222 Rem and BLC2

[jlorenzo]

Doing some load dev for a friends rifle, 80s Rem700. All I have powder wise that seems feazable is BLC2, 52gr Hornady BTHp and Speer BTHP. Never worked with a 222 before, I'm going off Hornady book max for now which has been conservative imo with other calibers. I know BLC2 is temp sensitive but going into winter I'm not too worried.

 

[DGP4]

Sorry to say this, but you need faster powder for that round.

 

[AA Ron]

I shot 25.5gr with a CCI 400 under a 50gr SX as a kid in my L-461.
Aaron

 

[jds holler]

I've shot many pounds of BLC in my 222 for many years. I'm usually using 40 gr bullets, but I've done a lot at 50 and up to 55 gr.

I've since changed my 222 into a 20-222, but I'm still using BLC. Also use it in my 22BR.

I guess I kind of love BLC-2. One of the things I love about it is that I can usually get it. jd

 

[jghoghunter]

All I ever shot out of my 222 in a 722 was blc2 and that was roughly 69 pounds of powder. Works great. I shot 50-55 grain bullets. Mostly Hornady 50 gr sxsp and sierra 52 mk. I also shot the same loads in -10 to 100+ degree weather. Never a problem.

 

[DGP4]

I guess I am surprised it works for you guys in 222REM. In all my .223s I could never get it to work.

 

[JEFFPPC]

I've shot many pounds of BLC in my 222 for many years. I'm usually using 40 gr bullets, but I've done a lot at 50 and up to 55 gr.

I've since changed my 222 into a 20-222, but I'm still using BLC. Also use it in my 22BR.

I guess I kind of love BLC-2. One of the things I love about it is that I can usually get it. jd

What weight bullets are you shooting in your 22 br. Currently I am using vv135 with 55 Blitz, makes little holes. Works well on groundhogs also. But, I found a jug of BLC back under my bench I forgot about.

 

[Cemetery21]

Back in the 70s, I had a 700 Varmint in 222. It shot bugholes with BL-C2 and 50 gr SXs.
Shot 24 starlings straight out of a brush pile one day at about 175 yards. Only quit 'cause I was burning up ammo.
Probably the only rifle I regret letting go.

 

[jds holler]

I had to pull out my binder and see what all I'd used in the 22BR. Prolly 90% of the shooting I've done with that rifle has been 40 gr V-Max, and much of that with BLC. Some also with Benchmark and H335.

My barrel is a 14 twist, so I haven't messed with anything heavy, BUT-- I got a great deal from a member here with a butt-load of 55 gr. Sierra Blitz seconds. I tried IMR 4895 with them, and they shot great. Great for me, is .3 to .5 inches. jd

 

[SSL]

I would try other powders, simply because of my bias against BLC2. I got a can of it back in 1988 for a .222. Starting at the listed starting charge, I proceeded to blow the primer and ruin the extractor on a 722 the first shot . Had the extractor replaced and pulled all loads. Starting over, I re-weighed a charge and loaded one round. Blown primer. Switched to H322 and all was well. I later found out that there was a lot number that had problems and was hot. Pre-internet, so info was slow to get out. Just never trusted it again, though I know that is a little unreasonable. Too many suitable powders out there for me to revisit BLC2.

 

[snert]

Simply, it will work. There are other powders that are better. But if it is what you have, use it and see if your gun is ok with it.

Later, get some 322 or N133

 

[JEFFPPC]

Back to the .222. Up until my current 700 BDLs current factory. 222 barrel my powder for 222s was always 4198. When I had this new .222 factory sporter barrel installed it was terrible with everything I tried. I was ready to order a custom barrel but a long time friend swore by H4895 in is several bench. 222s. I tried it, it's amazing. With Bart 52 gr bullets it shoots like a built varmint rifle.

 

[No manches"]

I guess I am surprised it works for you guys in 222REM. In all my .223s I could never get it to work.

Same here"...it shot ok, but not accurately!

 

[No manches"]

I would try other powders, simply because of my bias against BLC2. I got a can of it back in 1988 for a .222. Starting at the listed starting charge, I proceeded to blow the primer and ruin the extractor on a 722 the first shot . Had the extractor replaced and pulled all loads. Starting over, I re-weighed a charge and loaded one round. Blown primer. Switched to H322 and all was well. I later found out that there was a lot number that had problems and was hot. Pre-internet, so info was slow to get out. Just never trusted it again, though I know that is a little unreasonable. Too many suitable powders out there for me to revisit BLC2.

I agree,..LT32 and AA2200 have been my cat's meow!.

 

[boltfluter]

H4895 was my go to in my old Remington 722 in .222. Great little rifle.

Paul

 

[SSL]

I agree,..LT32 and AA2200 have been my cat's meow!.

Yeah, I use a lot of AA2200 in my .223 (no .222s any more) with bullets from 50 to 68 grains in an 8T barrel. Doesn't give the fastest velocities, but accuracy in my rifle with it is excellent across a wide bullet weight range. Besides, it meters like a dream!

 

[pintopete]

Doing some load dev for a friends rifle, 80s Rem700. All I have powder wise that seems feazable is BLC2, 52gr Hornady BTHp and Speer BTHP. Never worked with a 222 before, I'm going off Hornady book max for now which has been conservative imo with other calibers. I know BLC2 is temp sensitive but going into winter I'm not too worried.

JLorenzo, the .222 Rem is generally a laser accurate caliber, or has that potential. While the powder you have is not ideal, you can’t load what you don’t have. If you have the opportunity in the future, grab some H322, H4198, N133, or similar for the .222. In the meantime, I like to follow the Hodgdon load data. I know you have 52gr bullets, but Hodgdon only lists BLC-2 in 53gr. If you can find them, Sierra 53’s shoot quite well for mass produced bullets. I have no first hand experience with the bullets you mentioned. Set them .015” off the rifling, and have fun.

Best of luck, Peter.

 

[No manches"]

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