BLC-2 and .223/556

[badboybeeson]

running low on Varget so saving that for my 308 guns

Looking at a test load for 25.7gr of blc-2 with 55gr campro/ivi for ar15 as a plinking load.
What say you for load date on blc-2 for 223 in a SEMI auto.
bbb

 

[Ganderite]

Is accuracy important?

If so, I suggest magnum primers and the Lee Factory Crimp.

Load 10 each of 22 to 27 gr and shoot for function and accuracy. Each rifle is different. Mine likes 26 gr.

 

[badboybeeson]

Is accuracy important?

If so, I suggest magnum primers and the Lee Factory Crimp.

Load 10 each of 22 to 27 gr and shoot for function and accuracy. Each rifle is different. Mine likes 26 gr.

its mosly going to be within 100m and just basice cqb.tactical shooting.
always use lee crop die on my loads for ar15

I,m mostly using 14.5 inch bbl

ill do just that see how it goes

 

[porpoise]

I use 26 gr with standard primer but get the occasional hangfire in verycold weather

 

[Ganderite]

its mosly going to be within 100m and just basice cqb.tactical shooting.
always use lee crop die on my loads for ar15

I,m mostly using 14.5 inch bbl

ill do just that see how it goes

For CQB accuracy is not really an issue, but 100% function is important. And you don't want to load any hotter than necessary, because the extra recoil and muzzle jump is not good.

If you are loading for CQB, I suggest a different test. Load 10 of each, starting at 20 gr. You want to find the threshold of where the action cycles AND the bolt locks back. Shoot each batch of 10 as two 5 shot groups.

Initially the bolt won't lock back. make a note of that. Then note the first load where both groups lock the bolt open. Say it is 23 gr. The load you would trust for CQB would be 2 gr heavier - 25 gr.

This factor varies hugely from rifle to rifle. One of my rifles will lock back on 17 gr. Another needs at least 23 gr.

And if you are loading light loads, it is more important to have a good crimp and the magnum primer.

 

[brybenn]

I load 22.7 for my Winchester feather light. Not that fast but it's the best the gun will group

 

[GunsNotPuns]

I use 26 gr with standard primer but get the occasional hangfire in verycold weather

BL-C(2) is supposed to be cold temperature sensitive. I haven't noticed it myself but the stuff I reloaded with it tends to be the stuff I shoot in warmer weather.

For what its worth, Hodgdon themselves say that BL-C(2) is a good choice for .223 Remington. I use Varget myself but have been mulling over switching to BL-C(2) for the slight cost savings and the fact that it meters much better than Varget. For my rifle I would wager that a 26 grain load under a 55 grain bullet would be where I would start in loads but that's my rifle...

 

[rugbydave]

I run 25.5 grains under a 62 grain PRVI fmjbt. Runs flawlessly and is sub-2moa in my 6920. BLC-2 meters great. Out of my Hornady powder charge it'll stay+/- 0.05 grains every time. That's a world of difference from loading for my precision rigs with extruded powder (Benchmark and Varget).

 

[JR Hartman]

Ganderite, any tips on how much crimp to use? how to know how much crimp to put on it?

I use the Lee factory crimp die and its excellent, but I am not sure how to know if enough is enough.

 

[Ganderite]

Ganderite, any tips on how much crimp to use? how to know how much crimp to put on it?

I use the Lee factory crimp die and its excellent, but I am not sure how to know if enough is enough.

The way I do it is by feel. As you turn it in you start feel resistance. I want to feel a definite resistance, That way I know it is doing something.

My crimped rounds show a definite mark around neck, just in from the edge. A good crimp aids ignition.

 

[ampegor]

for years the AR plinking round we all used was any 55 grn bullet and 25 grn blc2 functioned in many different AR's and was accurate enough

 

[badboybeeson]

Good info guys thanks

 

[Ganderite]

for years the AR plinking round we all used was any 55 grn bullet and 25 grn blc2 functioned in many different AR's and was accurate enough

Yes, and a CQB match only required plinking grade accuracy. But you shoot against the clock. 15 seconds to advance 5 yards and fire 10 shots from 2 mags. Speed matters.

So if you are handloading, you may as well load light. To find a good light load (100% reliable load) one has to find the load that does not lock the bolt back, and then use 2 gr more than that.

The AR does not have much recoil until you are shooting double taps, and you find muzzle jump an issue. If you don't need full power to punch paper, why load power when it does not help?

 

[JR Hartman]

thanks.

I think I had too much crimp, as it showed signs of pressure but the powder load was only middle of the road, and everything else was good.

 

[theycallmeike]

I just ladder tested BLC using Campro 55Gr.. my rifle liked 25.8 GR best

 

[heyrosco]

I settled on 26.5 with a 55 in my AR. About 100 fps less than AE factory loads, so it's a nice moderate load but not super light.

 

[badboybeeson]

25.5 gives me all round in the same hole at 50m and just ovwr an inch at 100m

 

[saskcop]

26.5 - 27 grains with the hottest primer you have. I use a firm crimp using a Lee die. Campro 55 grain or hornady 55 grainers. I have also used barrel fulls of Remington 55 grain sp's too. Minute of coyote all day long.

 

[badboybeeson]

26.5 - 27 grains with the hottest primer you have. I use a firm crimp using a Lee die. Campro 55 grain or hornady 55 grainers. I have also used barrel fulls of Remington 55 grain sp's too. Minute of coyote all day long.

Sks good info I'm digoing the powder and the load .
One more barch to test tomorrow
The I'll load 5k of them