In the thrilling Browning’s BLR prequel, also know as Part I, many differences that exists between the 2016 BLR, above left and the 1980 version, above right were highlighted. Big whoops, as we all know that difference is not inherently good or bad and even the intent of design changes can be subjective to some degree.
Chronograph…
Three types of ammo were fired from each rifle; same bench, same position relative to the chronograph and within the same hour. Five rounds of each were fired with chronograph readings substantially the same within each ammo type.
| Ammunition | Bullet Weight Grains |
MV FPS Early BLR |
MV FPS Current BLR |
| Remington Core-Lokt | 100 | 2689 | 2770 |
| Prvi Partizan | 100 | 2661 | 2768 |
| Berger Handloads | 80 | 3105 | 3251 |
I expected velocity would be very close between the two firearms, however, velocity was considerably different and the difference was repeatable, following the specific ammunition and rifle combination. 3% to 4% velocity loss probably isn’t of consequence in the field, but it isn’t minor either.
Checking case dimensions, shoulder and case head, regardless rifle, was 0.455″ and 0.468″ respectively. Headspace? All cases measured were within SAAMI spec 1.634″ -0.007″, however, the early model BLR headspace was 0.005″ less that the recently produced rifle. Usually, case expansion decreases velocity as pressure is dampened when brass is forced into compliance with chamber walls. Perhaps the reduction in velocity could be attributed to bore dimension or finish?
Accuracy wise, the new Browning BLR shot a bit tighter than the 1980 version, however, I am not sure the same would hold true with handloads. Remington shot 0.8″ in the current model BLR and 1.1″ in the early model. Prvi shot 1.0″ and 1.1″ respectively. The 80 grain handloads shot 0.8″ and 1.0″, old versus new. Both were excellent for woodland hunting and recreational target shooting and the 1980 version has seen a good deal of successful use on hunts.
The impression I came away is that Browning has made and makes exceptional firearms. If I buy one today, I can expect that thirty six years from now it will still perform well and look as good, even if in detail is quite different.
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