Which Surplus Powder?

[upperb]

Hi all.

I want to shoot cast bullets from my 03-A3. I am in on the 311291 group buy.

Will any of the following surplus powders be suitable for accurate loads with these bullets? If so, which one(s)?

IMR-7383

SR-4759

WC-860

WC-872

IMR-5010

Thank you all very much in advance.

[chuebner]

My 03A3 likes 18-20gr. of SR4759 with the 311291 bullet sized to .309. Never tried the other powders you listed. My K31's and Finn Mosin also like that powder with several different bullet styles.

Charlie

[Maven]

upperb, Search the archives for IMR 7383, IMR 5010, WC 860 and WC 872. There has got to be a carload of information on those powders available.

[Marlin Junky]

4759 will work fine but it doesn't go through a conventional powder measure very well. Good news is that 3 or 4 of its briquettes normally weigh 0.1 of a grain so if you're dribbling, 4759 is one of the fastest powders to weigh. I'd get the 4759 while I could (if you don't need to charge cases quickly) 'cause it's not available in surplus form very often. It does shoot very well.

If you want to buy a 311284 mold, I think a full case of 860 may work. I think Ramshot Magnum/AA8700 is more or less equivalent to WC-860.

I understand IMR-7383 is comparable to 4350 and if I didn't already have too much powder stored in a small place, I'd buy a jug for my '06.

MJ

[wiljen]

I understand IMR-7383 is comparable to 4350 and if I didn't already have too much powder stored in a small place, I'd buy a jug for my '06.

MJ


7383 is between 4064 and 4350 so start with 4064 loads and work toward 4350 loads. From personal experience the 06 case will hold at max about 51gr of 7383 without using a drop tube. I should note I am using either LC or IMI cases. I have been told by others here that 55gr is possible with Remington or Winchester cases.

[upperb]

Chuebner, Maven, Marlin Junky and Wiljen:

Thank you all very much for your thoughts and advice.