Re: Need honest Elder input
The M1 seems to be happiest with surplus 150gr ammo, and stuff like Fed American Eagle 150gr, or Winchester white box 150gr, which are configured to essentially replicate the standard USGI M2 Ball ammo. My handload for that type of cartridge is Rem brass, Win WLR primer, 50.0gr of IMR-4064, and the Hornady 150gr FMJBT. Shoots just like a Garand should.
The Garand is a ruggd battle rifle; but it does have a weakness, and that's the Operating Rod. Its angled configuration leaves it vulnerable to peppy ammo. The first warning is a dismount, where the oprod separates from the bolt on firing. If that happens, stop immediately and cease using the ammo that produced the dismount.
Experienced Garand shooters keep the powder speed no slower than IMR-4320, and bullet weights no heavier than 175/180gr. Ignoring such limits generally results in excessive gas port pressure, and this is the usual source of permanent damage. Once an Oprod is bent out of alignmenet, it's toast; and they can be nearly impossible to find replacements for.
I would not even consider an LR load for anything under 500yd, and would consider 48.0gr of IMR-4064 and a 175SMK to be as peppy as I'd use for LR. Fed Gold Medal 168 should handle any LR needs for non Handloaders. It's accurate, and honestly, I have never had any need to shoot my Garand beyond 600.
I've tried Rem Reduced Recoil 125gr, and I do not consider them a good choice for the Garand.
Greg