Published: 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Hodgdon BL-C(2) is a medium-fast-burning, double-base spherical powder with a genuine military heritage. The “BL-C” designation traces to the original Lake City Arsenal powder used for 7.62 NATO (.308 Winchester) ammunition in the 1950s and 1960s, and the specific burn rate position makes its military origin immediately understandable: it was precisely calibrated for 308 Winchester with 147-150 grain military ball bullets in M14 and M1A gas systems. Hodgdon eventually acquired and commercialized the formulation, adding the “(2)” to distinguish the commercial version.
That military origin defines everything about the powder’s properties. Ball geometry metering – essential for consistent high-volume military ammunition production. Burn rate calibrated for the 7.62 NATO case and 150 grain bullet at M80 ball velocity specifications. A pressure curve that produces adequate gas port pressure for reliable semi-automatic cycling without excessive action battering. These properties transfer directly to civilian service rifle competition and hunting use.
The powder is not part of the Hodgdon Extreme series. Its temperature sensitivity (~1.2-1.5 fps/°F) is standard double-base ball powder behavior – manageable for service rifle competition and hunting at practical distances, requiring seasonal awareness for precision long-range applications.
This article is based on published manufacturer specifications, established load data, and documented field reports. Specifications and performance figures can vary between lots, rifles, and conditions. If you have loaded Hodgdon BL-C(2) in practice – leave a comment below: real-world experience from the reloading bench is what separates verified data from manufacturer claims.
Powder Description and Technical Profile
Hodgdon BL-C(2) is a double-base, spherical powder. The double-base chemistry – nitrocellulose plus nitroglycerin – provides the energy density that drives 308 Winchester and 223 Remington to competitive velocities. The nitroglycerin content also contributes to the reliable cold-weather ignition that military ammunition specifications require.
The spherical geometry is the primary practical advantage. Uniform spheres pack into a powder measure drum consistently at any cycling speed, producing charge-to-charge variance of 0.04-0.07 grains on quality progressive equipment. For an NRA High Power competitor or service rifle shooter loading large batches of 308 Winchester match ammunition on a Dillon XL 750, this metering consistency eliminates the overhead that extruded alternatives require.
Bulk density is approximately 0.990 g/cc – very high, reflecting the dense packing of small spheres. In 308 Winchester with 150-168 grain bullets at working charge weights, case fill runs 88-96%, adequate for consistent ignition and low position sensitivity.
The sustained linear pressure curve is the property most important for semi-automatic gas system performance. BL-C(2)’s burn rate was specifically calibrated to generate adequate gas port pressure in the 7.62 NATO / M14 gas system while maintaining a pressure profile that doesn’t spike sharply against the operating rod.
Strengths:
- Ball geometry metering (0.04-0.07 grain variance) – enables high-volume progressive press production; the dominant practical advantage
- Military 7.62 NATO heritage – burn rate and pressure curve were specifically developed for 308 Winchester in gas-operated service rifles; decades of military and commercial documentation
- High bulk density (0.990 g/cc) – produces good case fill in 308 Winchester and 223 Remington at working pressures
- Double-base energy density – delivers competitive velocity in 223 Remington and 308 Winchester at appropriate pressures
- Versatile application range – documented for a wide range of medium-capacity rifle cartridges
Limitations:
- Temperature sensitivity of ~1.2-1.5 fps/°F – standard double-base ball powder behavior; substantially more variable than Hodgdon Varget or Hodgdon H4895 across seasonal swings
- No flash suppression – produces more visible muzzle flash than flash-suppressed alternatives like Accurate 2495 or Accurate 2520
- Double-base higher carbon residue than single-base Extreme series alternatives at equivalent pressures
- 17 Hornet application not appropriate – the burn rate is far too slow for the tiny 17 Hornet case; fast powders like Hodgdon H4198 are required there
- 30-30 Winchester application marginal – BL-C(2) is at the slower end for 30-30 Winchester; IMR 3031 is historically better matched
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hodgdon Powder Company |
| Heritage | Military 7.62 NATO / Lake City Arsenal |
| Type | Double-Base Spherical (Ball) |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | ~0.990 |
| Grain Shape | Small Spherical |
| Coating | Traditional Deterrent |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium-Fast Rifle |
| Temperature Sensitivity | ~1.2-1.5 fps / °F |
Burn Rate Positioning – The BL-C(2) Neighborhood
Understanding where BL-C(2) sits among adjacent powders is essential for correct application selection:
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Burn Position | Key Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H335 | Double-Base Ball | 0.980 | Faster | 223 Rem / 5.56 NATO |
| Accurate 2520 | Double-Base Ball | 0.975 | Slightly Faster | 308 Win Camp Perry |
| Ramshot TAC | Double-Base Ball | 0.985 | Similar | 223 Rem / 308 Win |
| Hodgdon BL-C(2) | Double-Base Ball | 0.990 | Reference | 308 Win / 223 Rem |
| Winchester 748 | Double-Base Ball | 0.980 | Similar | 223 Rem / 308 Win |
| Hodgdon Varget | Single-Base Short-Cut | 0.910 | Slower | 308 Win / 6.5 CM |
| Hodgdon H4895 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.880 | Slower | 30-06 / M1 Garand |
The original article lists Hodgdon H335 as “slightly faster” and Accurate 2520 as “slightly slower” than BL-C(2). This is approximately correct – both sit within one to two positions. The practical distinction: H335 is more specifically optimized for 223 Remington with 55-62 grain bullets; BL-C(2) is more specifically optimized for 308 Winchester and covers 223 Remington with heavier 55-69 grain bullets.
Temperature Stability – Practical Assessment
1.2-1.5 fps per degree Fahrenheit means a 60°F seasonal swing (cool October development to hot July use) produces approximately 72-90 fps velocity variation in 308 Winchester.
For NRA High Power service rifle competition at 300-600 yards: 72-90 fps produces approximately 1.5-2.5 inches of vertical shift at 600 yards – meaningful for tight-group shooting, requiring seasonal load verification or a temperature-corrected solution.
For hunting at 0-300 yards: the same variation produces less than 1 inch at 300 yards – within practical hunting tolerances with a current-season zero.
| Powder | 60°F Swing | At 300 yards | At 600 yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon Varget | ~25-30 fps | <0.5″ | ~1″ |
| Accurate 2520 | ~48-72 fps | ~1″ | ~2″ |
| Hodgdon BL-C(2) | ~72-90 fps | ~1.5″ | ~2.5″ |
| Winchester 748 | ~72-90 fps | ~1.5″ | ~2.5″ |
Management protocol: for competition ammunition used across a season, develop maximum charges at the warmest expected match temperature and verify velocity with a chronograph at the start of each season.
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
vs. Hodgdon Varget: The most important practical comparison. Varget is a single-base short-cut Extreme series powder at a slightly slower burn rate with ~<0.5 fps/°F stability – approximately 3-5x more thermally stable than BL-C(2). Varget is the benchmark for 308 Winchester bolt-action precision and 168-175 grain match loads. BL-C(2) provides better progressive press metering from ball geometry and higher velocity from double-base energy. For high-volume service rifle production and applications where seasonal variation is managed through chronograph verification, BL-C(2) is the practical efficiency choice. For year-round precision competition where seasonal consistency without recalibration is essential, Varget is the more appropriate choice.
vs. Accurate 2520: Accurate 2520 is the direct double-base ball competitor – often called the “Camp Perry Powder” for the same service rifle competition market. It burns slightly faster than BL-C(2) and includes a flash suppressant. BL-C(2) has the longer military heritage data history and comparable metering performance. For service rifle competition loading, the choice between them often comes down to flash suppression preference and which produces better standard deviations in the specific rifle being loaded. Charge weights are not directly interchangeable.
vs. Winchester 748: Winchester 748 burns at a comparable rate to BL-C(2) with similar density (0.980 g/cc) and similar double-base ball powder temperature sensitivity. Both are documented for 223 Remington and 308 Winchester with comparable performance. They are largely interchangeable in application; load development in the specific rifle guides the final choice. Charge weights are not interchangeable.
vs. Hodgdon H335: H335 burns slightly faster and is the military 5.56 NATO heritage ball powder – specifically calibrated for 223 Remington with 55-62 grain bullets in AR-15 carbine-length gas systems. BL-C(2) is better matched for 308 Winchester and 223 Remington with heavier 62-69 grain bullets. For a shooter loading only 223 Remington with standard 55-grain FMJ, H335 is the more specifically documented choice. For 308 Winchester from the same powder supply, BL-C(2) is the more versatile option.
vs. Ramshot TAC: Ramshot TAC is a double-base ball powder at a comparable burn rate, specifically optimized for 223 Remington with 50-69 grain bullets and 308 Winchester target loads. Both are legitimate alternatives; load development in the specific rifle guides the selection between them.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Hodgdon BL-C(2) is most efficiently used in medium-capacity rifle cases where the burn rate produces the pressure-velocity ratio the 7.62 NATO heritage was designed around.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 308 Winchester | 147-175 gr | Primary application – military 7.62 NATO heritage |
| 223 Remington | 50-69 gr | Standard to heavy varmint and match |
| 22-250 Remington | 50-60 gr | Mid-weight varmint and predator |
| 30-06 Springfield | 150-168 gr | Standard hunting and service rifle |
| 243 Winchester | 80-105 gr | Standard hunting weights |
| 7mm-08 Remington | 140-162 gr | Deer hunting loads |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | 120-140 gr | Lighter bullets – verify data |
| 284 Winchester | 150-168 gr | F-Class and hunting |
308 Winchester is the powder’s home territory from its military development. With 147-168 grain service rifle bullets, BL-C(2) produces gas port pressure appropriate for M14/M1A and AR-10 cycling while maintaining accuracy competitive for service rifle competition. The CCI No. 34 mil-spec primer is required for all semi-automatic M14/M1A and AR-10 platforms to prevent slam-fire from the floating firing pin.
223 Remington with 50-69 grain bullets is the second primary application. BL-C(2) is documented for this range and produces competitive results. For standard 55-grain FMJ 223 Remington training loads, Hodgdon H335 is more specifically matched. BL-C(2) becomes more appropriate as bullet weight increases toward 62-69 grains where H335’s slightly faster burn is at the edge of efficiency.
Applications the original article overstates:
17 Hornet: The original article lists this as an application for BL-C(2). This is incorrect – the burn rate is far too slow for the tiny 17 Hornet case. Hodgdon H4198, Alliant Reloder 7, or IMR 4198 are the appropriate fast-rifle powders for 17 Hornet. Do not use BL-C(2) in 17 Hornet.
30-30 Winchester: The original article includes 30-30 Winchester. BL-C(2)’s burn rate is at the slower end of what 30-30 Winchester uses efficiently; IMR 3031 is historically the better-matched powder for this lever-action cartridge. If published Hodgdon BL-C(2) data exists for 30-30 Winchester, verify it and use it cautiously as a secondary option, not a primary choice.
Bullets
Hodgdon BL-C(2) produces best results with standard-to-heavy service rifle and hunting projectiles in medium-bore calibers.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra | MatchKing | 168-175 gr | 308 Win | Service Rifle Competition |
| Sierra | MatchKing | 52-69 gr | 223 Rem | Match / Varmint |
| Hornady | V-MAX | 50-55 gr | 223 Rem | Varmint Hunting |
| Hornady | Match | 168-178 gr | 308 Win | Precision Match |
| Nosler | Partition | 150-165 gr | 308 Win / 30-06 | Big Game |
| Nosler | Ballistic Tip | 95-165 gr | 243 Win / 308 Win | Open Country Hunting |
| Sierra | GameKing | 150-168 gr | 308 Win / 30-06 | Hunting |
| Hornady | InterLock | 150-168 gr | 308 Win | Reliable Hunting |
| Barnes | TTSX | 130-168 gr | 308 Win | Lead-Free Hunting |
| Berger | Hybrid Target | 155-185 gr | 308 Win | Long-Range Competition |
Have you loaded Hodgdon BL-C(2)? Your practical data on charge weights, service rifle cycling reliability, accuracy in 308 Winchester or 223 Remington, or temperature behavior helps other reloaders more than any spec sheet. Leave a comment below.
Primers
Hodgdon BL-C(2) as a double-base ball powder ignites reliably from standard large rifle primers in 308 Winchester bolt-action applications and standard small rifle primers for 223 Remington. For semi-automatic platforms with free-floating firing pins (M14/M1A, AR-10, AR-15), a hard-cup mil-spec primer is required to prevent slam-fire.
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Federal GM210M | Large Rifle Match | 308 Win competition – gold standard |
| CCI BR-2 | Large Rifle Benchrest | Competition lowest SD |
| CCI 200 | Large Rifle Standard | 308 Win, 30-06 general |
| Federal 210 | Large Rifle Standard | Consistent general use |
| Winchester WLR | Large Rifle Standard | Hunting loads |
| CCI No. 34 | Large Rifle Magnum (Mil-Spec) | Required for M14/M1A, AR-10 |
| CCI 450 | Small Rifle Magnum | 223 Rem cold weather / ball powder consistency |
| CCI No. 41 | Small Rifle Magnum (Mil-Spec) | Required for AR-15 semi-auto |
| CCI 400 | Small Rifle Standard | 223 Rem general development |
| Federal 205 | Small Rifle Standard | 223 Rem precision loads |
| Remington 7-1/2 | Small Rifle Bench Rest | 223 Rem benchrest |
| RWS 5341 | Large Rifle | Premium European 308 Win |
| Fiocchi Large Rifle | Large Rifle Standard | Consistent European alternative |
| Sellier & Bellot V360587 | Large Rifle Standard | Consistent international option |
CCI No. 34 for M14/M1A/AR-10 and CCI No. 41 for AR-15 are required in semi-automatic platforms. Standard primer cups can detonate from the inertia of the free-floating firing pin as the bolt carrier group chambers a live round – producing an out-of-battery discharge.
Metering and Equipment Compatibility
Hodgdon BL-C(2)’s ball geometry is the dominant practical advantage on progressive press equipment. On a Dillon XL 750 or Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, the Dillon Precision Case Activated Powder Measure Assembly handles BL-C(2) with near-liquid flow consistency at normal cycling speeds.
For precision single-stage loading, auto-dispensers including the RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme and Hornady Auto-Charge Pro handle the small dense spheres efficiently.
The original article’s neck tension Pro Tip (0.002-0.003 inch) applies to all powders, not specifically to spherical powders. Consistent neck tension is universally important for uniform initial pressure and low extreme spread.
Static electricity: small dense spherical grains accumulate static in plastic hoppers. Ground the drop tube or treat the hopper with an anti-static dryer sheet in dry winter conditions.
Reloading Safety Notes
All charge weights must come from current published Hodgdon load data for BL-C(2) specifically. Do not substitute Hodgdon H335, Winchester 748, or Accurate 2520 charge weights without independent verification.
Do not use BL-C(2) in 17 Hornet. The burn rate is far too slow for this case. Use Hodgdon H4198 or IMR 4198 for 17 Hornet.
Semi-automatic platform primer requirement: CCI No. 34 for large-rifle platforms (M14/M1A, AR-10), CCI No. 41 for small-rifle AR-15 platforms. Standard primers carry slam-fire risk in these gas-operated semi-automatic designs.
Temperature protocol: develop maximum-pressure loads at the highest expected firing temperature. At 1.2-1.5 fps/°F, a load at maximum charge developed in cool October can show elevated pressure in August summer competition.
Start 10% below the listed maximum and work up in 0.3-grain increments. Watch for flattened primers, stiff bolt lift, ejector marks.
See the overpressure in reloading guide for systematic pressure sign identification.
FAQ
Is BL-C(2) the same as Winchester 748?
No – both are double-base ball powders at similar burn rates in the same application class, but they are different commercial products with different manufacturing origins and slightly different charge weight requirements. Neither charge weight is directly transferable to the other. The perceived similarity comes from their shared burn rate class, military heritage associations, and overlapping application range. Load development proceeds independently for each from its own published data.
Does BL-C(2) require magnum primers?
No – standard large rifle primers work adequately for 308 Winchester bolt-action and hunting applications at normal temperatures. The mil-spec primer cup (CCI No. 34 for large-rifle semi-autos) is required for M14/M1A/AR-10 platforms specifically to prevent slam-fire – this is a cup hardness requirement, not a brisance requirement. Magnum primers are useful for cold-weather applications below 20°F.
Is BL-C(2) good for 6.5 Creedmoor?
Published Hodgdon data may exist for 6.5 Creedmoor with lighter 120-130 grain bullets where the effective case volume makes BL-C(2)’s burn rate more appropriate. For standard 6.5 Creedmoor loads with 140-143 grain match bullets, Hodgdon H4350 is the standard choice. Verify from current Hodgdon published data for the specific bullet weight before loading.
Conclusion
Hodgdon BL-C(2) maintains its place in the medium-rifle powder market through its genuine 7.62 NATO military heritage, ball geometry metering efficiency, and documented versatility across 308 Winchester, 223 Remington, and associated medium-capacity service rifle cartridges. For the high-volume service rifle competitor or hunter loading hundreds of rounds on a progressive press, the metering efficiency is the primary justification.
The temperature sensitivity (1.2-1.5 fps/°F) and the absence of flash suppression are the honest trade-offs versus more technically capable modern alternatives.
Choose Hodgdon BL-C(2) if you load 308 Winchester and 223 Remington at high volume for service rifle competition or hunting and want ball powder metering with 7.62 NATO heritage documentation. Choose Hodgdon Varget if year-round Extreme series temperature consistency is the priority for 308 Winchester precision. Choose Accurate 2520 if flash suppression is specifically needed for tactical or competition applications and ball powder metering is required. Choose Hodgdon H4895 if 30-06 Springfield M1 Garand loading with Extreme stability is the application.
Editor’s note: Published load data and manufacturer specifications are the starting point – not the final word. Field experience from reloaders who have actually worked with this powder is the most reliable guide to what it does in practice. If you have used Hodgdon BL-C(2), share your results in the comments.
Editorial note: Originally published 2026, revised May 2026. The revision added the burn rate positioning table with actual density values replacing the original comparison table’s vague “High” density entries. Corrected the 17 Hornet application – the original listed it as an application for BL-C(2) which is factually incorrect; the burn rate is far too slow for this small case. Added the 30-30 Winchester caution noting IMR 3031 is better matched. Added the temperature stability table with 300/600-yard impact figures for service rifle competition context. Added the H335 and Ramshot TAC competitor comparisons. Clarified the neck tension Pro Tip as applying universally rather than specifically to spherical powders. Added the CCI No. 34 and CCI No. 41 slam-fire primer explanations for respective platforms. Extended the bullet and primer tables with full internal links. Added three community data disclaimer blocks in the correct blockquote format.
