Red label 12
New member
Does anyone have load data for 223 40 gr v Max using bl-c2 powder? My manual is about 2 years too old for the v Max bullet. Min and Max please
223 v max load data
- Thread starter Red label 12
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Natty Bumpo
Member
All of the powder mfgs have load data available online, that should be right up to date. Check out which one makes that particular powder.
NB
NB
Dakotazeb
Well-known member
I don't see why you would be concerned because your manual is 2 years old. The data should still be accurate. Besides, every gun is different and you need to start testing loads that are a little above minumum and work up. I always work up until I see signs of excessive pressure and then back off to the most accuarate load.
I start at min and work my way close to max. I go up .2 grains and load 4 rounds at each. Then when I go to the range I will shoot all 4 then wait for the tube to cool down and keep going from there. Doing it like that I was able to find a great load that will shoot all 4 damn near on top of each other for my 22-250. Now I need time to work some up for the 204 and 3 223's. I was never a big fan of the BL-c2 powder
SDJIM
New member
Zeb I think he means that his manual is so old it does not have load data for a 40 grain bullet ( 2 years TO old)
Red label 12
New member
Thanks guys, my father in law gave me all his old reloading equip a few years ago, now he is going prairie dog hunting and wants me to load him 600 rds of 223. He has a bunch of blc from back in the day that he wants me to use. I don't think he cares too much about accuracy, just wants to do a lot of shooting. Not how I would do it, but oh well
Dakotazeb
Well-known member
Thanks for setting me straight. I mis-read the original post. Just another "senior moment"!
I can't find the BLC (2) data at the Hornady site or in my Hornady reloading manuals for the 40 V-max, but the data Hossdog posted is the same as Hodgdon's data for the 40 grain Nosler BT.
Hornady lists 27.7 grains as Max for the 45 grain 22 Hornet bullet so the range given should fall within safe pressures for 40 grains. The problem is that when you go over pressure it can be a whole lot more pressure with a very little more powder. BLC (2) is temperature sensitive so what might not show pressure signs when loaded and tested in Feb/March might be pretty hot in July.
I've used BLC (2) in a .222 since the early 70's, but it isn't my favorite because it is somewhat dirty and requires more cleaning to keep things at peak accuracy, but it is a good performing powder in some cartridges and has stood the test of time.
For high volume shooting I prefer TAC or Benchmark, but the combination your FIL wants is good way to use up the old powder. Be sure to make sure the powder was stored properly and hasn't deteriorated. If it looks rusty, is clumpy, or smells off don't use it. Was it the stuff that came in a heavy wax papered can with the metal lid? If so I'd check it carefully. Powder is cheap and over pressure problems can be very expensive.
Hornady lists 27.7 grains as Max for the 45 grain 22 Hornet bullet so the range given should fall within safe pressures for 40 grains. The problem is that when you go over pressure it can be a whole lot more pressure with a very little more powder. BLC (2) is temperature sensitive so what might not show pressure signs when loaded and tested in Feb/March might be pretty hot in July.
I've used BLC (2) in a .222 since the early 70's, but it isn't my favorite because it is somewhat dirty and requires more cleaning to keep things at peak accuracy, but it is a good performing powder in some cartridges and has stood the test of time.
For high volume shooting I prefer TAC or Benchmark, but the combination your FIL wants is good way to use up the old powder. Be sure to make sure the powder was stored properly and hasn't deteriorated. If it looks rusty, is clumpy, or smells off don't use it. Was it the stuff that came in a heavy wax papered can with the metal lid? If so I'd check it carefully. Powder is cheap and over pressure problems can be very expensive.
Red label 12
New member
Good info Britt, the powder looks good it s in a gallon milk jug, he had several gallons at one time but gave some away, I have loaded 100 rds so far with a 50 grain sx, and test fired 5 rds,, no signs of excessive pressure.
Dakotazeb
Well-known member
I just dug out some of my old reloading books and in the one from Sierra they show a 40 gr. Hornet in the .223 Rem. Max load with BL-C(2) is 28.3 gr. at a velocity of 3,400 fps. 27.1 gr @ 3,300 fps, 26.0 gr. @ 3,200 fps and 25.0 gr. at 3,100 fps.
Bear in mind that the copyright date of my Sierra Reloading Manual is 1971. But the above should get you in the ballpark. Start low and work up.
Bear in mind that the copyright date of my Sierra Reloading Manual is 1971. But the above should get you in the ballpark. Start low and work up.