BLC2 for .223 Question

[TwinStick]

The bottle says to use 27.5 grains with a 55 gr. bullet, but the Lyman book says between 25 grains and 27 grains max. What happens if I already loaded 50 rounds at 27.5 grains?

[CalTeacher]

Why didn't you start lower than the listed charge on the bottle and work up? That's what you should have done if you were using a new powder.

Anywho, you have two options: 1. Shoot them and record the results. 2. Invest in a kinetic bullet puller and start over.

If you are ever unsure about your powder charge, abide by option 2.

Personally, I think they'll be fine, but it's your gun.

[TwinStick]

To answer your question, I didn't have the manual beforehand and I charged them with what the powder manufacturer said.

Since I have a bunch of prepped cases ready for charging I think I'll just hang on to those already loaded with 27.5 grains but set them aside for now. I'll start with the 25 grains that the Lyman book suggests and work my way up. That way I can make a more informed decision on whether or not to shoot them or pull them after shooting different loads first.

[Agustav]

I think you should be ok with 27.5 gr... at least I doubt a gun in reasonable good condition will blow up on you with that load.

I've loaded up to 28.0 gr of BLC-2 with just a slight fattening of the primer (CCI) for my 18" SPR. In fact if you look at different load manual, there are usually some discrepancy in max load. Just proceed with caution next time. Good luck!

[Cowboy T]

Hmm...I'd say you're probably fine, assuming your rifle is chambered for 5.56 NATO or is a ".223 Wylde" chamber like that found in Mini-14's and a lot of (but not all) AR's. Remember that NATO rounds are hotter than civilian .223 Rem.

Before, you didn't have a reloading manual. Now you do, and you know the rules. Go gettum, and above all, be safe.

[TwinStick]

Thanks all. Yes, it's chambered in 5.56 (or more precisely it's a Noveske chamber). Thanks again, and now I know the rules

[G-forceJunkie]

The bottle does not tell you to load 27 grains. It says 27 grains is what they consider max, under the conditions they tested the powder for that bullet. It is standard practice to start 10% lower then max which would be 24.4 grains. Different reloading books will have different max charges. You have to read the fine print to see what conditions they used to come up with those charge weights. Different length bullets, seating depth, crimp, etc can all effect the pressure.

[Pete1979]

BL-C2 is pretty slow for 223, it should be just fine at 27.5gr in a 5.56. I have loaded over 27 gr of H-335 for my bolt gun with 52 gr bullets and had no real issues except a stiff bolt.

[Fjold]

Use the hodgdon.com website it has all the recommended loads for all of their powders.

You are loading right at maximum pressure levels the first time that you are using the powder? That's not the best practice, unless you're going for the Snake Plisken look

[CS Sports]

Noveske barrel? If so, I would pull the bullets, dump the powder and start over.

Many, if not most, custom barrels have tighter bores and will exhibit higher pressure than typical factory barrels.

Is $15 worth of bullets and a few minutes of your time really worth risking your rifle and/or face?

[Anti-Hero]

I reload .223 with BL-C(2), using 26gn. I like the powder a lot, and it meters better than any other I've used.