308 win with BL-C2 or CFE 223

7055steved

7055steved

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I'm wondering if anyone uses either of those powders and gets their version of top notch accuracy with them? I'm loading 168 Berger classic hunters in Lapua brass. I'm sure I'll get plenty enough accuracy with either powder, or the Varget that I already have based on what I've got out of this rifle already.

Near max with Varget will prob be a compressed load which I'd like to avoid if possible for the miniscule amount of runout that could be caused. Practical/theoretical reasons aside, it's just fun to see how much accuracy you can squeeze out and try new recipes :cool:

I tried a forum search and the 308 thread search but didn't find much about these ones specifically.
 
I've used BL-C(2) for both 308 and 223 since Klunk taught me to reload. I guess it depends a lot on what you call top notch accuracy.

I've been told that BL-C(2) is temperature sensitive, but I've personally never had any issues with it. BUT! I've never tried running my loads over a chrony at +30 and then -30 either. When I'm hunting I carry my spare rounds in a pocket.

I load both 150 gr and 165 gr Hornady SST's for my 308. I'm not at home right now to look up what I use for powder, but it's not a hot load. With my old SSG-69 shooting the 165 gr I got bored ringing the 800 meter gong a couple years back in Saskatchewan. So far the Desert Tech seems to like the 150 gr better. I haven't had a chance to take it out very far, but sighting at 100 you can pretty much cover a 5 round group with a dime.

I tend to stick with the SST's because I like them, they are decently priced, and they give me pretty consistent results. ( That's a nice way of saying that they are more accurate than I am) They also allow me to use one load/bullet for both my "precision" shooting and hunting. The other nice thing about BL-C(2) is that it's not the latest, greatest, whiz-bang thing to come along. As a result it's usually overlooked, and you can usually find it when all the other fancy powders are sold out. (Like the last time we had a powder drought in this country)
 
I have used them both extensively and with everything from 147 grain ball loads to 165 hunting loads. Both produce very good velocities and in some instances exceptional accuracy. I am using more BLC-2 today than CFE only because I have more of it on hand, but that being said, I have found it hard to beat 46.5 grains of BLC-2 with a CCI250 primer and either an 165 grain SST or Interbond. One ragged hole all day long.

Also, there is nothing like ball powder when sitting down to load 500 rounds in one sitting.
 
saskcop said:
Also, there is nothing like ball powder when sitting down to load 500 rounds in one sitting.
Click to expand...

Amen to that brother. I don’t think I’ve ever done 500 308’s in one sitting, but I have 223. And even 200 308’s makes you very thankful for ball powder
 
Thanks for the feedback. I'm gonna keep my eyes peeled for one or the other, whatever I come across in my travels and then do some load development with it. Maybe even make some loads this winter and check for temp sensitivity.. People do say ball powder is more sensitive, but it would be more meaningful to me to see to what extent. If it doesn't affect my velocity enough to change accuracy or trajectory much out to 400 yds (my personal hunting limit for me and my rifle), then maybe it's just not a big deal. Lately I've been on the metering train so ball powder would be nice for that!
 
46.5 grains of CFE 223 is the most accurate powder in my Browning BLR .308 win shooting both Barnes 168 gr TTSXs and Federal 165 TBBCs. For referennce, I've tested IMR 4064, Varget, RL15, H4895 with the 168 TTSXs.

You won't find data for CFE 223 and 165 g TBBCs - however, given that 48.5 grs is the Max for 168 TTSXs, I figured I would be safe using Barnes data for the TBBC loads.
 
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