I just tried some Hodgdon BLC-2 to see how it would work. Increased at 1.5gr per round. Went to 81gr with a Speer 350 MagTip/Rem brass/Rem 9 1/2M seated to 3.42". Temp was 42�. No sign of pressure problems yet. Bolt lift was the same as with the beginning load of 75gr BLC-2 and primers still had a nice curve to the edge and no protrusions. Belt expansion was running 0.5108 for the 75 gr load and to 0.5126 without regard to the rest of the powder increases but according to my calculations I'm starting to get near the end and near the compression point.

I went to 77gr of RL-15 with the same components and the similar expansion numbers but stopped there also. 77gr was just at the compression point.

I still haven't got it on the chronograph yet but should in the next couple of weeks.

Anyone have any new data that isn't out on the sites yet especially for BLC-2 or H380?

I would be real careful about using BLC2 in large cases as it won't show relable pressure signs. I was using it in my 35 Whelen and worked up to the max load listed in the manual. The cases showed such mild pressures that I started increasing the load one grain at a time like you did. As I went up, the velocity started going down and at 3 grains over max the primers started to push out of the case like there was excess headspace.
The primers were not flatened at all and there were no other signs of pressure. It seemed to me that the powder was not burning completely after I increased the charge over what the manual stated, so I stopped using it in my 35's. BLC2 also gave large velocity differences from shot to shot in my rifle and it makes a big bore into a real flamethrower with its muzzle flash.
I still like BLC2 in my 222 and 22-250.
so I am not saying it is a bad powder. It just seems that it burns different than other powders that I have used and you need to stay with published tested loads when using it.
Have fun with your Taylor and good shootn Dale

Please buy a el cheap $69 chrono and KNOW..

BLC2 is spiky in pressure, and I wouldn't use it for a big case
jeffe

Thanks for the input. I have a Oehler 33 chrono just haven't got it out mostly due to the weather and installing a mill in the garage.

Ball powders can be a bit cranky but I haven't heard of or experienced BLC-2 going Mr. Hyde. I was using BLC-2 data for the 416 Rem Mag from Hodgdon's #27 manual calculated for the difference in case volume. BLC-2 had close to the highest velocity at the lowest pressure for a Speer 350gr M.T., 2580 fps at 44,400 CUP, which is usually one of the first determinng factors I use to start working up a "wildcat" load, i.e., using a powder that gives the highest velocity at the lowest pressure. BLC-2 also has a very good case volume relationship, another reason I'm looking for others who might have used this or other Hodgdon ball powders, to see what the outcome is. BLC-2 DID give off a couple of nice muzzle flashes while I was doing the deed, I was shooting holes in the ground just outside my loading building about 7:30 pm (very dark out) and some flashes were almost invisible. Varget gave the highest velocity at normal pressure and will be the next powder I will try as it is reputed to be relatively temperature insensitive.

BLC-2 is also listed in the Hodgdon #27 manual as giving the highest velocities and lowest pressures in the 375 H&H along with H414 up to 250gr bullets where H4350 takes over the high ground.

I may end up with H4350 as it gives high velo at good case volume and pressure and is usually one of the most accurate powders I use for the biggies and 50 or so fps difference with 6 to 8 thousand psi pressure difference is getting into the nit picking area. Whatever I shoot isn't going to know the difference.

I have a 416 Rem and I load 86gr of RL15 for the 350 and it goes about 2600fps. For the 400 I load 82 gr of RL15 and it goes 2435fps.

Same bullet, Winchester brass and 75.5gr of Rel 15. Never bothered going any further it worked so well. If you get it chrony'd though I'm interested in your load.

I checked out another dozen or so today. BLC-2 topped out at 82gr with the Speer 350. That was near the compressed zone. Base expansion was at 0.5125" with 80, 81 and 82gr.

RL-15 went to 77 compressed and the base was 0.5110". 75 and 76 gr was 0.5106". I don't much like compressed loads so I'll stay at 75 or 76 or 75.5 whatever the chrono says.

Varget went up to 77 compressed also and the base measurement for 75, 76 and 77 was 0.5132" so 75 or 76 will be it for that powder and the Speer 350.

I hope to get to the chrono the end of next week. More rain or snow coming in on Thursday.

Makatak,
After over 25 years of reloading here in the cold country, I stay away from ball powders in most calibers. They seem to be more temperature sensitive than stick powders. The lower the temp the lower the velocity.
This seems particularly true in my .416 Taylor. I have a long necked Taylor (2.6" brass length, otherwise chamber is identical to standard Taylor). This modification gives me 80gr of water capacity under the bullet. I have been using H4350 Extreme and RX 15 with great results.
I have made up cartridges for temperature testing putting some in the freezer, some at room temperature and some in a heater duct. I let the heater duct ones heat till they are very warm to the touch, like one would get on the vehicle dashboard in Africa. Both of these powders are very stable, especially the H4350 Extreme.
So, my recommendation is to shy away from Ball powders like BL-C-2 etc and find a good stable stick powder that will show incremental pressure signs as the powder charge goes up.
Hope this helps.
The Bearman out in Montana Territory

I finally found the end of the road with BL-C(2) yesterday. I have increased by one gr increments to 85 gr where I got a 0.0003" belt increase average on 5 rounds. I have read several places that 0.0007" increase on the belt indicates pressures around 50,000 CUP and is the place to stop. 0.0003" is half that and I'm guessing it is above 48,0000 CUP and below 50,000 CUP.

I fired 5 rounds at 84 gr and they increased 0.0001" ave so it should be a safe load. 416 Rem Mag loaded at 84 gr with a 350 gr Speer MagTip is rated at 2475 fps at 40,600 CUP so cogitating and extrapolating and guessing puts the Taylor at 2390 at 46285 CUP. Now if it would only quit raining and snowing I could get it on the chrono and a target and see just what I have. That 84 gr load fills the case to the base of the neck, hence the base of the bullet, a 100% load. I LIKE IT.

I don't know if BL-C(2)has a linear or geometric curve, the Hodgdon people aren't able to give me an answer (LAWYER BULLSHIT) and I concur. Some one would use the information incorrectly and want to sue for their own stupidity. It is a military powder for the 7.62 Nato and should be fairly stable.

I also have loads worked up for RL-15 and Varget to get on the chrono. One of the three should be a winner.