I am trying to work up a load for a couple of BAR's. I am loading 175 partitions in a 7mm rem. I started with RL 25. The problem is that the rifle seemed to unlock while there was still pressure in the barrel. 63 gr. of RL25 and it blew the primer right out of the case. Not pierced, just gone? Has anyone else noticed this with slow powders in their BAR?
I am going to a faster powder to see if that cures the problem. Appreciate any input. Ken

I don't have a BAR so I can't say about it, but I do not use slow powders in my semi-autos (Remington, M1 Garand, Springfield Armory M1As). Slow powders raise the port pressures too high.

Handloads with old surplus H-4831 (burns about like IMR 7828) identical to those I use in a bolt rifle exhibited high port pressures in my BAR .270. Since I have a good stock of factory loads for it, provided to me by a "charitable" source, I don't currently handload for this rifle. If I did, I would try something no faster than 4350.

My guess is that RL25 is way too slow (actually, maintains higher pressures down-barrel) for the BAR. You might get by with 4831, but may have to drop back in the 4350 range to find a satisfactory load.

I load 58 grains of H4831 with a 150 grain bullet for my dad's BAR in 270 Win. with no problems.

[ 11-13-2002, 07:13: Message edited by: Washington Hunter ]

Have used IMR 4350 in a 338 Win Mag BAR with no problems ... except accuracy. My BAR adores 250 Remington Core Lokts and nothing else ;>(

I also shoot a BAR in 338 the imr4350 is ok but after alot of testing my best and only load now is H4831 - 73.0 grains behind Hornady 225 sp.

Thanks for the replies I think I will try 4350 next. I also heard that a standard full length sizing die may not be the ticket for a BAR. Any thoughts on this. Ken

Yes , sorry i didnt mention i had a feeding problem. I bought the RCBS small base sizing die and my problem was solved . Rcbs reccommends these dies for semi-auto's pumps, and levers. My browning BAR is the only rifle i need to use them in. I have both Marlin and winchester levers and a Remington pump, but have never had any feeding problems so the standard dies work fine for these rifles. Good luck, later Dave

Also about Washington Hunters LOad above NO WAY- I think he ment 58 grains of h4831 NOT 158 Even the 270 Weatherby max's out at 75 grains.

Tanoose, you're right, of course. Thanks...I went back and edited that post. It would be impossible to get much more than 58 grains in the case anyway. 58 grains just about fills it to the top.

I use standard dies and it works just fine in my dad's BAR 270.

Thanks, for the replies, I may have to check into one of the small base dies, however the one round I put through it seemed to chamber ok. Thanks, Ken

In my BAR 3006, just like the Garand M1, mid burning powders work better, I have had best luck with IMR 4895 and 4064. With IMR 4064 burning the cleanest on the port and a little more accurate when hand weighted. I prefer IMR 4350 or RL 19 in the 30-06 but burn to slow to provide reliable function. Also use a RCBS Small Base Resizing Die on your brass and ejection should not be a problem.

Commercial semi-autos don't need fast buring powder. I use H-4831 all the time in 742's, and BAR's.