Here is the information provided from the supplier, Wideners,
Dear Reloaders,
Here is my experience with 846 powder.
I started out with once fired 308 brass, LC05 military.
Trimmed to length, full length resized.
Primer = CCI #34 military primer.
Bullet= MBM80 150gr FMJBT bullet w/c.
Firearm= Springfield M1A standard model bought about 1987.
(It has been shot a lot over the years)
I started out with 40.5 grains which was a bit mild, but it did function the
rifle with no FTF, FTE, etc.
I worked up to 43 grains of 846 with the resulting chronograph reading with that load as follows:
43.0 GRAINS, 150gr FMJBT bullet.
1. 2725
2. 2698
3. 2708
4. 2749
5. 2718.
I tested the chrono with known factory military ammo and the readings were all around 2750 for this chrono indicating that
I was getting good data.
There were no signs of excess pressure with 43 grains. The primers were flattened some, but not beyond a normal expected amount.
I also went up to 45 grains with some signs of pressure as the primers were beginning to flatten more than with 43.0 grains. No blown primers with
any loads. I think I will stay at 43 grains for my loads, or maybe 42.5. I shoot at about 100 meters and the slightly reduced loads are fun to shoot and
they are all I need for the 100 meter range.
A military listing shows 45 grains of 846 for 147gr M80 bullet. Remember that this is also the load that functions an M60 so approach that load with caution.
You must understand that this is surplus powder and not canister powder. Canister powder is consistent from lot to lot as tested by
the manufacturer so that loading data will remain constant. So, this means that this powder may vary some from keg to keg as can ALL surplus powder from any dealer
and you should be aware of this. ALWAYS START with a reduced amount of powder and work up your loads to the level you want. Check for pressure, velocity, case
damage, primer flattening, etc. This powder will probably not vary much, but your results may be very different from mine. That is the nature of
surplus powder. You save quite a bit, but you must always approach it with care. You should approach ALL powder with care, even first rate canister powder
from the major manufacturers.
Some people say that blc(2) or H335 is equal but remember these are ONLY guidelines! Work up your own load with this powder that is best for your
rifle, your shooting range, your bullet and your special circumstances. You can’t get exact loading data so do your own.
Have fun. I really like this powder. It meters well, it is cheap, it is clean and looks brand new, there is no clumping and it gives an excellent grouping.
It looks like and meters like 748 ball powder.
I was shooting about a 3” group with iron sights at 100 meters off a sandbag.
Good for me and my old eyes and considering this is not a NM rifle. (not even NM sights)
Good shooting,
Stan Widener
