BLR and Hornady light magnum ammo

[Dixie Dude]

Will a Browning BLR handle the Hornady light magnum ammo in .308 caliber?  Hornady recommends on the box, bolt action, or single action.  I know it could damage auto's. 

[pagris]

Newer BLRs are chambered for the various Winchester short magnums that are operating in the 65000 psi range.  Given that info, I can see no reason why they couldn't handle the Hornady Light Magnum cartridges.  Especially since the Hornady catalog states that they have obtained the velocity increases without any additional pressure.  For a comparison, the SAMMI specs for the 308 Winchester recommend maximum pressures of 62,000 psi. 

The issue with autoloaders the Hornady refers to may have something to do, in part, with the gas operating systems they utilize.   I personally wouldn't hesitate to try it in a BLR - I have shot handloads in my BLRs that were producing obvious pressure signs without incident - BLR actions are pretty strong.

You can also contact Hornady and try to get a more specific explanation:

http://www.hornady.com/contact_us.php

[Blowtorch53]

Dixie,  The BLR is really a bolt rifle.  I has the same bolt and locks up the same as most bolt actions.  It's just opened and shut with a lever.  Lookng at all the hot calibers it comes in, I would not hesitate to shoot the light magnum stuff in mine.  BT 53