[strat81]

Surplus powder can be a great value... www.gibrass.com and www.wideners.com usually have some in stock. They usually list XYZ milsurp powder as similar to ABC commercial powder. However, I've read some articles that state that is not always true.

So, what do you all recommend I do if I want to experiment with such powders? Obviously, I would not start at max loads. Should I start at minimum loads (or -10% if no minimum is given) and work up from there, checking for signs of overpressure? How necessary is a chronograph? I currently reload for 9x19, M43, and .223 if that matters, and I reload mostly for economy, but accurate ammo is always a bonus.

[snuffy]

I've been using surplus for over 5 years. The first I got was from hi-tech, then I discovered Jeff Bartlet at GI brass. Also be sure to check out pat's reloading, http://www.patsreloading.com/patsrel/prices.htm Pat has the biggest selection, but can be real slow about getting out orders.

What you have heard about bulk surplus powders, is they aren't a canister grade powder, meaning the burn rate can and does vary from lot-to-lot. Also, some is pull-down powder, it was loaded in military ammo that has been de-milled, the powder saved for us economy minded reloaders. Since it usually comes in 5 or 8 pound jugs, once you have a load worked up, you have a lot of powder to use up.

It usually comes with a data sheet, telling you what commercial canister grade powder it most closely matches. Then normal safe loading practices of starting low and working up will result in safe, cheap loads. The use of a chronograph would be a nice addition, but not necessary unless you're shooting at long ranges. Then you should know the actual velocities.

I'm currently using the following; WC-844,(H-335) WC-846(BLC-2), 4895,(IMR 4895) 4759,(IMR 4759) and WC-860(H-870). I've shot up at least 2 8 pounders of the WC-844 in .223 and .308, great powder! I just got the 4895 and WC-846, so not much experimenting done yet.

Jeff had a small amount of 2 powders one time when I was calling in an order. One was almost the same as WW-231, reclaimed from 45 auto. I got a 5 pounder, wish I had got 3 more! Used it up in my 40 S&W. He also had got in some Chinese powder that was an over-run for some ammo manufacturer. It was a pelleted shotgun powder he dubbed NM-04. Similar in burn rate to Dupont PB or Alliant green dot.It's awesome for 12 gauge, but I haven't had much luck getting it to work in pistol, except for 9mm I loaded for a friends Ruger,( for MY use).

Pat's will cut you a deal on the hazmat if you order 4 or 6 jugs. But that requires a huge cash outlay. I usually wait until I have a bunch of friends to take some of the order, so I split the shipping and hazmat, but still get a couple of jugs for myself.

[Walkalong]

Surplus is a great way to go if you are experienced at working up a load. If you are not, just ask for help. You can save a lot of money with surplus. I have shot SRB-118 surplus from Accurate in .223 & .222 Mag for years. I bought 4 8Lb jugs. I also have some 2230-S from Accurate. :)

Accurate has limited data for most of their surplus stuff.

[FieroCDSP]

I am glad someone mentioned Pat's. I had no idea they were there. It's only a half-hour from here!!!

[snuffy]

I am glad someone mentioned Pat's. I had no idea they were there. It's only a half-hour from here!!!

Notice on his website, he can't take walk-ins for a while, he's backed up on phone/internet orders. Possible calling ahead might get you a pick-up time, you'll have to check.

[FieroCDSP]

Notice on his website, he can't take walk-ins for a while, he's backed up on phone/internet orders. Possible calling ahead might get you a pick-up time, you'll have to check

I saw that and was thinking about it that way. Maybe do it as a pick-up phone order like Ammunition Store in Canton does. I was thinking of buying up some of his close-out Makarov bullets, but I could certainly use some powders. Money is lacking though. :(