Gear And Accessories
Creedmoor Sports, CMP Partner on New .30-06 Match Ammo for the M1 Garand
Creedmoor Sports, CMP Partner on New .30-06 Match Ammo for the M1 Garand
📅
✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Phoenix, Arizona
The tremendous popularity of competing with the M1 Garand continues unabated. In response, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) and Creedmoor Sports have collaborated once again to produce match-grade .30-06 ammunition tailored specifically for the M1 Garand, which has become a favorite among competitive shooters. This new offering is composed entirely of top-tier components, featuring a Berger bullet atop a Lapua case filled with Vihtavuori powder. Since CMP's inception in 1996, the organization has been dedicated to supporting and promoting marksmanship through various programs. Initially, CMP offered match-grade M1 Garand ammunition featuring the excellent 167-grain Scenar bullet. A personal test conducted back then revealed that this load improved my as-issued Garand's group sizes at 100 yards, showcasing the potential of quality ammunition to enhance shooting performance. However, CMP discontinued the Scenar offering, leaving competitors in search of better solutions. The latest collaboration led to the unveiling of the CMP Creedmoor Sports .30-06 Springfield Berger 150-grain OTM ammunition, now available through the CMP e-store. This new load features advancements such as the Berger .308 150-grain OTM (Open Tip Match) bullet, cleverly engineered for semi-automatic rifles, providing an excellent ballistic coefficient (BC) while maintaining reliability. What's noteworthy is that this load has been optimized for factory loading, asserting CMP and Creedmoor Sports' commitment to meet the needs of Garand competitors. Standard M2 Ball ammunition, which has a long history dating back to 1940, remains on active duty and continues to be utilized. It features a 152-grain flat base FMJ bullet, but the newly introduced Berger bullet, despite being launched at a lower velocity, enhances overall performance due to its superior ballistic characteristics. While the M2 Ball's muzzle velocity registers around 2,800 fps, the Berger .30-06 boasts a specified muzzle velocity of 2,500 fps. Yet, the Berger bullet's G1 BC of .458 provides a notable reduction in wind drift compared to the M2 Ball. In practical testing, the new ammunition performed flawlessly in the M1 Garand, demonstrating reliability touted by CMP. Accuracy assessments conducted using a scoped M1903A4 yielded satisfactory results, with group sizes tightening significantly compared to the traditional M2 Ball ammunition. Furthermore, in participating in CMP's Western Games Vintage Military Sniper Rifle competition held at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona, early reports suggest the new Berger load is fully capable of delivering precision 200-yard targets under challenging conditions such as desert winds and mirage. It is essential to recognize the benefits of CMP's new ammunition for various firearms, including the M1903 and M1903A3 Springfield rifle shooters. While some competitors may prefer heavier bullets, this new 150-grain Berger offering serves as an excellent solution for those looking to enhance their shooting capabilities without delving into the realm of handloading. Purchasing this match-grade ammunition not only signifies support for competitive shooting but also bolsters CMP's outreach to youth competition shooters. Each 20-round box is available for $43.80, and a case of five boxes can be obtained for $219, ensuring accessibility while promoting the development of future marksmanship talent. In conclusion, the collaboration between CMP and Creedmoor Sports has revitalized interest in match shooting with the M1 Garand, providing a high-quality ammunition option that could potentially enhance performance on the range. The ongoing demand for innovative solutions in the competitive shooting community indicates a shift toward more specialized offerings that meet the evolving needs of shooters across the United States.