How much does gas-operated action affect velocity?

[300grJHP]

I'm thinking about buying a 30-06 BAR from a friend, but already have a 308 BLR.  I've read that the gas-operated actions in a BAR reduce velocity.  I know the velocities between 150 gr 308 and 150 gr 30-06 are close already.  Is it realistic to believe that my 308 BLR with 22" barrel will deliver the same velocity as a 30-06 BAR with 22" barrel?

thank you,
300grJHP

[charles p]

I think you can expect a higher velocity from the 30-06 BAR.  I do not think the gas operation robs much velocity, but then I would not use or load the very highest velocity rounds possible in a semi auto.

[jimmyp50]

Get the BAR and be happy! There is not any difference in performance in the two cartridges on WT deer, I like the BAR over the BLR however as a matter of taste. I have a friend that has an old BAR he says when it stops working he is going to stop hunting. He has killed two tons of WT deer over the 20 or so years he has owned it.

Get the steel one not the aluminum one.  Despite the metal inserts in the aluminum to mount the scope on, I dont trust them. The old steel frames are heavy but they last and are very accurate from what I have seen.

[Dixie Dude]

I read in an old gun/hunting magazine years ago that the BAR and Rem semi-auto's lost about 2% in the operation of the action. 

[jro45]

You can Really feel the differance After shooting a non gas operated  shotgun.  It has to
effect the shot.

[BBF]

I doubt the miniscule pressure difference in the barrel before and after the gasport would have any measureable effect on the velocity.

BTW. The Brownings handle the Light Magnum loads without a problem

[coyotejoe]

You can Really feel the differance After shooting a non gas operated  shotgun.  It has to
effect the shot.

The difference in perceived recoil tells you nothing about the velocity of the bullet. Recoil of an auto loader feels lighter because the recoil is spread over a few milliseconds more time. Reminds me of how the farmers thought of guns when I was a kid, they thought their singleshot Iver Johnson must be a "hard shooter" because it had a really nasty recoil!

[Cowboybart]

Get the BAR and shoot 180's.  Keep the 150's for the BLR