Next loading, which powder?

[kmw1954]

With our current component supplies I though In would put this out to the forum.

Currently working a ladder with with Ramshot TAC and a 62gr bullet for the 223. I have about 1 lb of TAC left and want to save it for this in progress load. Now at this time I also have a lb of Hodgdon BL-C2 and a lb of IMR 4198. The BL-C2 appears to be available and stable to obtain while the IMR I got from my boss he says he has lots and is no longer using it. So based on that which way would you all proceed?

As to the projectiles I have the 62gr, some 68gr and some 75gr to try.

 

[Average Joe]

I use BL-C2 for my AR loads, and it works just fine, it's also good for my 7.62x51 Nato loads, and most .30 caliber loads.

 

[Obturation]

I've seen imr4198 loads for .223, might be the way i'd go because typically it's very common and easy to source locally during normal times. I don't think it's optimal for 223 but I use it in 45-70 and like it a lot- no experience with it in a small bore rifle though . I try to best use whatever is commonly available and only go looking for special components if I find I need something different , if you find a load you like with 4198 resupply shouldn't be too tough. I've seen TAC pop up for sale here and there but it's limited.

 

[kmw1954]

I have found load data for both powders so that isn't an issue availability is and I don't know if either of these are optimal but I have read the BL-C2 works very well with heavier bullets.

 

[Dudedog]

I like TAC in .223 as well.
BLC(2) worked well for me also so I would give it a try. Meters well thru a measure.

 

[Charlie98]

Although I've not tried it, I'm going to say IMR4198 might be too fast for that 62grn bullet, particularly if you are running those through a rifle-length AR gas system. Of those two, I would give BL-C2 a try, first... it is closer to TAC's burn rate in any event.

 

[kcofohio]

I have very limited experience with BLC(2). It worked up some good 223 loads. It may be temperature sensitive.

I keep my IMR4198 for 8mm cast loads.

 

[stillquietvoice]

With our current component supplies I though In would put this out to the forum.

Currently working a ladder with with Ramshot TAC and a 62gr bullet for the 223. I have about 1 lb of TAC left and want to save it for this in progress load. Now at this time I also have a lb of Hodgdon BL-C2 and a lb of IMR 4198. The BL-C2 appears to be available and stable to obtain while the IMR I got from my boss he says he has lots and is no longer using it. So based on that which way would you all proceed?

As to the projectiles I have the 62gr, some 68gr and some 75gr to try.

I've used alot of blc2 in multiple rifles from 223 to 3006. Though not optimal for the 06 it worked well.
I've worked up loads for 3 223,5.56, rifles, using 50 - 68 gr bullets. It always gave hood velocity and accuracy. One of the 223 rifles was a savage axis II or gave about 3400 fps with a 50 gr hornandy sp, and vmax bullets. Haven't used 4198 at all, if you can find them available h and imr 4895 works well in 223 as well.

 

[rfwobbly]

Besides accuracy, due to the AR's gas system IMHO you also need to consider cleanliness. IMR 4198 does both very well.

 

[kmw1954]

Think I need to clarify some. This is for a 223 Bolt rifle and not an AR and I know nothing of gas systems.

 

[2ndtimer]

For me, TAC is king. Have loaded over 40 lbs of it over the years in .223, .308 and .338 Federal, most by far in .223. I have also used BL-C2 in .223, it works decently with bullets 55 gr and up. I could list more than a dozen powders I would use before stooping to 4198 in .223. In my experience, it metered lousy, wasn’t that accurate and gave up 200 to 300 FPS compared to almost ANY other powder. The only worse reloading experience I have had with powder was with IMR-800X in handguns. Those “mini donuts” did not meter through a powder measure at all! Those are the two powders I will never purchase again. YMMV.

 

[Fishingted]

Working on 45 acp 230 FMJ with 6.4 grain Herco powder.

 

[kmw1954]

Powder Valley just came up with a shipment of Ramshot and accurate powders and I was able to score some Accurate 2460 (3#) and an 8# of Ramshot TAC!

I have never bought a 8# container of any powder but I like this powder, have a load workup going with it already and found just how fast even small loads of rifle powder go as compared to pistol loads.

I have a friend that loads that 4198 in a 45/70 so he may get a gift.

 

[bullseye308]

BL-C(2) is what many have used with great results for years, and it still serves that purpose for many of us. About the only caveat is that warm or hot loads in the fall or winter may be hotter or over in the summer. Not really an issue if you load moderate loads, but if you are pushing towards the top of the range you could be in trouble in the heat.

 

[BBarn]

IMR4198 is faster than ideal for heavier bullets in the 223, but will certainly work. I've had good results with BL-C(2) in the 223. With so many powders that work well in the 223, I typically avoid IMR4198 in the 223 because it's large cylindrical granules make for rough throwing through my powder measure.

 

[forrest r]

Glad you got #8 of the powder you like/know/use.

Myself I keep a lot of different rifle powders around simply because I cast bullets for the rifles. Never know what combo will work along with being impressed by combo's that never should of worked in that caliber/bullet weight.

When reloading supplies are plentiful I pick up powders and primers when they're cheap. Might not use that specific powder but it always seems to get burned up. Having different powders allows for testing multiple powders for the same bullet/caliber combo. Right now I have loads for the 223's using tac/varget/H335/BL-C2. If I run out of 1 of those powders it's easy enough to pop the top on the other 3.

I have a #8 jug of H380 laying around that I bought this way, they wanted $120 for it. Heck, sure why not??? Don't use it specifically for anything, yet.

 

[Charlie98]

For me, TAC is king.

I've been trying to find TAC for 9 months... I really want to give it a try in both the 5.56mm and 7.62mm.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Glad you got #8 of the powder you like/know/use.

Myself I keep a lot of different rifle powders around simply because I cast bullets for the rifles. Never know what combo will work along with being impressed by combo's that never should of worked in that caliber/bullet weight.

When reloading supplies are plentiful I pick up powders and primers when they're cheap. Might not use that specific powder but it always seems to get burned up. Having different powders allows for testing multiple powders for the same bullet/caliber combo. Right now I have loads for the 223's using tac/varget/H335/BL-C2. If I run out of 1 of those powders it's easy enough to pop the top on the other 3.

I have a #8 jug of H380 laying around that I bought this way, they wanted $120 for it. Heck, sure why not??? Don't use it specifically for anything, yet.

That h380 is versatile. Not the best at anything. But good at a lot.

On the OP. I would look at the 53 vmax and the 4198. It out does the 62 grain bullets as far as drop and drift are concerned.
If you stay with heavy bullets. The blc 2 is better.

 

[kmw1954]

Thank you all. Working answers backwards, I just ordered another 500 of the Hornady 62gr bullets from MidSouth and also have a box of 100 68gr Hornady Match. a box of Hornady 75gr and a box of Barnes 75gr.

Charlie98 check with Powder Valley, hopefully they still have some left. For powders on hand, as soon as the Powder Valley order arrives I will have the TAC I want, the Accurate 2460 to work with and the BL-C2 which I think I will save for those heavier bullets and CCI 450 primers.

Still thinking that 4198 may get gifted to my friend for his 45/70. A couple other powders I would like to try are 4166 and 2230.

 

[Charlie98]

Think I need to clarify some. This is for a 223 Bolt rifle and not an AR and I know nothing of gas systems.

Generically speaking, if you are talking about .223 almost everyone by default thinks you are talking about an AR.

In a bolt gun... IMR4198 would probably work for lighter bullets, up to 55grn probably. If it's a longer barreled rifle, I still think IMR4198 would be a poor choice.

 

[Charlie98]

Charlie98 check with Powder Valley, hopefully they still have some left.

It's Christmas...! It's the time of miracles! ...except. My wife spent all my Christmas money... What I really want to do is get a big order... TAC, IMR4198, H335, and maybe a 8# of IMR4064 or 3031. Probably not in the cards in the near future... beggars can't be choosers.

Still thinking that 4198 may get gifted to my friend for his 45/70.

I use a LOT of IMR4198 in cast rifle loads... I'm sure your friend would put it to good use.

 

[kmw1954]

Charlie98, I'm fortunate that right now the money I'm spending is money earned and saved from my retirement part time job at the range so I don't feel guilty. Also took much of this saving and invested in a new furnace back at the end of Oct.. Love paying Cash!

All this component nonsense has to end sooner or later. Looks like powders are slowly coming back.