The .308/7.62 NATO is the .30-06's ballistic twin.
And the M-14 *is* an updated Garand-type already. The BM-*59* (the 58 was the prototype) is largely pointless.
Beg to differ - the .308 is not a ballistic twin of the 30-06. The issue is downrange stopping power - similar, but the 30-06 could "make a long-distance call" with more authority than the .308 could.
Part of the advantage the .308 had was that the weapon would be lighter & combat load would be less for an equal (and "equivilant" firepower) ammo load. The .308 is a shorter cartridge, thus smaller receiver.