Loading .223 with BL-C(2) & Hornady 75 GR BTHP #2279

[Ej3]

Below are my results:

Rifle: AR-15 with a 16” FN barrel, 1/7 twist and a YHM Phantom QD suppressor.
Powder: BL-C(2)
Bullets: Hornady 75 gr BTHP (P/N 2279)
Primers: WSR
COL & Crimp: 2.250" with light taper crimp
Cases: Mixed FC brass trimmed to 1.750”
Conditions: Overcast, 73 deg F, small breeze

Load Data*
Hodgdon: Start 23.0 gr (2646 fps) and Max 26.0 gr (2858 fps) - 24" barrel, 1:12" twist, WSR
Hornady (9th Ed.): Service Rifle Data - Start 21.2 gr (2200 fps) and Max 25.2 gr (2700 fps) – 20” barrel, 1:9” twist, WSR
Hornady (9th Ed.): NATO - Start 22.5 gr (2500 fps) and Max 26.0 gr (2850 fps) – 20” barrel, 1:7” twist, WSR

Note * - Always verify load data for yourself, starting low and working up in safe increments. Published data varies from source-to-source, and subject to typos and transposing errors. Additionally, internet posts such as this are someone’s personal experience.

Here were my results, 5 shots each at 50 yds:
BL-C(2) (23.0 gr) – Avg 2330, ES 29, SD 13, Grp 1.0”
BL-C(2) (23.5 gr) – Avg 2408, ES 43, SD 15, Grp 0.75”
BL-C(2) (24.0 gr) – Avg 2472, ES 56, SD 22, Grp 1.0”
BL-C(2) (24.5 gr) – Avg 2556, ES 49, SD 18, Grp 1.0”

A few observations:

1. My best load (IMO) was 23.5 gr which produced a 0.75” group at 50 yds with an average speed of 2408. This is a nice velocity for this bullet from a 16” barrel with decent grouping considering I am not the best shot. I believe that this would equate to approximately 2680 fps from a 24” barrel.
2. However, all three loads produced acceptable results, just judging the 50 yd results.
3. I was adjusting my scope between load tests, which maybe I should not do during consecutive load testing.
4. It is interesting that BL-C(2) and CFE223 are right next to each other on the burn rate chart, and as such my results using the same bullet with CFE223 produced similar speed and grouping. See similar results from CFE223 powder: CFE223 (23.5 gr) – Avg 2429, ES-65, SD-27, 1.00” group

 

[Dudedog]

Looks like BLC(2) worked better for you than CFE223 accuracy wise..
Did you stop at 24.5 because of pressure signs?
If not there might be another node a bit higher.

 

[Ej3]

Looks like BLC(2) worked better for you than CFE223 accuracy wise..
Did you stop at 24.5 because of pressure signs?
If not there might be another node a bit higher.

Yes, I think BL-C(2) was more accurate. No, I had only loaded to 24.5 because my rifle seems to be trending for the lower-mid range of published data for a particular grain bullet. I definitely did not have any pressure signs, even running suppressed.

I also plan on trying TAC and RL-15 with the Hornady BTHP 75 gr bullet.

 

[RodII]

BL-C 2 is my favorite powder in 222, 223 and 6MM TCU loads. I had a friend that complained that it had too much flash and boom, but I never noticed any difference from other powders.

 

[NWPilgrim]

I also find BLC2 and CFE223 very, very similar. My best load for 75-77 gr bullets inBLC2 is 24.4 which on repeated tests seems to be a very solid node. CFE was best at 23.8 and I’ve read others hitting the same node around 23.7-23.8. Like you I only had test going up near 25.0 but not over. Not sure it is worth trying for another node since it may only give another 30-50fps.

TAC and RL15 are excellent candidates. I have got excellent results with Varget and and 8208XBR, both at about 23.0 gr.

 

[frankmako]

Blc2 works well in many different rifle calibers. I use lots of it and use lots of the wcc 846 pull down powder.

 

[HankC]

I loaded 62 gr HP with BLC2 and stick powders like 4604 and H4895, BLC group sizes were larger than stick powders, but I wasn't loading to near max either since I loaded mixed brass. I suppose BLC being a ball powder like to run close to max.

 

[Random 8]

I have run that same bullet over BLC-2 for service rifle shooting in a RRA 1:8 20" during the shortage when that was all I could find in a suitable powder. I found it rather warm towards the top of Hornady's NATO data with LC brass and Fed SRm primer. Hot weather or hot barrel started to show pressure signs. I think your 23.5-24.5 range is the right place to be. I also got noticeable POI vertical shifts beyond 300 yards with significant changes in temperature.

Was very, very accurate for me though, but I went back to Varget when it became available, and now load R-15.

 

[NWPilgrim]

I loaded 62 gr HP with BLC2 and stick powders like 4604 and H4895, BLC group sizes were larger than stick powders, but I wasn't loading to near max either since I loaded mixed brass. I suppose BLC being a ball powder like to run close to max.

Exactly. All of my best BLC2 loads are within .5 gr of max.

 

[lightman]

BL-C2 is my "go to" powder in 223, although not in that heavy of a bullet. I have found that a safe BL-2C load in Arkansas gives me pressure signs in the 100º heat of the Texas Panhandle. I'm looking at some other choices but it shoots and meters so well its hard to get away from it.