W 748 Powder "Issues"

[Maven]

Not wishing to hijack another thread (about #311413 & W 748 powder), I found the following statement and wish to comment on it:

"748 shows a lot of promise in cases of the 308 and x 57 families as far as velocity and lower pressures..." (runfiverun)

That isn't the best advice, although it is well-intentioned. Here's why: If you load for the 8 x 57mm Mauser, Winchester's reloading pamphlet specifically warns against using reduced loads of W 748. Lyman apparently hadn't got that message because it specifically recommended and continues to recommend using 36grs. W 748 with #323470 and 30grs. with #323471. For the .308Win. and other similar cartridges, maybe, but it wouldn't be my first choice. For the 8 x 57mm, NEVER.

[JeffinNZ]

It's a great powder that has served me well but I have really only ever loaded it 90% + load density in .223, .303 Brit, .303 Pygmy.

[runfiverun]

maven:
i was not aware of this.
thank you,as i was considering using it in my 8 mauser.
this is also why i asked about using a filler,something i have taken to doing with most of my cast loads.
especially with the middle rate powders.

[Maven]

runfiverun, I don't know whether I still have the Winchester powder reloading pamphlet, but they were quite emphatic about not using 748 in the 8 x 57mm. When I discovered this, I wrote to Lyman about it, but Lyman never changed their loading data or recommendations for that cartridge. My own experience with 748 and the 8 x 57mm reinforces that warning: Hangfires and other evidence of poor combustion when using #323470. Since then, I've used a variety of other powders in that rifle with no problems of any kind. Btw, 48grs. (or more) of WC 860 + a mag. primer, but no filler and a 175gr. or heavier CB works very well (need to dry patch the bbl. every 5 - 10 shots though) as does 18grs. - 21grs. WC820 (standard primer).

[felix]

It very well could be the new line of Hercules/Alliant powders being brought out will not be of the high intensity type. I can't wait to read about range reports on them. These are the ones having a chemical giving less temperature sensitivity. I hope they will perform in low pressure situations, and that burn speed is somewhat independent of reasonable pressure and temperature. It would be nice. ... felix

[atr]

Ive been using 748 in 308, 30-30 and 30-06 but not as a "reduced" load
for example in the 308 with 170 boolit (311413 and 311299) 748/32-36gr is VERY accurate
in my Savage model 99C. These loads were from the Lyman manual.
In general Im usually running about 80%+ load density with this powder, which is NOT what some would call a "reduced" load. I do not use any dacron "fillers" in any of my loads.

I would be very interested to hear more from those who have experience using this powder
thanks
atr

[felix]

You are using it correctly, just like you would 296 in its applications. ... felix

[odoh]

It seems that the win data has that caution re most of its powders yet the hogdon counterparts don't have it.

[JeffinNZ]

It seems that the win data has that caution re most of its powders yet the hogdon counterparts don't have it.

I am pretty sure Hodgdon advise similar on H110 but you are correct about H335 which is basically W748.