Best powder for the BLR '81 in 358

[Spot Shooter]

So far I've had luck with IMR 4895, but a while back one of you guy's suggested AAxxxx can't remember which.

  I plan on loading up a slightly tamer load this year, and am hoping the guy that chimed in will cough up this recipe.

Thanks,
Spot

[Harry Snippe]

So far I've had luck with IMR 4895, but a while back one of you guy's suggested AAxxxx can't remember which.

  I plan on loading up a slightly tamer load this year, and am hoping the guy that chimed in will cough up this recipe.

Thanks,
Spot

I do not know what you were loading ,but  some people were loading  AA2015 though I do not have it in front of me . Maybe some one could come forward.

48.0 grams of AA2520 CCI primer with 255 gr. sierraspizter or the same powder and charge with 225 Gr Nosler BT  with win Primer is what I have on hand. These loads are with formed Federal cases Load down 10% to start

[Spot Shooter]

Harry,

  That could be it, I think they feller was gett'n real good groups out of his mix.

   How does yours group?

Thanks,
Spot

[Rick Teal]

There is one guy on the web who gets great accuracy and velocity with an earlier version of AA2015BR.  He doesn't like the newer stuff as well.

I've always used Win 748, and have been happy with it, however, I plan to experiment with some of the newer powders in the next while.  I've had good results shooting 220 grain bullets over 48 grains of 748.  My velocity is somewhere in the 2350 fps range.

[Country Boy]

yes, it's me. I'm still combing back alleys and every place to find some of the old aa2015br. I shot the manitoba record bear for 2004 with my blr .358 44 grns of  AA2015br(old stuff) and the .250 speer bulet. One shot, bear fell on the spot. Sq. 7' 4" 536 lbs and 21 6/16 it is in the Manitoba record book.
 My substitute power now is 748 53 grains with the .250 speer vel 2370 in my Blr. I know it's way over anything in the books and it fills the case halfway up the neck but it works fine in the blr don't use it in a 99 savage!

[Harry Snippe]

I have not worked that much with the 358 since this is the second year that the BLR has been in for repair . Last year the bolt started to rub on the hammer and it would then also not pull the hammer back the last noch.
This spring the cartridge started sticking in the chamber after firing . You would need to wait  five to ten seconds before you could lever another round .

So it is back to Browning .
I started off using H4895  and had sub inch groups with it .
I finished the last week of deer hunting with it and then put the rifle away until this spring .
I loaded few rounds of225 sierra and some 220 Speer this spring but never got things off the ground.
Three rounds of each, but the rifle sticking , blew my  my groups for the day , and I could not get the factory stuff to shoot that day.
hopefully I can get the issues resolved. Not much fun having a rifle in the box just for the cold winter months and in for repairs , when you should be shooting it.



This keeps up it might just get a new owner. :cry:

I am thinking of tubing a 98 Mauser then for the 358W as I doubt Iwould ever find another lever in such.
I had such high hopes in the BLR. It would be just perfect for the country in which I hunt. Heavy bush to mixed farm land for deer Moose and big black bear.
Happy

[pagris]

Spot Shooter:  My .358 BLRs like IMR 3031, but then I am using lighter weight bullets like the 180 grain Speer Flat Points and the 200 grain Hornady RN.  I have also had some good experiences with IMR's SR4759 for light plinking loads.  I would also suggest that you be careful with the C.O.L. of your loads.  One of my BLRs has a fairly short throat and the 180 grain Speers will actually be jammed into the lands at Speer's recommended C.O.L. - of course this may be different with your rifle - my BLRs are fairly old (1977 and 1980).

Good luck with it - it is a great cartridge and a great rifle.