BLC2 for 308?

Headgear · January 7, 2010, 06:59 AM

I just bought a 308, Forster press, dies, primers, etc. I wanted to start rolling some up and make it to the range this weekend but no powder. I have some BLC2 that I use for my 223's on hand. I looked on Hodgdon's site and sure enough they have a recipe for it. I read quite a few posts in the past and don't remember anybody bragging about using it in their 308's.

I like using it cause it meters well but I've always used extruded powder for larger loads. Anyone know the pro's and con's of it with 308's I am looking for semi-long range accuracy, up to 600yards. Of course I will be using it a lot shorter for siting and working up loads to begin with. I'm using 175 HPBT Match King. Let me know what you think.

Thanks,
David

GeauxTide · January 7, 2010, 10:43 AM

I've used BLC2 and 748 in my 308. My rifle didn't like BLC2, but 748 gave top velocity. Ball powders have been dirty for me.

gman3 · January 7, 2010, 12:28 PM

I used a pound of it once, it was OK but didnt produce the best accuracy in my rifle. I also found it to leave my barrel really dirty. The best accuracy I have been able to get with my .308 was with RL 15 and 155 Hornady A Max bullets or 155 Sierra SMK Palma bullets. Either will put 10 shots in one hole @ 100 yds. BTW the rifle is a Savage 10 FCP 24" barrel 1 in 10 twist. Just FWIW.

Starvingboy · January 7, 2010, 02:19 PM

I reload a bit of .308, and so far blc-2 is my preferred powder. Works well with my lee setup.

Headgear · January 7, 2010, 06:17 PM

gman3,

I was on the fence on whether to go with a Savage or a CZ. I finally went with the CZ550 varmint in 308. I hope I made a good decision. I just got it this week and new a Nikon 8-32x50. They ordered the wrong rings for it. If I can find some locally I'll take her to the range this weekend and see how she runs. I sure hope I can get the same accuracy as your getting. It may take some tweaking to get there but you can bet I'll try your suggested ingredients.

Thanks for the info!!!
David

**Unclenick** · January 7, 2010, 07:12 PM

On paper (QuickLOAD, actually) BL-C(2) looks like it should be OK, at least with bullets on the heavier side, which should keep the burning a little cleaner. I've never tried it in .308, mostly just because of what you've found, it has no reputation there. My .308 loads usually favor 748 or 2520 among spherical propellants, IME, though I've also heard some good things said about TAC, which I keep meaning to try.

Slamfire · January 7, 2010, 07:38 PM

I don't see any reason why BLC2 won't work, but my preferences are IMR4895/AA2495/H4895 in the 308. These stick powders perform very reliably in a wide range of 308 rifles.

At best, my Dillion 550B throws IMR 4895 within a half grain. At worst, I don’t know, I don’t want to know. But my 308 ammo shoots sub MOA out to 300 yards.

gman3 · January 7, 2010, 08:42 PM

When I tried it my rifle was brand new, so that may have had something to do with the accuracy I was getting, but with about 700 rounds down the tube I'm getting outstanding results with my current load which is with RL 15. Although it is a heavy rifle and scope, it is an absolute assassin on deer out to about 450. On the bench, it has shot 3 inch groups at 700 yds. so I cant complain and dont plan on changing anything. At any rate thats just what works for me, I'm sure that if you spend the time on the range practicing with what you have and experimenting with different loads, you will find the one that you like and one that gives you excellent results. The key to the whole thing is taking the time to practice with your rifle, trying different loads and bullets, and launching a lot of lead down range.

**Unclenick** · January 10, 2010, 04:13 PM

RL 15 is also what the military now uses in M118LR for sniper issue. Very good stuff. Just not what he has on hand to try.

joneb · January 10, 2010, 09:41 PM

I used BL-C2 in a Howa 308 Win. 22" 1:12 it did well with 168gr Nos BT but it did burn a little dirty. I normally use Varget which works very well with this rifle.

January 7, 2010, 06:59 AM	#1
Headgear Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2008 Location: Southeast, IN Posts: 123	BLC2 for 308? I just bought a 308, Forster press, dies, primers, etc. I wanted to start rolling some up and make it to the range this weekend but no powder. I have some BLC2 that I use for my 223's on hand. I looked on Hodgdon's site and sure enough they have a recipe for it. I read quite a few posts in the past and don't remember anybody bragging about using it in their 308's. I like using it cause it meters well but I've always used extruded powder for larger loads. Anyone know the pro's and con's of it with 308's I am looking for semi-long range accuracy, up to 600yards. Of course I will be using it a lot shorter for siting and working up loads to begin with. I'm using 175 HPBT Match King. Let me know what you think. Thanks, David

January 7, 2010, 12:28 PM	#3
gman3 Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2008 Posts: 408	Have used it I used a pound of it once, it was OK but didnt produce the best accuracy in my rifle. I also found it to leave my barrel really dirty. The best accuracy I have been able to get with my .308 was with RL 15 and 155 Hornady A Max bullets or 155 Sierra SMK Palma bullets. Either will put 10 shots in one hole @ 100 yds. BTW the rifle is a Savage 10 FCP 24" barrel 1 in 10 twist. Just FWIW.

January 7, 2010, 07:12 PM	#6
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	On paper (QuickLOAD, actually) BL-C(2) looks like it should be OK, at least with bullets on the heavier side, which should keep the burning a little cleaner. I've never tried it in .308, mostly just because of what you've found, it has no reputation there. My .308 loads usually favor 748 or 2520 among spherical propellants, IME, though I've also heard some good things said about TAC, which I keep meaning to try. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

January 10, 2010, 04:13 PM	#9
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	RL 15 is also what the military now uses in M118LR for sniper issue. Very good stuff. Just not what he has on hand to try. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

January 7, 2010, 10:43 AM	#2
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	I've used BLC2 and 748 in my 308. My rifle didn't like BLC2, but 748 gave top velocity. Ball powders have been dirty for me.

January 7, 2010, 02:19 PM	#4
Starvingboy Member Join Date: September 17, 2008 Posts: 74	I reload a bit of .308, and so far blc-2 is my preferred powder. Works well with my lee setup.

January 7, 2010, 06:17 PM	#5
Headgear Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2008 Location: Southeast, IN Posts: 123	gman3, I was on the fence on whether to go with a Savage or a CZ. I finally went with the CZ550 varmint in 308. I hope I made a good decision. I just got it this week and new a Nikon 8-32x50. They ordered the wrong rings for it. If I can find some locally I'll take her to the range this weekend and see how she runs. I sure hope I can get the same accuracy as your getting. It may take some tweaking to get there but you can bet I'll try your suggested ingredients. Thanks for the info!!! David

January 7, 2010, 07:38 PM	#7
Slamfire Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 5,261	I don't see any reason why BLC2 won't work, but my preferences are IMR4895/AA2495/H4895 in the 308. These stick powders perform very reliably in a wide range of 308 rifles. At best, my Dillion 550B throws IMR 4895 within a half grain. At worst, I don’t know, I don’t want to know. But my 308 ammo shoots sub MOA out to 300 yards.

January 7, 2010, 08:42 PM	#8
gman3 Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2008 Posts: 408	When I tried it my rifle was brand new, so that may have had something to do with the accuracy I was getting, but with about 700 rounds down the tube I'm getting outstanding results with my current load which is with RL 15. Although it is a heavy rifle and scope, it is an absolute assassin on deer out to about 450. On the bench, it has shot 3 inch groups at 700 yds. so I cant complain and dont plan on changing anything. At any rate thats just what works for me, I'm sure that if you spend the time on the range practicing with what you have and experimenting with different loads, you will find the one that you like and one that gives you excellent results. The key to the whole thing is taking the time to practice with your rifle, trying different loads and bullets, and launching a lot of lead down range.

January 10, 2010, 09:41 PM	#10
joneb Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2005 Location: Central , OR Posts: 1,888	I used BL-C2 in a Howa 308 Win. 22" 1:12 it did well with 168gr Nos BT but it did burn a little dirty. I normally use Varget which works very well with this rifle.