The earlier 308 AK's such as the Valmet, Galil and Yugo have only two bolt lugs. The Russians first tried to pass the newer CIP proof pressure test of 125% standard chamber pressure limit with two lugs and failed the 25% overpressure test and this why the 308 Saiga has three lugs. To pass CIP proof testing. With standard pressure ammo the two lug bolts seem okay but it does go to show how close to failure they are.
now keep in mind that 7.62x51 nato is susposed to be loaded 10,000 PSI BELOW comercial 308 Winchester and you should have an even larger comfort zone. IMOA IMOA.
this is why I have stayed a way from roundls like the 22-250 ect that are over even the 308 win Sammi pressures.
there are a few full pressure hand loads using winchester powders that are not much above the 7.62x39 pressures. this is the route I will be taking. for what it worth. the winchester powder is susposed to be the same that winchester uses in its comercialn ammo. if this is so then commercial wincheser is no were near the SAMMI limit. as hand loads will equil or excede the factory stuff at a advertised lower pressure.
the maximum load with 748 powder with a 150 grain bullet for a 308 win is. 50 grains powder COMPRESSED (this means thats all winchester is going to get in the case!!. this load makes only 43,000 CUP (right at the 7.62x39 SAMMI LIMIT). the velocity BTW is 2996 litterlay kicking the 7.62x39 ass in every area. the starting load for this powder 44 GR and makes only 32,700 CUP. Bellow the 7.62 x39 limits. FWIW that load is doing 2690 FPS still kicking the 7.62x 39, as an with a 150 grain bullet to boot!
if you want to use the same weight bullets as the x39 then the MAXIUM load of 51.2 grains of 748 powder COMPRESSED will make ONLY 41,600 cup !!! this round is way below ANY 7.62 x39 round and the bolt thrust is likely slightly more due to the larger case head factor.
that load will do 3034 PSI complety blowing away the X39 round by like 800 FPS. this is a HUGE improvement ythis load is also listed as the most accurate load in the 125 bullet group. and these are MAXIMUM LOADS. you will likely end up around 5% under these.
I am likely exceding the 308 loads with my 7.62x39 hand loads all the time. some of them are at 50,000 PSI and have been reliable. I am possably taking a bigger risk with these than a 7.62 NATO conversion?????
If you want to load for the maximum and play around in the 65,000 PSI world that any of these 308 based caliburs can do then by all means I would want a three lug action. (if you trust the current saiga quality ) No one on this sight has even mentiond trying to shoot those pressures. if I do a 22-250 or 260 remington and want its maximum it will be a three lug set up.
IF any one wants to check my numbers there from LYMAN 48TH EDITION RELOADING HAND BOOK.
BOTTOM LINE IS JUST BECAUSE THE SAMMI OR CIP LIMITS ARE AT 61,000 PSI DOSENT MEAN THE AMMO IS ACTUALLY MAKING THOSE PRESSURES!
WARNING dont assume I know any thing or that these loads are safe. always follow a manual not something off the internet. these are my opinions. I am not an expert on any thing.