I haven't used the 844, can it be used in both 223 and .308?
Yes.
http://www.223reloads.com/home/223-5-56-info/223-5-56-reloading/wc-846-loads
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I haven't used the 844, can it be used in both 223 and .308?
I haven't used the 844, can it be used in both 223 and .308?
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Ok, update with range information. Do your own homework, start low and work up. Any feedback is appreciated.
7.62 Nato, 147gr M80 Projectile, LC brass (mixed headstamps), CCI #34 primers.
Powder: WC846, Lot# SA-LC20521-109
16" barrel, chronograph 15' away from rifle
43.0gr: 2660,2614,2630,2582 (was VERY accurate)
43.5gr: 2642,2576,2650,2662
5.56 Nato, 55gr projectile, LC brass (mixed headstamps), CCI #41 primers.
Powder: WC844, lot #LC-12610
20" Barrel, chronograph 15' away from rifle
24.0gr: 2873,2930,2907,2879
24.5gr: 2923,2860,2893,2893
25.0gr: 2940,3002,2893,2924
25.5gr: 2997,2985,2996,2891 (was most accurate)
26.0gr: 3082,3065,3008,3052 (was Max load according to quickload)
5.56 Nato, 63gr SS109 projectile, LC brass (mixed headstamps), CCI #41 primers.
Powder: WC844, lot #LC-12610
20" Barrel, chronograph 15' away from rifle
23.0gr: 2603,2613,2568,2615 (accurate load)
23.5gr: 2669,2710,2668,2701
24.0gr: 2745,2754,2777 (was accurate)
24.5gr: 2854,2825,2846,2804
25.0gr: 2865,2873,2895
The 5.56 stuff seemed at least 100fps slow, assuming that the mil-spec velocity is for a 20" barrel.
Bumping this again.
I just opened a new jug of WC846 to reload some 55gr .223. Bullets are Hornady FMJ. Brass LC. Primers were Federal 205s.
Started at 26.0gr in 0.5gr increments to 27.5gr.
100 yd target today. 70F, light headwind ~5-10mph.
1:7 16" Noveske Barrel. 5 shot groups, slow fire.
Time between loads for barrel to cool to warm (can hold barrel with bare hand) but not cold.
XM193 10 shots to warm barrel
XM193 10 shot group for baseline - 3.54" (this is why I don't buy factory ammo anymore, GARBAGE)
26.0 - 1.75"
26.5 - 2.91"
27.0 - 1.46"
27.5 - 1.46" slight flattening of primers.
The first group was slight right. The second went buckshotty and center to left indicating I was probably in a bad place for barrel harmonics. Third and forth very nice groups, same POI slight right again. I think you could go to 28.5gr for a max load, but I wouldn't gain anything with my 16" barrel and I might end up in another bad harmonic. I'm stopping and settling on reloading at 27.3gr to stay in that sweet spot and a smidge down from the primer flattening.
The best load I have going for 55gr from this gun right now is 27.1gr of 4320, same brass and primers shoots a 0.90" group. Overall I'm pretty happy that an $80 jug of pull down is giving me a 1.5" group from a barrel that's no spring chicken.
I have one more jug of WC844 from a new lot I've not tried yet. I'll be working up a load for that one next week. I'll probably start at 25.5gr as that's been a decent number in the safe zone for all three previous lots I've run and I'll take it up in .5 increments to 27.0gr. Fairly certain I'll see flat primers at 26.5 and stop, but I'll load five of the next one anyway just in case.
Nice, old timer I learned from had a old Hollywood turret press set up much like that.
I wish I bought more of the W844 powder when it was $80/8lbs and more of the hornady fmj when they where .045 cents each ..... surprise surprise that combo gave very good results on paper.
I only wish I was not hesitant on the "surplus" powder.
I here that. $80 a jug is what I paid for what I have on hand. Now it's twice that for 8lbs.
ETA: $144/8lb from same vendor for 844 right now. Plus hazmat of course. For that price I can just buy Varget at $20/lb from local shops. The cheap surplus powder days are over for now.