I know it says not to but has anyone tried it ? What were your results and why do they say not to ?

The port pressure is different from what gas-operated selfloaders are designed for. Might damage the gun, might not; why risk it?

quote:

Originally posted by hard luck:
I know it says not to but has anyone tried it ? What were your results and why do they say not to ?

I was just at Hornady's website and did not see where they say not to use their light mags in an auto.....

Is it Hornady that says not to use it in autos and I missed it?...who is saying NOT TO?

The chief ballistician at Hornady is a real Garand nut and is among the most knowlegeable fellah on the 30-06 and semis out there. If he (Dave Emary) says not to then don't do it.

I agree that the light magnums most likely have higher port pressure even though the peak chamber pressure is not exceeding SAAMI specs.

quote:

I was just at Hornady's website and did not see where they say not to use their light mags in an auto.....

The warning is posted on the box, Federal also posts a warning for their "high energy".

The pressure curve is the culprit, the pressure at the gas port is higher then most semis were designed for. The rifle may not go up in smoke but prolonged use will slowly destroy it.

I saw a note on one of the boards a few years ago (I THINK it was the 24hrcampfire) where someone called Browning on this and asked about useing it in their BAR. Browning didn`t really answer as I remember it but, more or less told them they had no control over the ammo used and if the ammomaker didn`t recommend it they likely knew what they were talking about.

I have seen guys run them through Rem 7400s like they didn't even know they weren't supposed to. The rifles shot descent and no-one was hurt but, I wouldn't recommend it.

I personally think to get the proper performance from a light mag load that they need to be used in a bolt w/ the proper bbl length. W/ the short bbls on most autos the light mags probably aren't helping that much w/ velocity.

Have a Good One

Reloader

Not Recommended ......works the action to fast could damage the gun!

In Autos we have to use (30-06) mid burning powders....IMR 4064, IMR 4895, RL 15 and Varget.

I prefer Varget in my 742s and BAR in 30-06.

They are correct it has to do port pressure....works the action to fast. Very bad for gas operated guns.

quote:

I saw a note on one of the boards a few years ago (I THINK it was the 24hrcampfire) where someone called Browning on this and asked about useing it in their BAR. Browning didn`t really answer as I remember it but, more or less told them they had no control over the ammo used and if the ammomaker didn`t recommend it they likely knew what they were talking about.

I have a Browning BAR in 30-06. The gun was bought before the Hornady "light magnums" were introduced, so naturally there was no warning in the owners manual. However, I have since seen a new owners manual and Browning specifically says in it NOT to use the "light magnums" in it.