Using The Mil.Surplus WC867 & WC872

[ladytrapper300]

Mil.Surplus WC867 & WC872 . I can buy a 8ib keg of either for only $39.00 + HAZ-MAT fee iam gonna order some primers from the same site. I have the loaddata www.wideners.com says to use Accurate 8700 load data for either powder . I would like to here some commets about these Surplus Powders

 

[medalguy]

I've never used either but I can tell you they are used in big cartridges like .50 BMG and 20mm by the military, so they likely would work in any big magnum cartridge like .338 WM, .338 Lapua, .338 WBY and the like.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Mil.Surplus WC867 & WC872 . I can buy a 8ib keg of either for only $39.00 + HAZ-MAT fee iam gonna order some primers from the same site. I have the loaddata www.wideners.com says to use Accurate 8700 load data for either powder . I would like to here some commets about these Surplus Powders

From everything I've read WC872 is the none canister cousin of 5010 and that's the best data for that powder. When using WC867 the best data is AA8700 like you said or H870.

What caliber are you loading? Both those powders are extremely slow and probably best used for the 50 Cal.

 

[wv109323]

You didn't mention what caliber you are using it in or what type bullet. My experiece is that it takes a case full loaded with some compression of powder. These are the slowest of powders available and not not efficient in medium cased calibers, (anything smaller than 30-06)
Depending on application you will need magnum primes and possibly duplex loads.

 

[ladytrapper300]

Wc 867 & wc 872

I am loading for my new Remington Model 700 SPS 300 Ultra Magnum 26"bbl matte black

 

[Slamfire]

Shoot the stuff up if you buy it. Surplus powders are on the market because the military determined the stuff is too old to keep, it has exceeded its shelf life and don't expect it to last as long as new powder. I had about half of my surplus IMR 4895 go bad, one jug fumed, another the powder caused over pressure issues and cracked case necks.

There is a reason the stuff is cheap, but I don't consider it a good buy as I have had to toss 50% of what I bought.

 

[helotaxi]

Some surplus powder is old stock pull-down, but not all. Some of it is genuinely surplus, as in they made too much of it. Production overrun. Call it what you want, but the government never had possession of it and it is new manufacture. I'm playing with some Data 85 that fits that category right now.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I think you'll be pleased with the WC-867 in your .300RUM.
I've been shooting some WC-860 (similar, but ever so slightly faster burning) in my .300RUM since 2005 (got it for $25.00/8lb).

Do use the Federal 215 primer. With the CCI magnum primer, velocities are as much as 200fps lower and much wider spread....

Use of 180gr or heavier bullets also helps.
The reason the WC-860 was surplused is that it is VERY TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE.
Loads worked up in the summer may be significantly slower in cold temps. Likewise, loads worked up in cold weather may be overpressure in 90degF+ heat.

Like another poster noted, expect to use near full case loads. These powders won't respond well to reduced loads either...

 

[Slamfire]

Some surplus powder is old stock pull-down, but not all. Some of it is genuinely surplus, as in they made too much of it. Production overrun. Call it what you want, but the government never had possession of it and it is new manufacture. I'm playing with some Data 85 that fits that category right now.

Could be the powder is so off spec that it was not appropriate for Government weapons.

But you know, someone still did not want it.

Pour out enough kegs of the stuff and all those happy ideas of getting bargin end up on the lawn.