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View Full Version : WC-860 (Widners SMP860) in .300RemUltMag



GooseGestapo
12-22-2006, 07:20 AM
I enquired here sometime back about anyone's experience with the WC860 powder in the .300RUM.

After the inquiry, I ordered some and finally got around to trying it out.

WOW !!!!

The first trip to the range, I had loaded some "course" "stair-step loads for initial trials. Because most sources said treat this like AA8700, or H870, I started with 105.0gr, then 108.0, 110.0, 112.0gr, 113.0gr.

Bullet is the Remington 180gr CorLokt Pt.SoftPt.

The first round chrono'd 3,080. Then the subsequent ones were 3,195 and 3,157.
I was real pleased as the 3rd shot touched the first one from a cold and VERY clean barrel for a 1.2"groups- about a good as this rifle shoots (Savage M110). Zero was nominal for the 93.0gr of RL-25 load at 3,350fps.

Then came the second string. After waiting for the barrel to cool, the light faded at the range (danged December short days !!!), and the chrono wouldn't read.
I then shot the 108.0 for groups. Accuracy was off to about 2.0".
Then the 110gr load. Accuracy was off to about 2.7" and bolt was just a "tad" sticky opening, so this was as far as I went. With the punishing recoil of this rifle, It was an easy decision not to fire off another round.

The next range session was a REAL suprise.

The light conditions were optimum (light high overcast with the orb of the sun just barely descernable).

I had pulled the heavier charged rounds and replaced them with the 105.0gr load that shot so well.
I also loaded some at 106.0, and 107.0 to see how velocity and accuracy tracked.
All loads used Remington brass previously fired, neck turned, ect.
Federal #215's were used to prime the cases (will try #215gmm later)
All were seated to 3.585"oal.

I also loaded some Hornady 180gr SST's at 105.0gr to check accuracy.

The Hornady's ran 3,219 3,196 3,235. But, accuracy was dissapointing at about 2.5". The previous three shots of 180gr Remington C-L's ran 1.3"(some left over 93.0gr loads to recheck zero and foul the cleaned barrel.)

The next higer loads weren't a real suprise except for velocity....
3,265 3,291 3,310 accuracy was about 2"

The 107.0gr load was the "kicker" though.
3,372 3,398 3,448 and accuracy was again 1.2", with two almost touching.

The latter had breath-taking recoil, but about like the near equal "max for my rifle" load of 100.0gr of Retumbo. Velocity duplicates the previously best with the stated load of Retumbo. Accuracy is about the same with 92.0gr of RL-25 which runs about the same velocity as the WC860 @ 105.0gr.

The final analysis is that I hit the "Jackpot" with the Remington 180gr bullet and this powder. I bought 16lbs of the WC860 and 500 of the Remington bullets.
And now, I've got the two loads I'll be using with it.
105.0 for most, and occasional 107.0 for perhaps an "out west" hunt.

It'll probably take me a "life time" of shooting this rifle to use up all the components, unless I find that the WC860 works well in something like a .243 or something like that.

Sometimes you get lucky and an "idea" really comes together.

A Remington .300RUM, Loading dies, brass: powder, bullets enough to "burn out" the barrel for less than $500.00, including the Scope.
And It'll shoot near MOA, to boot !!!

Too bad it "skins" your nose every time you shoot at game in the field though!!!

I may next try some H4895 and see if I can work up a "reduced" load. Maybe something in the .30/06 velocity range !!!!

BD
12-23-2006, 09:42 AM
Just be aware of temperature variations. When I went through this process with WC860 and the 270 WBY mag I had the highest velocity variation due to temperature I have ever seen. If memory serves it was near 200 fps faster at 75 deg. F than it was at 0. BD

Bike Rider
12-30-2006, 01:07 AM
Pats reloading in OH as 860 for a really good price. Check out their website. Go to google and do a search on Pats Reloading