BL-C(2)?

[papajoe222]

I've used a number of different Hodgdon powders for both .308Win. and .223Rem. with good to excellent results. Sadly, none of them are currently available. BL-C(2) is listed for use in both calibers, but I'm wondering if it will perform as well as Varget and H4895 do. Does anyone have experience using it for either, or both, calibers and getting >.5MOA. grouping out to 300yrds? I don't shy from doing load development, It's part of the enjoyment I get from reloading, but I dislike purchasing something that wouldn't perform to my expectations. I've wasted more than enough money on components that didn't.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The only cartridge I have loaded with BL-C(2) is the 303 British but plenty of loaded use it in both NATO cartridges successfully.

Remember, BL-C(2) = WC846 which the government used for the 7.62mm NATO.
H335 = WC842 used in the 5.56mm NATO.

 

[entropy]

I've used a number of different Hodgdon powders for both .308Win. and .223Rem. with good to excellent results. Sadly, none of them are currently available. BL-C(2) is listed for use in both calibers, but I'm wondering if it will perform as well as Varget and H4895 do. Does anyone have experience using it for either, or both, calibers and getting >.5MOA. grouping out to 300yrds? I don't shy from doing load development, It's part of the enjoyment I get from reloading, but I dislike purchasing something that wouldn't perform to my expectations. I've wasted more than enough money on components that didn't.

BL-C(2) is my go-to powder for .223. I have also loaded .30-30 Win. with it, (with mixed results) 7.62x39 (good results) and 7.62x54R (meh.) I don't load .308, so can't advise on that, but since BL-C(2) approximates the powder for 7.62x51 NATO, I'd think it would be a good .308 powder. Varget is my (barely) second choice for .223, and that only due to unpredictable availability.

.5 MOA is primarily the individual gun; powder choice might tighten them up a little, but load data within that powder would have more effect on group size. I only shoot to 200 yds, so I can't advise on that aspect either.

 

[Random 8]

BL-C2 is a fine powder in both calibers you mention. I don't shoot Bench Rest or "built" match/F-class rifles, so can't speak to the accuracy standard you mention, but I've gotten it under 1 MOA in service rifles in both calibers. It does seem to be temperature sensitive, so work up your loads in the warmest conditions you might shoot.

I did use it extensively in .223 service rifle loads during and shortly after the last powder shortage, and found I needed an extra .1mil of elevation when temps were in the 50s vs the mid-80s I worked the load up in. Groups held up though.

 

[Charlie98]

I don't think BL-C2 is really considered a match powder... that is to say, I would not expect it to produce .5MOA at 300yds unless the stars just lined up for you. As Random mentioned, it is not temperature stable, and has also been described to me as quite 'blasty,' which is why I don't use it in my M1a. The short answer is 'yes' it will work in both cartridges... if it's all that's available, there is your answer.

 

[Average Joe]

I use BL-C2 for .223 and .308, its a ball powder and meters very well. I get good and accurate results with this powder in both calibers.

 

[Dudedog]

BL-C(2) worked well for me in .223 but that was for ammo shot in a Mini14 something not known for accuracy.
It does meter well but is temp sensitive.

 

[jeeptim]

Blc-2 is my go to very versatile for many rifle calibers. Have a grate deal of success 223, 308, 300B/O and 303 brit among others.

 

[Captcurt]

I had a Rem 700 with 20" bull barrel that I ran Varget and BLC-2 through. I have a target somewhere with 5 shots at 100 yards measuring .319 with the BLC-2 and 168 gr. SMK. That gun was fun.

 

[bluetopper]

A very good, very versatile great metering powder with tons of data around for the past 50 years. It will emit a boom and a fireball not to be out done, especially out of a shorter barrel.

 

[Ifishsum]

My 100/200yd match ammo for .223 is loaded with BL-C(2)...53 and 69gr...and it was tied with my best accuracy load in .204 Ruger. It's underrated IMO. Meters beautifully.

 

[Charlie98]

It will emit a boom and a fireball not to be out done, especially out of a shorter barrel.

Which is why I don't use it in my 16" M1a. The muzzle brake makes it loud enough as it is...

 

[rondaxe]

I haven't developed a load for any of my 308's with it but I do have one for my 06 using 150 gr. bullets, it does seem to be a little dirtier than other powders.

 

[entropy]

Which is why I don't use it in my 16" M1a. The muzzle brake makes it loud enough as it is...

It does bark a bit out of my 10.5" AR pistol.