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Harpman
12-28-2005, 05:54 PM
I ordered some WC860, (pats) any one have some safe starting point for 8mm, 7.5 swiss, 303 brit, 444marlin and 7.62X54, all cast bullets...or any advice if not to bother in any of these calibers with powder.

Maven
12-28-2005, 07:53 PM
Harpman, I've used WC 860 in some of the cartridges you mentioned; e.g., the 7.5 Swiss, the 7.62 x 54R and the 8 x 57mm. It does like heavy CB's and will burn a bit cleaner with mag. primers, but NO fillers, at least not in the aforementioned cartridges. For the smallest of the 3, i.e., the 7.5 Swiss, I'd start with 46gr. and work up to 48gr. For the 7.62 x 54R and lighter CB's such as #311291, start at 46gr.; for heavier ones, e.g. #314299 go to 48gr. In the 8mm Mau., I tend to cling to 48gr. with 195gr. - 235gr. CB's (Buckshot's huge Lee custom design). Btw, it's a good idea to use a dry patch (breech -> muzzle) every 5 - 10 shots to remove the unburned powder that will work its way back to the chamber and dent your cases.

Harpman
12-29-2005, 01:08 AM
Thanks, what kind of accuracy can I expect with this powder ? say 100 yards.

Buckshot
12-29-2005, 02:40 AM
............Harpman, my thoughts to add to Maven's post.


8mm: A full case and heavy slug burns clean and produces about 2100 fps.

7.5 swiss: This is one I've not done much of anything with yet.

303 brit: I don't load for this, but do the very similar 30-40. A casefull and a heavy bullet will burn clean and net close to it's original ballistics, ie: 2100 fps.

444marlin: You can forget it in this cartridge :) Now if you want to duplex the powder, you'll have something.

7.62X54: Pretty much ditto the 8mm/30-40 data.

I like to use dacron in my reduced loads with WC860, WC872, or TCCI 5020. As per Maven's post (with the exception of the 444 Marlin) loads from 45grs to a full case will work. You may have a few unburned grains you'll have to deal with, with the reduced loads, but the powder is so cheap I can handle it 8)

There are 2 other standard cartridges where this powder really shines. One is the 7x57 and the other is the 6.5 Swede. Forget cast in the Swede with a full caseload as it's just way too fast. But for jacketed it's great stuff, like a 140gr Hornady at 2700 fps. Download it to 34.0grs for cast and a 150gr or heavier slug. Filthy, but accurate for me!

The 7x57 with a full caseload will propell the RCBS 7mm-168 from a 29" bbl at 2400 fps and is accurate and clean. Loaded down to 42.0grs (dacron) and it's a nice light load that is decently clean. Stuff in a 172gr jacketed slug and you're back to 2400 fps again. The cartridge's designed velocity from a 29" bbl.

Overall I've found accuracy as good or better then a lot of canister powders. I don't do a lot of work at 100 yards as almost all my rifles carry thier issue sights. Any sporters will have aftermarket irons (peeps usually).

...............Buckshot

Maven
12-29-2005, 11:06 AM
Harpman, I can get 2 m.o.a. or less from my "as issued" K-31 and 7.62 x54R using 48gr. WC 860, mag. primers (usually Win.) and no filler. In my scoped .30-06 and 8 x 57mm, it's 1 m.o.a. or less, with the same load. Btw, the accuracy I get has more to do with bullet design & fit, bbl. quality and shooter's skills (Mine aren't the greatest) than powder type. The latter may be a contributing factor, but I don't have the rifle equivalent of a Ransom rest to prove or disprove it.

felix
12-29-2005, 11:23 AM
Harpman, what Maven says about shooter skills is correct indeed. ANY rifle load that does not make at least 2200 fps most OBVIOUSLY magnifies human errors as the boolit speed is progressively lowered. Also, likewise in barrels progressively longer than say 20 inches. We must be talking boolit time in the barrel here, because everything else seems to be consistent. This experience comes from extensive BR work, using competitive equipment and techniques within friendly weather conditions. ... felix

Harpman
12-29-2005, 11:52 AM
Thanks for all the help...I will use this in all, except maybe the 444, and then buy another powder for any calibers this doesnt do well in.