Need to load for BM-59 and LR308 (16")

[runt113]

I inherited an old Springfield BM-59 and recently got a Bushmaster ORC 16" AR (two days ago). I have not had the chance to shoot either very much (2 rounds from the Springfield to confirm function, 3 from the Bushmaster) but recent reading says there is a possible danger to the BM-59 in using regular 308 loads vs 7.62 NATO spec ammo. The original owner had 3 different gas plugs for the BM-59, so tuning will be an option in the near future.
I would like to load a common round for both. Neither will be used much beyond 300yd, but both will be used for crop protection (pigs and deer).
Any recomendations for a good starting point to load for both rifles would be appreciated.

 

[squirrel_slayer]

Re: Need to load for BM-59 and LR308 (16")

never heard of the bm-59 but after a quick search basically just seems like a converted garand. I do however own a busmaster orc. and it is reccomended to upgrade the extractor with an o-ring at the very minimum. my bushy eats everything I throw at it but I also upgraded the extractor o-ring, put a vltor .308 length buffer tube with a stock ar15 buffer spring(has a few more coils) and I used a stock ar15 buffer housing and put the two tungsten weights for a total of 3 tungsten weights(the stock bushy is cut down shorter and only has room for the two weights)
I personally run 168gr a-max's behind 2000-mr powder clocking in at 2600ft/sec from the 16" barrel.

however for the bm-59 you may end up bending the op rod with a powder like that. sticking with powders like imr 4064, 4895, or 3031 and bullets in the 150-168gr weight class may be your safest bet.

 

[Tx_Flyboy]

Re: Need to load for BM-59 and LR308 (16")

Runt,

I c u took the advice of those of us that said to get a 308AR (mine included)...for that, I appluad you. This is a better decision than going with an exotic AR-15 caliber that may not be around in 5-10years when the novelty wears off.

I'll start of my reloading advise by saying the following: Take every advice you get with a grain of salt. The loads that are recommended to you MAY NOT be safe in your rifle. ALWAYS START low and work your way up.

I recommend you standardize on Alliant 2000MR powder or Hogdon's CFE-223 powder. These two powders are temperature stable, meter well, fire cleanly, and are flash suppressed...They are the best powder for 308 & 223 IMHO.

The following loads work well in MY rifle...it may cause high pressures in YOUR rifle.

Case: LC brass (2-3 times fired)
Primer: Winchester Large Rifle (WLR)
Powder: Alliant 2000MR (47.5gr & 49.3gr) The 49.3 is above book max.
Bullet: Hornady .30cal 178gr AMAX
COAL: 2.80"

As far as your garand goes, i c u have adjustable gas plugs...this device will ensure sane pressures at the op-rod with factory loads or stout reloads without worrying about damage to your op-rod. As to the load above, i recommend that you start with the gas plug completely open (single-shot effect), then close the gas port until each round locks the bolt back, then back off another 1/8 to 1/4 turn to ensure reliability.

You may need to retune the gas port if you change loads, but the procedure is the same.

The load above will likely not produce the same level of accuracy out of your garand...unless you have a new or match barrel with a fitted stock (no barrel contact) accuracy smaller than 2MOA (8-round group) will be difficult to maintain consistently.

My Garand is a 30-06. I have not developed a load for it yet, but it wouldn't help you since yours is a 308.

Lastly, make sure to buy an extra power extractor spring & insert for your 308 Bushy bolt...These rifles are known to leave the factory with weak springs leading to a lot of feeding/failure issues.

Regards,