The .30-06 Springfield round, particularly when fired from the M1 Garand, is one of the most powerful and historically significant cartridges in the world of military firearms. This combination of rifle and ammunition was designed during the 1930s and saw extensive use during World War II, the Korean War, and other conflicts. The M1 Garand, known for being the first semi-automatic rifle issued to infantry in battle, used the .30-06 round to deliver a potent combination of power, accuracy, and range. But just how powerful is the .30-06 round when fired from the M1 Garand?
Overview of the .30-06 Cartridge
The .30-06 Springfield round, commonly referred to as "thirty-aught-six", is a 7.62mm caliber cartridge that was first introduced in 1906 by the United States military. It was initially designed for use in bolt-action rifles, but its power and versatility made it ideal for semi-automatic rifles like the M1 Garand. The standard military round typically weighs around 150 grains (9.7 grams), although heavier projectiles, such as 174-grain or even 200-grain bullets, were used in various applications.
Velocity and Muzzle Energy
One of the defining characteristics of the .30-06 round is its muzzle velocity, which is crucial in determining the effectiveness of the round when fired. When fired from the M1 Garand, the typical muzzle velocity of a 150-grain FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) bullet is around 2,800 to 2,900 feet per second (fps). The energy behind the bullet at the muzzle is substantial, with a muzzle energy of around 2,500 to 2,800 foot-pounds (ft-lb).