.30-06 Surplus Ammo

[26Charlie]

Well, I don't know if I'm obsessed or what, but I keep buying surplus ammo even after a couple of bad experiences (with 8x57 and with 7.62x54R). Any way, I bought a case of the Korean .30-06 that comes clipped and bandoliered for the M1 Garand, headstamp KA73, and a case of the DCM-supplied .30-06 which comes in 20-rd boxes, headstamp LC66. It is de-linked machinegun ammo.
Both are 150 gr. ball. Here's a brief comparison of results gotten yesterday, at 100 yards "wrist rest", firing 8-shot groups..

M1 Garand - KA73 8 shots in 5 1/4"; LC66 8 shots in 4 1/2".

Winchester M70 Stainless Steel LH w/4X scope - KA73 8 shots in 2 1/2"; LC66 8 shots in 4 1/4".

Hard to judge which is better.

[garandsrus]

26Charlie,

Remember that the KA is corrosive so you will need to clean the rifles accordingly...

The Greek (HXP) ammo the CMP (www.odcmp.com) is selling has been the more accurate than the KA or LC for me. Several other people have found the same thing.

John

[Uncle Grinch]

26charlie,

Take a look at this thread I started some time ago about my experience with Korean surplusammo. I pulled all mine and am reusing the powder and bullets now. This round showed no outward signs of problems.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=10155&highlight=Korean

[26Charlie]

Thanks for the heads-up, bslslyr. I haven't noticed any problems with it yet but then I've only shot one bandolier's worth.
Garandsrus, I shoot the KA73 first, then the LC66. Also I clean with one of those ammonia-smelling bore cleaners and then Ed's Red. Thanks for the warning.