Browning BAR.. Will it shoot super hot loads fine?

[biggameballs]

I'm wondering if the Browning BAR is capable of firing and functioning properly with some of the high performance factory loads like the Hornady superformace? I really dont like magnum cartriges or even see the need for something as much as an 06 for hunting deer. Some of the hot 308 or 7mm 08 rounds can get pretty close to average 06 performance but I'm wondering if these are only suitable for bolt actions.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

biggameballs, Hornady Superformance is faster because of a powder blend. They achieve more speed without increasing pressure. Factory ammo is loaded to safe pressures for ALL modern firearms. They actually load them light. Now weather your rifle will like them or not is another question. I have been seeing several (myself included) that did not get very good accuracy out of the new GMX bullet (the bullet loaded into the new SUPERformance) Rifles can make a woman seem less picky!!!! As far as safety is concerned, as long as your rifle is properly maintained and in good shape, you will have no problem.

 

[biggameballs]

So the action will function properly with any over the counter load?

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

Any over the counter factory load yes. Now there are SOME places you can buy high pressure "use caution" loads from but very few. Most will not risk the law suit potential from high pressure, or even close to high pressure, loads.

 

[jmorris]

So the action will function properly with any over the counter load?

You have to test that yourself.

When I was younger I used to load 357 mag to 41 mag power levels. Now that I am older I just down load a 44 mag, simple and safe makes old people.

 

[Water-Man]

Freedom, exactly how is it that you know these loads are safe in the BAR? I can recall not too long ago that there were some high velocity factory loads that were not recommended for semiautos.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

Water, Only the "out of spec" high pressure loads are not to be used in the BAR. Basically was because the gas from those slower powders was hitting the gas port and starting the bolt before the bullet got out of the barrel. 95% of the factory loads such as the Hornady SUPERformance have been tested in Semi's and are in the safe pressure zone. The other 5% are those hot loads offered from "specialty" companies and will have a warning on them against using in gas operated Semi Auto Rifles. He will not find those specialty rounds over the counter. And all of them (to my knowledge) have a warning on the ads web page against using them in Semi's.

 

[Water-Man]

One of the companies I referred to was Federal. Certainly not a 'specialty' company.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

Care to share which Federal FACTORY loaded ammo was deemed unsafe in a Browning BAR? I can't seem to find any anywhere.

 

[Alaskan]

Hornady

I bought a box of Hornady "Light Magnum" in .308. It says right on the box that it is NOT recommended for semi-auto rifles. Worked Great in my bolt action though. I also own a BAR in 338. Win Mag. I have tried several different brands and bullet weights and so far the only one that my rifle really likes is Remington Cor-lokt. I have owned several different semi-auto hunting rifles and have not had good luck with "hot loads" either factory or hand loads. Accuracy and safety issues with both.
I had a case rupture in a hand loaded .308 that left pock marks on my safety glasses and peppered my hand with flying debris. Whether it was the hot load or a faulty case could not be determined. That was the only round out of 20 that had any issues. I will stick to factory ammo in my semi-autos.

 

[Water-Man]

Federal High Energy.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

You are correct Water, I forgot about the Federal High Energy (I hand load and haven't bought factory ammo in years) But as I stated, the ones that are NOT safe in semi auto rifles have a "warning" right there on them. That Fed and Hornady Light Magnum are really the only 2 I can think of that would not be safe in a Semi. As I stated, the SUPERformance is actually at the same pressures as a regular cartridge. They achieved this with a new "blend" of powders. Most all your "over the counter" ammunition is loaded to specs that are safe in older actions for safety. Like the 30.06. Factory 30.06 rounds are loaded to be safe in the M1 but you can hand load them to much greater potential for use in a bolt action.

 

[Water-Man]

OP, when in doubt it's always a good idea to check with the manufacturer rather than attempt to 'push the envelope' for a few extra fps. Good luck with your BAR. Good rifle.

 

[biggameballs]

The reason I ask was I saw that Federal offers two 308 loads in the trophy bonded tip. One looked like normal velocity and the other was running right with any normal 30-06 round out there. I've come to realize that even a 243 is more then enough for deer so I figured if I got a 308 I could probably hunt just about anything without the tag "dangerous" attached to it if I could shoot these hotter loads.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

A "normally" loaded .308 with 165 grain can and has taken pretty much all North American Big game. Shot placement and bullet construction are of more concern than the 200fps you MAY get from hot loaded factory ammunition. I personally would not bother with the added expense of it. Good old Remington Core Loct has taken a MANY of Elk and deer in the .308 and is more than acceptable in your BAR.

 

[Water-Man]

With a .308 if I was concerned with brown bear I use a 180gr Barnes.

 

[smartshot]

I have a BAR and have put some smokin hot handloads through it without a jam. I don't know if I could answer your question. I think it would be safe to fire------at your own risk, but unsure about the action cycling.

 

[W.E.G.]

If you have any notion that any flavor of .308 Winchester is not enough gun for what you are hunting, you need to just get a more powerful caliber altogether. Splitting hairs over ammo choices won't get you there.

The idea that one particular .308 load is "fine" for dangerous game, but all other .308 loads fail, is ridiculous.

Use enough gun.