range powders but was under the impression that the M1 was designed to avoid slam-fires??

My rifles are a rack grade HRA and a service grade Springfield from the CMP plus a WWII issue Winchester. The other 4 rifles, belonging to friends, include 3 Springfields and a Winchester. One of the Springfields was an early (1960's) release built around a re-weld receiver. The owner of that one was a USMC sergeant and he shot everything in that rifle regardless of bullet weight or powder type! As far as I know, he had little trouble with it and, when I borrowed it for range sessions, I had no trouble with it either.

I have settled on 50 gr. of IMR4895 with a 150 gr. bullet and 48 gr. of IMR4064 with a 168 gr. bullet. My range sessions almost always include an Oehler 35P chronograph. I have collected a good bit of data on 7 M1 rifles. The average velocity of the 150 gr. load from my 3 rifles is 2721 fps. The author claims 2903 from a similar load! Again, my 3 rifles chrono 2579 fps with my 168 gr. load while the author lists 2718 for a similar load.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Ovidio]

I am a bit unsure about the slam fire thing. The bolt gets home and makes a last 1/8 turn before the firing pin finds its recess and can move forward and hit the primer.
To me this is a very unlikely possibility... At best.
I never had any slam fire issues during my short service with the Garand nor have I ever witnessed one such incident in the 27 years after that, even when we organise big shooting competitions with the Alpini and use Garands.
Concerning the loading data, I can't say much. I have a .308 M1 and load it relatively mild, but that is just me.
42 grs. of N140 with a 147 grs FMJBT bullet. Nato standard.

[browningautorifle]

IMHO-Poor reloading techniques

That would be it. Of course when a handloader has a "Kaboom" he did everything right, made no mistakes. Just ask him... I've never had a premature detonation with M1 and I've been through lots of them.

I doubt the newer powders will cause a problem unless used incorrectly. Safe loads should be safe.

[Jonzie]

I have had a slam fire on my M1 and it was because of not seating the primer right. Lesson learned I now check all my loads carefully.

[paulo57509]

IMO, if the rifle is in spec, properly maintained and the handloader pays attention to detail the risk of slam fires is minimized to almost none chance. Big "if"....

Because we live in a highly litigious society, I think the author is being overly cautions with regards to slam fires and exploding rifles; he's just adding a strong disclaimer. Heck, the basis of that entire magazine can open up a whole lot of litigation.

The "stripper clip" statement in that article caught my attention too.

[Mark in Rochester]

Had a slam fire with issued ball ammo at Camp Perry years ago - rifle had a extra power spring - never had another after I replaced the spring

[Daan Kemp]

Such warnings should always be accompanied by real life examples. This may be a case of myth repeated often enough to be eventually accepted as true if not backed up with facts.

[Wineman]

In any situation there is stacking tolerances. A+B+C+D is fine but add E and not so good. Space Shuttle Challenger, the most complicated piece of machinery to be in common use, nine perfect missions and then with a temperature that was less than optimum for launch, bang. I have been at matches where a slamfire with handloads occurred. Bullet down range, rifle just fine. Primer seated too high, crud in the firing pin, wear, not sure. The military had stringent standards for components such as primer hardness, crimp, priming compound, case size, sealant etc. They did not reload for issued battle ammunition. They had armorers service the weapons. Fulton Armory does not condone the use of handloads in the AR, Garand, Carbine, or M14. Most major manufacturers don't either in any of their guns. It can happen, it has happened and it will continue to happen. However, I still drive to work every day but the chance of an accident is always there and may not be in my control. Do your best at handloading quality control, make sure your rifle is in good working order, keep the muzzle down range and wear appropriate safety gear. It is a well designed rifle, it is sturdy and it may never slamfire. But they are 60-85 years old, are subject to wear and tear, and who knows how good the handloaded ammunition is. Have fun and be careful out there.

Dave

[Bob Seijas]

Can also happen if the tip of the firing pin breaks off and sticks in the hole.

[RCS]

About ten years ago my friend was shooting a NM M1A1 in a match and had a slamfire. Stock, bolt and op rod damaged, receiver also had a clip
by the right lug, no injury. He brought the damaged rifle to the manufacturer, first question: reloads or service ammo, he was using service ammo.
Upon examination, it was found that the aftermarket trigger pin became broken in half as the bolt was chambering the cartridge causing the
hammer to slamfire the firing pin. My friend was given a new NM M1A1, but sold it and became a AR-15 match shooter after the accident.