Recently I was given 8 pounds of H335. In my reloading books where H335 is used for .223 Rem, using 55 grain bullets, I noticed top velocities are well below WW748 and AA2230. If WC844/H335 is a mil-spec powder for the 5.56mm, why is this powder used?
WC844/H335 powders and the .223 Rem/5.56mm NATO
- Thread starter Bluehawk
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Depends on which data source you are using and what type firearm that the data was tested in. Some data manuals show H335 or AA-2230 giving about 200 feet per second more velocity than nearly the same charge of Win 748 powder. Win 748 is slower burning than H335 and my results, having used a lot of both powders, shows that H335 WILL give more velocity in a 16" or 20" barreled AR-15. Now in a bolt action with a 26" barrel the results may differ. I suggest using Hodgdon data for 55 grain bullets as their data seems to be realistic. Work up of course and don't start with a maximum charge.
As far as WC844 powder, it's a surplus powder similiar to H335 but it's not a cannister factory powder. It can be faster or slower than H335 depending on the lot number of the 844. I've loaded several different lots of 844 and some have been faster burning and one or two lots slower. You HAVE to work up from starting charges every time you use a new or different lot number of 844 powder. When they compare H335 to WC844 they actually mean that you can use "STARTING" load data for H335 to work up your loads using 844. The 844 powder you get may be pulled down from loaded military surplus ammo or it could be a government over-run or it doesn't meet the requirements for the military to load it. Careful work up from H335 start data and a chronograph is needed to actually see what velocity you're getting while watching closely for pressure signs. I also find that in AR's pressure signs are harder to spot than in a bolt action rifle. Pressure can be quite excessive before you notice pressure signs in an autoloader like the AR.
If you were given a jug of WC844 it's only "similiar" to H335 but again, H335 or WC844 in my use of both shows it will give higher velocity than Win 748 with the same charge weight with 55 grain bullets. In some tests 24-25 grains of H335 will give higer velocities than 26 plus grains of 748 in AR's. Just be careful working up your loads.
As far as WC844 powder, it's a surplus powder similiar to H335 but it's not a cannister factory powder. It can be faster or slower than H335 depending on the lot number of the 844. I've loaded several different lots of 844 and some have been faster burning and one or two lots slower. You HAVE to work up from starting charges every time you use a new or different lot number of 844 powder. When they compare H335 to WC844 they actually mean that you can use "STARTING" load data for H335 to work up your loads using 844. The 844 powder you get may be pulled down from loaded military surplus ammo or it could be a government over-run or it doesn't meet the requirements for the military to load it. Careful work up from H335 start data and a chronograph is needed to actually see what velocity you're getting while watching closely for pressure signs. I also find that in AR's pressure signs are harder to spot than in a bolt action rifle. Pressure can be quite excessive before you notice pressure signs in an autoloader like the AR.
If you were given a jug of WC844 it's only "similiar" to H335 but again, H335 or WC844 in my use of both shows it will give higher velocity than Win 748 with the same charge weight with 55 grain bullets. In some tests 24-25 grains of H335 will give higer velocities than 26 plus grains of 748 in AR's. Just be careful working up your loads.
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Your info seems valid and will have to check into it. I do have to question though how you can differentiate slower from faster burning lots of the same powder w/o proper lab equipment.
I've never seen H335 velocities faster than WW748, for a 55 grain bullet, using max charges for the .223 Rem, in any of my reloading manuals...did I miss one??
Maj Dad
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My most accurate 5.56 load with 55 gr bullets is 25 gr of 335. I don't chrono, so the fine nuances of velocity do not enter; the nuances of accuracy do, and it is sub-moa in a couple of rifles. That said, I have a whole bunch of 748, AA2520 and several others which I use, but if I want the very best accuracy, it's H335.
SSN Vet
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25 gr. of H335 pushing a 55 gr. pullet out of an AR is a time tested classic load, which many, many people use. Including myself.
I've loaded with W748 as well, but went back to H335 for .223
You might want to read up on temperature sensitivity, as I've read that W748 is prone to ignition problems in really cold temps.
I've loaded with W748 as well, but went back to H335 for .223
You might want to read up on temperature sensitivity, as I've read that W748 is prone to ignition problems in really cold temps.
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