WC844 and 223 55 grains

[kestak]

Greetings,

Let's double check!!!

Hitech ammo says it can cross reference with H335.
I got they pulled bullets 55 grains 223 caliber.
I plan to use Wolf 223 primers and when I run out I plan to use CCI SM primers (I think the number is 400, but it is not the 41 ones for sure).

When I look Hogdon website, it gives 2 loads:
21.4 to 22.8 for 55 GR. SFIRE
23.0 to 25.3 for 55 GR. SPR SP

My bad luck is that the second load starting point is higher than the highest point of the first load!!!!!

When I look at my Lymans or Speer books they both give a higher load starting point and maximum.

Those will be plinking rounds. I plan to start my load with 21.4 grains of WC844. If my AR cycles and I get a decent group at 100 yards I plan to keep it.

Any of you see ANY problem with that?

Thank you

 

[NCsmitty]

Don't even count the loads listed for the sintered frangible bullet because they do not have the properties that your lead/copper bullets exhibit. The Speer soft point data is more appropriate.

That said, care does need to be taken when using surplus powder like WC844, as burn rates can vary by lots from the similar powder that you are using for cross reference.

Once you establish the powder's burn rate, mark the canister with the high and low charges used.
It probably will be ok to use the start load that you listed.




NCsmitty

 

[kestak]

Greetings,

It is the powder just bought at hitech ammo. They say to use the H335 load data.

On hogdon website the range is only 2.3 grains with the Speer. In my book the range is more 3.5 grains and one other has 4.1 grains.

I am a little bit concerned about high pressures. Some references mention from lot to lot the burning rate of the powder changes. If I start with 22.0 grains, do I have a risk to have a squib? Would it be really better that I start with 23.0 grains?

I will be using this ammo exclusively in two RRA CAR-15. I really am looking to cycling the round and decent precision at 100 yards. This ammo will really be used as tactical practice by my wife (i.e.:shooting on torso size targets while walking) who can go through 500 rounds in one shooting session.

Thank you

 

[medalguy]

I am using WC844 that I bought about 18 months ago in an M16. I load about 25 grains with 55 gr FMJBT and it works my rifle fine. I like to load the lowest load that will satisfactorily cycle my rifle plus about 5%, so I'm not beating up the rifle. Broken full autos are not repairable generally.

I would suggest that you start at about 22.5 - 23.0 gr and work up, particularly with WC844. Use a chrono if you have one to see where you are velocity-wise. Your lot may vary considerably from mine. If you plan to load a lot of this powder, you should buy multiple cans of powder so you don't have to go through the work-up with a different lot. If you buy again in 6 months, it may be a different lot, so buy it all at one time.

 

[kestak]

Range report:

Just shot 5 rounds with 22.5 grains. My gun blew up, I lost an eye and one testicles....JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!!

The gun cycled fine and the group was a nice 2 MOA.

Second odd question of the day: How do I know too low is too low? Can I do 22 grains? Will a simple failure to cycle will be the right sign? Can it have a squib before I see failure to cycle?

DISCLAIMER: This is surplus powder. They say it matches closely with H335. If it would be H335, I would follow the recipee like I follow the 10 commandments.

Thank you

 

[medalguy]

If 22.5 gr cycles your gun and picks up the following round consistently, and if you are satisfied with 2 MOA (can YOU shoot better? Your gun should) then that's a good load for you. I think the military load is about 28 gr or thereabouts. I think you'll start seeing failures to pick up following rounds (short cycling) long before you have danger of a squib.

 

[NCsmitty]

You'll find that the pulled 55gr FMJ may be part of the problem for getting better than a 2" group, especially if they are the open base style. They should be fine for plinking though.




NCsmitty

 

[kestak]

Greetings,

I am not expecting more than 2" at 100 yards with the pulled bullets. I can cloverleaf at 100 yards with my Hornady bullets SP.

Like I said, this is for plinking only and my wife shoots TONs of 223. Saving just a little bit at the end multiplies in great savings.

Thank you