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March 24, 2005, 08:58 AM | #1 |
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Who is using Varget or BLC-2 in 223 AR-15?
I've picked up some Sierra Gamekings and Matchkings in wieghts from 55-68 grains to try in my AR. Thinking of using Varget or BLC-2. I have plenty of manuals, just looking for loads that have been working good for others to narrow down starting points.
Anyone have any pet loads that have been working for them? |
March 24, 2005, 11:59 AM | #2 |
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The BL(C)-2 worked well for me in my 1:9 twist Colt with 50 grain VMAX, didn't work too well with the 69 grain Match Kings. Bought some Varget to try and sold the rifle before I had a chance to work up a load for it. My BL(C)-2 load was a tiny bit over max so I'd rather not print it here, also I used a standard small rifle primer instead of the magnum primer and ignition was never a problem through 3500 rounds.
The BL(C)-2 meters wonderfully and stays very consistent out of my RCBS measure, which is great for loading in quantity. Also burned clean enough to shoot close to 1000 rounds in one weekend with no failures. |
March 24, 2005, 12:15 PM | #3 |
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I use Varget for the match ammo and BLC-2 for plinking.
The BLC-2 meters like a dream, but velocities were not as consistent as I wanted for groups under 1 MOA. 69gr Sierra Match Kings over 24grains of Varget at 2.255 OAL works best overall for me. I usually shoot 25gr of BLC-2 underr 55gr ball ammo for plinking. Both loads use CCI 400 primers. Both shoot clean and function well. |
March 24, 2005, 12:45 PM | #4 |
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I used BL-C2 in .222 Remington and .220 Swift, and was never that impressed with it. I also tried it in .300 Savage, and didn't care much for it there, either.
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March 24, 2005, 12:58 PM | #5 | |
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March 24, 2005, 01:27 PM | #6 |
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I been using 55gr V-Max with 25.5gr Varget and Win small rifle primers. Rifle is the SU-16 1:9 twist. I'm getting consistant sub 1" groups at 100 yards, prone position. I've got to say that I like this powder.
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March 24, 2005, 01:28 PM | #7 |
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I've been using 26.0g BLC-2 under 55g FMJ's in my AR and it's pretty good. With the 69g MK's, not so good, or at least not any better than the 55's, having better luck with the MK's with hand weighed charges of IMR-4064.
When I run out of this batch of BLC-2, I'm going to try some RL-15 on a suggestion from a HP shooter. |
March 24, 2005, 06:33 PM | #8 |
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I used to use BL-C2 mostly for my plinking rounds 26.0 Gr. under a 55Gr.BTFMJ and WSR primers they worked well with no problems. I have switched to Varget for 3 reasons 1- I heard from a few folks that the stuff that retards the burn rate (BL-C2) is very abrasive and will cause accelerated throat wear. I can't say if this is true or not, but I didn't want to play if it is. 2- I wanted to consolidate, why use a bunch of different powders if there is one that meets my needs for multi calibers? 3- Varget is more temprature stable than BL-C2. Varget doesn't meter as well as BL-C2 but it is still within 1/10Gr.
25Gr. BL-C2 69Gr. SMK or 25Gr. Varget 68Gr.Hornady BTHP Match. These worked best in my Bushy Varminter 24" BBL 1-9 twist .015" off the lands. J |
March 24, 2005, 06:58 PM | #9 |
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I'd really like to try some BL-C2 myself, but i'm afraid of change and i'm cheep. I use Varget for all my loads in my .223. 25.5gr. with a 69gr. HPBT , 26.5gr. with 60gr. V-max. neither show pressure signs in my rifle and shoot very well.
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March 24, 2005, 07:35 PM | #10 |
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Good info guys, I appreciate it.
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March 24, 2005, 08:53 PM | #11 |
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I use 25.5 grains of Varget with the Sierra 69 grain HPBT MatchKing. Results are excellent out of my Colt H-Bar Elite.
I have tried Varget with lighter bullets, 52gr through 62 gr with less than stellar results. I've found Winchester 748 seems to give better results with bullets in this range. Have some fun experimenting, your rifle will tell you what it likes. Take Care |
March 24, 2005, 09:41 PM | #12 | |
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<WC846 - (Cross reference loading data BL-C(2) or WIN 748) $79 > at; http://www.hi-techammo.com/ |
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March 26, 2005, 06:21 AM | #13 |
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Try AR15.com/general/reloading goto page 3 "what is your favorite .223 load?"
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March 26, 2005, 11:59 AM | #14 |
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Thanks for the continued interest. I've loaded up 6 different loads, Varget in all with two OAL and two powder charges with two bullets. Should be a good start. The gun they are going in only has about 50 rounds through it, and I want to get an idea of what it wants for OAL, speed, bullet weight, etc. That information hopefully should narrow down where to start on the next batch.
The Varget went through my Redding 3BR very nicely, some crunching and cutting but well within a tenth of a grain consistency for thrown charges. I am really impressed with this measure. |
April 4, 2005, 03:45 PM | #15 |
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I get very nice accuracy with the 68gr Sierra MatchKing using 24.0 grains of Varget.
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