Powder question

[TonyInFla]

I have an 8lb. Jug of WC852 I got from my brother. it smells all right and I did a burn test with a small amount and it seems to burn fine. Any one know what this is and what it's used for?

 

[KansasSasquatch]

I found this: http://www.castpics.net/LoadData/Surplus/default.html

WARNING: WC852 and WC852f are different burn rates.WC852 uses IMR 4831 dataWC852f uses H380 data

Looks like you should start with IMR 4831 starting loads and work up if you're going to use that powder.

 

[kerreckt]

I have used WC852/Lot 47288 for loading 30.06 with 150gr FMJ. Loads 50-56 gr worked well with 54.5 gr giving the best accuracy using my '03 Springfield. Different lots have different qualities and this lot is a bit slower than H414. Work up slowly looking for signs of over-pressure.....good luck and enjoy.

 

[TonyInFla]

Thanks for the info. It looks like this powder is mainly useful in 270 and 30-06.
I shoot 223 and 308. Not sure yet what I'll do with this powder yet.

 

[medalguy]

I've used a lot of that powder in .30-06, but let me caution you again, that is a pulldown/milsurp powder, and there are at least two very distinctly different lots of it around, probaby more. The burn rate is very different between the two lots. If you're going to use it, PLEASE read up on milsurp powders, start very low, use a chrono, and carefully work up a load for your rifle. This is not like using cannister grade powder. It's good, and it used to be cheap (that's why I bought a lot of it) but you do need to use it carefully.

 

[TonyInFla]

Thanks again, but I don't think I'm going to use this stuff. Not sure what to do with it as the powder is pretty old and I don't have a 270 or 30-06.