Understanding BL-C(2) Powder
What’s BL-C(2) Powder?
The .308 Winchester cartridge, a flexible and time-tested spherical, enjoys immense recognition amongst hunters, goal shooters, and army personnel alike. Its inherent accuracy, comparatively flat trajectory, and skill to deal with a variety of bullet weights make it a favourite for varied capturing disciplines. A key element of reaching optimum efficiency with any cartridge, notably the .308, lies in understanding and using correct and dependable load knowledge. Secure and efficient reloading requires a deep dive into varied parts, together with the number of applicable propellants. On this complete information, we’ll discover the intricacies of reloading the .308 Winchester with a concentrate on **BLC2 Powder For 308 Load Knowledge**. We’ll delve into this particular powder, offering important info, load knowledge, security tips, and sensible ideas that will help you craft personalized and high-performing .308 hundreds.
Understanding that this may be harmful, let’s begin with the data and steps it is best to take to be a secure and accountable reloader.
Traits of BL-C(2)
BL-C(2) is a spherical propellant manufactured by Hodgdon. It stands out resulting from its versatility and suitability for a variety of cartridges, together with the .308 Winchester. This powder incorporates a comparatively quick burn price, making it a wonderful selection for reaching excessive velocities with lighter to medium-weight bullets. Its spherical form contributes to constant metering, which is essential for reaching uniform powder costs and, in the end, optimum accuracy.
BL-C(2) powder’s formulation is designed to supply a constant and predictable burn, lowering the possibilities of strain spikes and guaranteeing that the power is transferred to the projectile effectively. It’s a double-based powder, providing each energy and good temperature stability.
Benefits and Disadvantages
The benefits of utilizing BL-C(2) in your .308 hundreds embody its capability to ship glorious velocities, notably with bullets within the 150-175 grain vary. The spherical form and constant metering make it straightforward to make use of with a powder measure, permitting for constant charging. It’s additionally an economical choice, with an inexpensive worth per pound.
Conversely, some shooters discover that BL-C(2) may be a bit much less forgiving than another powders. Whereas it gives excessive velocities, it additionally creates elevated recoil. Moreover, resulting from its ball form, it may doubtlessly produce a barely higher quantity of residue when in comparison with extruded powders, though this usually isn’t a problem in a correctly maintained firearm. Nonetheless, these are minor in comparison with the efficiency one can find.
Security First: A Non-Negotiable Precedence
Security Gear and Practices
Handloading ammunition is a rewarding interest, nevertheless it calls for strict adherence to security protocols. Neglecting these precautions can result in extreme accidents and even demise. By no means take the handloading course of flippantly.
All the time put on security glasses. These will shield your eyes from flying particles, primer fragments, and any potential powder spills or explosions. Gloves can present a greater grip and preserve your arms cleaner. Whereas elective, they contribute to security.
Retailer your powder and primers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space, away from warmth, open flames, and direct daylight. Preserve them out of attain of youngsters and pets. Powder and primers are inherently harmful.
The reloading course of calls for precision. First, put together your brass by cleansing, inspecting, and sizing it. Subsequent, set up a primer. Then, precisely cost the case with the correct quantity of powder, following established load knowledge. Seat the bullet to the proper total size, after which carry out a closing inspection to make sure every thing is appropriate.
Utilizing Load Knowledge and Recognizing Strain Indicators
Load knowledge, whether or not from a handbook or a good supply, is your guiding mild. All the time adhere to the really helpful powder costs, bullet weights, and total cartridge lengths. By no means exceed the utmost load. Beginning on the low finish of the load knowledge and dealing up is essential for security and efficiency optimization.
Be consistently conscious of the indicators of extreme strain. These embody flattened or cratered primers, troublesome bolt opening, ejector marks on the case head, and bulging circumstances. Should you observe any of those indicators, instantly stop reloading and seek the advice of your reloading handbook or a certified gunsmith.
Get hold of and make the most of a reloading handbook from a good supply. These manuals provide a wealth of knowledge, together with load knowledge for varied cartridges, powders, and bullet weights. Comply with the information offered diligently. One other key merchandise for reloading is an effective scale to measure powder. All the time have your gear cleaned, and calibrate your scale earlier than use.
.308 Load Knowledge with BL-C(2)
Earlier than starting to reload, it’s important to seek the advice of a number of sources for load knowledge. Begin with info offered in respected reloading manuals comparable to these printed by Sierra, Speer, Lyman, or Hodgdon. You may as well discover info on the Hodgdon web site. This knowledge is introduced for informational functions solely. All the time work up your hundreds. This info needs to be used to create your hundreds, as security is of paramount significance. The next is a few instance knowledge:
Bullet Weight and Sort: Understanding the Choices
The .308 Winchester can accommodate a variety of bullet weights, providing versatility for searching, goal capturing, and general-purpose use. The selection of bullet weight considerably impacts efficiency, and the number of BL-C(2) powder needs to be tailor-made to your chosen bullet weight.
For lighter bullets, comparable to these within the 125-150 grain vary, BL-C(2) can ship distinctive velocities and a flatter trajectory. This makes it well-suited for varmint searching and goal capturing at average ranges.
Medium-weight bullets, within the 165-175 grain vary, are a typical selection for the .308. BL-C(2) gives glorious stability with these bullet weights. These bullets are good for searching medium-sized sport and are sometimes favored for longer-range goal capturing.
Heavier bullets, these within the 180-grain or heavier vary, will not be the perfect match for BL-C(2), because the burn price could also be too quick to attain optimum efficiency. Slower-burning powders like Reloader 17 or IMR 4064 may be higher selections for these bullets.
Load Knowledge Desk
To supply a place to begin on your .308 Winchester reloading with BL-C(2) powder, here’s a pattern load knowledge desk, which *have to be verified together with your reloading manuals and knowledge sources.*
| Bullet Weight (Grains) | Bullet Sort | Powder Cost (Grains) | Primer Sort | Case Sort | OAL (Inches) | Estimated Velocity (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | FMJ | 46.0 (Begin) – 49.0 (Max) | CCI BR-2 | Winchester | 2.800 | 2750 – 2950 |
| 168 | HPBT | 44.0 (Begin) – 47.0 (Max) | Federal 210 | Remington | 2.820 | 2600 – 2800 |
| 175 | HPBT | 43.0 (Begin) – 46.0 (Max) | Federal 210 | Winchester | 2.820 | 2550 – 2750 |
***Vital Notes relating to the information:*** *This desk is for informational functions solely and isn’t an alternative to diligent analysis, and following the recommendation from reloading manuals and different trusted sources. All the time seek the advice of a number of sources and begin with the minimal really helpful powder cost.* *All the time begin with the START load proven on this desk.* *Use a chronograph to confirm velocities.* *These figures are approximate and might differ based mostly on components comparable to barrel size and environmental situations.* *All the time work up hundreds slowly, rising powder costs in small increments (0.5 grains or much less) whereas fastidiously observing for strain indicators.*
Extra concerns when working up hundreds embody the kind of bullet, total cartridge size, case kind and primer kind.
Important Concerns and Sensible Ideas
Case Preparation: An Vital First Step
Correct case preparation is prime to secure and correct reloading. This includes cleansing, inspecting, trimming, and chamfering the case mouths. Clear circumstances guarantee a constant powder burn and scale back friction through the loading course of. Examine your circumstances for any indicators of harm, comparable to cracks or dents. Trim the circumstances to the proper size to make sure constant neck pressure on the bullet. The chamfer and deburr the case mouth to facilitate bullet seating.
Primers: The Ignition Issue
Primer choice impacts accuracy and velocity. Use the primer really helpful by your reloading handbook. Customary primers are appropriate for many .308 hundreds. All the time be certain to seat the primers flush with the case head.
Crimping: Optionally available however Vital
Crimping is typically used, notably for searching hundreds, to enhance bullet retention and guarantee constant bullet pull. Nonetheless, it isn’t required for all .308 hundreds. Seek the advice of your reloading handbook for suggestions.
Measuring Velocity: Utilizing a Chronograph
A chronograph is an indispensable device for any reloader. It lets you measure the precise velocity of your hundreds. Use a chronograph to make sure your hundreds are performing as anticipated. This can assist to determine any issues and fine-tune your hundreds.
Temperature Results: An Usually Ignored Variable
Temperature impacts powder burn price and strain. Pay attention to these adjustments when reloading, particularly in several climates. Retailer your ammunition in a constant temperature surroundings.
Troubleshooting Frequent Points
Inconsistent velocity may end up from a number of points, together with inconsistent powder costs, variations in primer ignition, and bullet seating depth. Use a constant powder-charging method, and at all times seat bullets to the proper depth.
Tough bullet extraction is one other signal, and could also be an early signal of overpressure. Stop capturing and re-evaluate your load.
Extreme recoil, notably with heavier bullets or greater powder costs, could make capturing uncomfortable. Adjusting the powder cost to decrease the recoil is an choice.
Conclusion
BL-C(2) is a viable choice on your .308 Winchester handloading wants. When used with the proper hundreds, it’s an efficient selection. Prioritize security above all else, adhering to established tips. All the time use correct gear and observe load knowledge meticulously. With cautious loading, you’ll be able to fine-tune your hundreds for optimum efficiency.
Disclaimer
Handloading ammunition is inherently harmful and carries important dangers. This text gives info for instructional functions solely and isn’t an alternative to accountable reloading practices. All the time seek the advice of dependable reloading manuals and knowledge sources. The consumer assumes all dangers related to handloading. The writer and writer of this text will not be accountable for any accidents, damages, or losses ensuing from using this info.
References
Hodgdon Reloading Knowledge Middle: (Hyperlink to Hodgdon reloading knowledge)
Sierra Bullets Reloading Handbook
Speer Reloading Handbook
Lyman Reloading Handbook
(add different respected sources)
