Hodgdon Reloading data for BL-C2 in 8x57? Help needed

[Tbolt]

Hi All

Going to be reloading some 8x57 and haven't been able to get more powder so will be using what I have on hand.

Currently have H-414 and BL-C2 and Speer 170gr semi spitzer

I have the Hodgdon manual #26 and it lists H-414 at 49.0-53.0 grains and BL-C2 at 41.5-45.0 grain

the Hodgdon data site lists BL-C2 at 48.8-53.5 grains

There seems to be a fair distance between the 2

Does anyone have experience with BL-C2 in the 8x57? I plan on using the 414 first but I might not have enough so i want to be prepared.

 

[Andy]

Hi All

Going to be reloading some 8x57 and haven't been able to get more powder so will be using what I have on hand.

Currently have H-414 and BL-C2 and Speer 170gr semi spitzer

I have the Hodgdon manual #26 and it lists H-414 at 49.0-53.0 grains and BL-C2 at 41.5-45.0 grain

the Hodgdon data site lists BL-C2 at 48.8-53.5 grains

There seems to be a fair distance between the 2

Does anyone have experience with BL-C2 in the 8x57? I plan on using the 414 first but I might not have enough so i want to be prepared.

Use this: BL-C(2) at 48.8-53.5 grains. I use 46.0 grs with a 218 gr bullet.

 

[Tbolt]

Thanks Andy!

 

[bearhunter]

The reason for the light load in the manual dates back to the day when there might be a good chance someone would be loading .323 diameter bullets into a .318 bore and the pressures might be more than some of the early actions could handle or so the rumor goes.

Andy is right. His load is a good one although my old K98 prefers a slightly hotter load of BLC2. It could just be my lot of powder though.