[Rinnwald]

But I always thought they were .30 cal. (Not 30-06 like the M1)

The Army, in their infinite wisdom named the M1 Rifle and M1 Carbine with the same designator.

Yes, your dad's M2 Carbine (which is a full auto variant of the M1 carbine) fires the .30 Carbine round, which is a lot less powerful than the M1 Rifle's .30-06 round.

[WKUHilltopper]

When I referenced M1, I meant the Garand. I use .30-06 for deer. I knew they used the M1 carbine in WW2, but thought this was straight up .30 cal too...like the M2.

[circlecity]

"Yes, your dad's M2 Carbine (which is a full auto variant of the M1 carbine) fires the .30 Carbine round, which is a lot less powerful than the M1 Rifle's .30-06 round."

LOL. I can't imagine trying to fire 30.06 rounds out of a full auto carbine. (at least without a mount). I know I wouldn't want to be within a mile in any direction of the guy trying to do it.