modern loads in 1911 30-06

[Guest ochretoe]

My mothers husband (please don't call him my father in law) just asked me if it was safe to shoot modern ammo in his 30-06 made in 1911. I would think the barrel metal would not be up to modern load pressures but I thought I would ask the experts, ie. you all. What you all think?

[gregintenn]

What brand and model is the rifle? 03 Springfield?

[LngRngShtr]

as long as it isnt a "Low Numbered Springfield"  google that for the serial # ranges... should be fine

 

 Low Numbered rifles have brittle receivers and should not be fired.

 

John

[gregintenn]

Take the "Low Serial Number" internet lore as you will. I understand the heat treating method for the receivers at that time was hit and miss. Aside from that debate, an 03 Springfield is a quite strong action. Much better, in my opinion, than a lot of current production rifles.

[peejman]

Given the .30-06 cartridge was developed in 1906 (hence the -06), a rifle made in 1911 should be fine, assuming the rifle itself is in good shape.  While production quality controls have improved tremendously since then, the basic manufacture of the steel itself hasn't changed much.

[Garufa]

The "low number" heat treatment problem was not rectified until 1917-1918.  It affected not only Sprinfield Armory rifles but Rock Island as well.

 

Here is the CMP's take on the issue.  If nothing else it kind of explains the problem.

 

 

WARNING ON “LOW-NUMBER” SPRINGFIELDS

M1903 rifles made before February 1918 utilized receivers and bolts which were single heat-treated by a method that rendered some of them brittle and liable to fracture when fired, exposing the shooter to a risk of serious injury.  It proved impossible to determine, without destructive testing, which receivers and bolts were so affected and therefore potentially dangerous.

To solve this problem, the Ordnance Department commenced double heat treatment of receivers and bolts.  This was commenced at Springfield Armory at approximately serial number 800,000 and at Rock Island Arsenal at exactly serial number 285,507.  All Springfields made after this change are commonly called “high number” rifles.  Those Springfields made before this change are commonly called “low-number” rifles.

 

In view of the safety risk the Ordnance Department withdrew from active service all “low-number” Springfields.  During WWII, however, the urgent need for rifles resulted in the rebuilding and reissuing of many “low-number” as well as “high-number” Springfields.  The bolts from such rifles were often mixed during rebuilding, and did not necessarily remain with the original receiver.

Generally speaking, “low number” bolts can be distinguished from “high-number” bolts by the angle at which the bolt handle is bent down.  All “low number” bolts have the bolt handle bent straight down, perpendicular to the axis of the bolt body.  High number bolts have “swept-back” (or slightly rearward curved) bolt handles. 

 

A few straight-bent bolts are of the double heat-treat type, but these are not easily identified, and until positively proved otherwise ANY straight-bent bolt should be assumed to be “low number”.  All original swept-back bolts are definitely “high number”.  In addition, any bolt marked “N.S.” (for nickel steel) can be safely regarded as “high number” if obtained directly from CMP (beware of re-marked fakes).

 

CMP DOES NOT RECOMMEND FIRING ANY SPRINGFIELD RIFLE WITH A ”LOW NUMBER” RECEIVER.  Such rifles should be regarded as collector’s items, not “shooters”.

 

CMP ALSO DOES NOT RECOMMEND FIRING ANY SPRINGFIELD RIFLE, REGARDLESS OF SERIAL NUMBER, WITH A SINGLE HEAT-TREATed “LOW NUMBER” BOLT.  SUCH BOLTS, WHILE HISTORICALLY CORRECT FOR DISPLAY WITH A RIFLE OF WWI OR EARLIER VINTAGE, MAY BE DANGEROUS TO USE FOR SHOOTING

 

http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/m1903.htm

 

Chances are the rifle has been fired numerous times like many others of that vintage will no ill-effects. Chances are it was rearsenaled with additional heat treament, who knows? 

 

Me, I might proceed with caution and go with light loads if I really wanted to use it heavily.

[Jonnin]

Use a light load.  The gun will last longer and hold up forever that way.   It may work fine on full powered ammo, for a while, but its extra stress on an antique for no real reason.   Pick out a lighter bullet that will go the distance with a lighter powder charge, and enjoy this heirloom for generations to come.

[gregintenn]

I will tell you that factory ammo shoots fine in my "early serial number" 1903.

Edited December 19, 2012 by gregintenn