7.62x51 BL-C2

I am currently using IMR4895, but you have to push the limits to get M80 velocities, at least I do. My standard load is 43.5grn IMR4895 with the same components you are listing. If you want a ball powder, I would suggest TAC, a lot of people swear by it in both the 7.62mm and the 5.56mm. Once I burn up my stash of IMR4895, I'll be switching to either IMR3031 (I have a 16" barreled M1a where I think it would work better than IMR4895, YMMV...) or TAC (after I test a pound of it for compatibility.) When you think of it, you only get around 150 rounds out of a pound of powder in the 7.62mm, you are far better off buying at least a 8#'er, or what I did... 4 8#'ers. It saved me a lot of time reducing and working back up.

Never tried BL-C2, from what I've read, it's quite 'blasty' and pressures can peak quickly under some circumstances... but it is a valid powder.

I also use WC846 when available, but when it's not, I use BLC-2 as a substitute. I can't really tell the difference between the two... Try it, I think you'll agree.

I used to run 46 gr BL-C2, military brass, and an Olin 147gr FMJ. I was using Rem LR primers at the time. This load aproximated function and POI to 300m of South African R1M1 and Commonwealth L2A2 NATO ammunition at 300m through 2 different G3 variants and a sporting .308. Never ran it on a chronograph though.

IMR 4064 is a very good .308 powder too. It's slightly better than 4895 for me.

Nothing wrong with BL-C(2) since its the canister version of WC846.

I also think you will be really happy with Tac. A bit less money last time I purchased it and great results. I did get 3 big jugs at the time all the same lot number because I asked for that. Have been getting my propellant and primers from Powder Valley. If you make a big enough order shipping and HazMat are less than buying at local places. I usually spend $500 or more each time. Per pound prices ended up in the $12 a pound area last time.

I've used around 43gr of blc2 with 165s and mili brass shot pretty good. It will get a 110gr moving good to.

CFE 223 is also very similar to BL-C2. It may actually be modernized canister grade BL-C2. It's in the sweet spot for 150 gr .308 and heavy bullet 5.56.

M-14 said:

I believe I did see some on the shelf, and a good multi purpose powder would be Ideal, I'll take a look next time I go. I cannot remember at this point why I liked ball powder, but I guess I had my reasons...?

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Ball powder flows better and meters more precisely from measures than extruded powders, they are not generically known for supreme accuracy, however, if that's a qualifier. That is not to say you can't find it with one. I use H335 in 5.56mm because it measures and flows better than the IMR powders, I was having a terrible time with IMR4895 bridging in my drop because of the small necks, and to get the velocity up, it turned into a compressed load... which I don't like. I don't have those problems with the 7.62mm, but I've had to rethink my whole 7.62mm/.308 loading process recently... which has led me to TAC. I will probably try H335 in 7.62mm, and maybe even W748, they bridge the gap between IMR's 4895 and 3031, and it would be nice to have one powder on the bench instead of two, assuming it works in both 5.56mm and 7.62mm.

TAC is made in Belgium.

Once I have it set, I'll check 10, 10, 10, and then I pretty much just go to town...

Yep check 10,10, 10, and loadem up. Then check the last one or every 200 in whatever appropriate order.

With my Dillon powder measures once it's set I don't bother to check it. I found out pretty quickly it's a waste of time to do so.

Funny I still have a bunch of WC846 left. Works well once I worked up a load with 150 grain FMJ's. I used IMR4895 for 168 SMK's with good results. I don't load either near the M80 speeds.

M-14, I found that a certain speed between 2500 and 2600 FPS in my 700 produced good results so I sort of stuck with it. Any science to this? I worked up my WC846 power to that speed and then adjusted a little for best results.

M-14 said:

New guy here,

Years ago I re-loaded EVERYTHING and after a long time away from that aspect, I am assembling everything needed to get setup again. I have also ordered a chrono, which is something I did not have last time (yay me).

I am starting with 7.62x51 semi-auto service rifle ammo/M80 clone. In that effort WC846 seems to be non-existent at the moment which led me to BL-C2, so I have a pound of that to try and #34 primers. NATO brass and 147gr Armscor bullets are coming. Just as well for now so I don't have to deal with changes lot to lot with WC846.

I of course will start low and watch the speeds and for signs of over pressure. After I get situated again, it seems IMR4895 is pretty well established also. So if anyone has any info they would choose to share, it would be appreciated.

Thanks... GH

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BLC-2 will get you the velocity you want for am M80 ball clone load pretty easily. I tested CFE 223 pretty heavily when doing my clone load and its near the same burn rate. I was able to hit 3200 fps from LC brass with 48gr of CFE 223 under a 150gr Hornady FMJBT using CCI 200 primers with minimal pressure signs. It was way too much velocity as M80 ball is about 2800 fps and I didnt find the accuracy I was looking for. I switched to IMR 8208 XBR and the velocities were right around 2850, and the load is 42.5 gr. From my guns, its about a 1" loading, and is light enough my kids can shoot it from a bolt gun without getting beat up. Upside of 8208, its very temp stable, so I can use this load year around with no issues an it will run accurately thru a powder drop being a short cut extruded.

One other thing, the Armscor bullets may or may not get you the accuracy you want. I have tried them in both 223 and 308, thinking I could save a few pennys. I was wrong. The Hornady FMJBTs will always out shoot the Armscor stuff in every test I did.

I use the target method, whatever load produces the best accuracy is what I go with, not a fan of shoulder pounding velocities.

Since I don't use factory ammo, I never really consider the .308 versus 7.62x51. Had good luck with both powders mentioned in the thread.

and it would be nice to have one powder on the bench instead of two, assuming it works in both 5.56mm and 7.62mm.

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TAC works well for me in .223.
Meters well thru my measures.
Good stuff IMO.