First i'd like to say thanks to the guys who pointed me towards Va. Beach Shooting Range, great place.

So here's my question. I took my new M1A out to the range yesterday for the first time. I had no problems whatsoever. But when i got home and went to clean it i noticed small metal particles in the little bit of grease around the bolt and receiver. I'd like to know if anyone knows if this is normal or not. I've never shot one before so i'm kind of a newbie when it comes to them. I shot 60 rounds of Porteguese surplus. If antone knows what the cause could be please let me know. Is it the gun breaking in or the ammo?  Thanks.


Edit:Sorry i know this in the wrong section, still kind of new here :)

Steel,brass,copper,lead?
cpermd

It look ed like steel shavings, too small to really tell.

Brass. M-14's/M-1's are notoriously hard on brass.

Try a magnet just to be sure.

Springfield uses a cast bolt catch while the bolt itself should be hardened, forged USGI. Usually the bolt catch will be peened by the bolt and could be the cause of the metal. Also, the FNM ammo you are shooting is mild steel jacketed.

Keep an eye on things and lube the proper areas with grease. Mine does the same, BTW.

My Springfield has done this for over 12 years and 6,000 rds.  Mine are all brass shavings, some bright, some dirty grey.---- I purchased a bolt roller greasing tool because of this.--When I clean the roller to get all the brass powder off, I regrease the roller every time with white lithium.-- FYI, in allmost 7,000 rds, I have had only one glitch and that was a dead primer. ALLONS11