IMPORTANT AMMUNITION INFORMATION
NEVER USE HAND LOADED, RELOADED, OR STEEL CASED AMMUNITION IN ANY FIREARM WE SELL. IN ADDITION TO EXPLICITLY VOIDING ANY WARRANTY WE MAY OFFER, USE OF IMPROPER AMMUNITION CAN RESULT IN PRODUCT FAILURE, INJURY, OR DEATH TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS.
Headspace is the distance between the bolt face and the part of the chamber that stops the forward motion of the cartridge.
Leade is the starting path of the bullet, and the un-rifled portion of the chamber ahead of the rifling.
FOR JRA GALLANT RIFLES CHAMBERED FOR 5.56 NATO ammunition should NEVER use commercial .223 ammunition:
- While either cartridge will fit into the chamber, the leade for .223 Winchester is shorter than that of 5.56 NATO, which, combined with a tighter chamber for the 5.56, leaves less room for the case to expand when firing.
- The brass thickness and hardness is different between the two cartridges: .223 is both thinner and softer, and the the primers on .223 both higher and are more impact sensitive.
- Less room to expand + softer cases = slam fires, burst firing, and ruptured cases at best; and catastrophic failure is a possibility.
GAS ACTUATED RIFLES CHAMBERED FOR 7.62x51 NATO should NEVER use commercial .308 ammunition:
- While either cartridge will fit into the chamber, the headspace for .308 Winchester is shorter than that of 7.62 NATO (1.632" vs. 1.645"), leaving less room for the case to expand when firing.
- And if that wasn't enough, the brass thickness and hardness is different between the two cartridges: .308 is both thinner and softer. Additionally, the primers on .308 are more impact sensitive, which can result in slam fires and burst firing, and ruptured cases.
- Further compounding this, the maximum pressure for 7.62 NATO rounds is 50,000 psi., while .308 Winchester is 62,000 psi., an increase in almost 25%!
- To summarize, using .308 Winchester in a gas rifle designed for 7.62x51NATO, means that you are shooting softer brass, at a significantly higher pressures, and with no room for that pressure to escape, which is an exact recipe for a catastrophic failure.
M1 Garands require the use of M2 Military Ball .30-06 ammo, or commercial ammunition specifically designed for the M1 Garand by the manufacturer:
- The pressures generated by commercial ammunition can easily exceed 58,000 psi, which is over 15% greater than the 50,000 psi M2 Ball ammunition it is designed for. To put it into a different perspective, proof loads for modern bolt action rifles start at 60,000 psi.
- Commercial brass is thinner and softer than mil-spec brass.
- Garands are between 65-90 years old, and most are well used. Given that fact, prudence and common sense would make one only consider using ammunition on the lower end of the pressure spectrum.
- Commercial ammunition MAY be used in an M1 Garand, ONLY IF THE MANUFACTURER CERTIFIES IT IS DESIGNED FOR THAT RIFLE
You understand that ammunition (especially military surplus ammunition), by its very nature is inherently dangerous and you accept full liability regarding its use as well as full responsibility for the safe use and storage of any ammunition you purchase and/or possess.
Ammunition contains lead. Exposure to lead may result in health problems. Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, and cleaning of firearms, may result in exposure to lead. Use sufficient ventilation when firing and wash your hands after handling.
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