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View Full Version : Need help picking out a powder for .223



DaveInFloweryBranchGA
01-21-2007, 08:20 AM
Howdy folks,

I've recently acquired an AR15 I plan to do a good bit of plinking with. Nothing too hard core and certainly no High Power rifle any more.

I'm looking to reload it initially will 55 grain and 62 grain military surplus pills iniitially, then later on go to cast lead.

I'm wanting to buy a large quantity of military surplus powder to load it with as cheap as possible. I'd like the powder to meter well in a Lee Pro Auto Disk, an RCBS Uniflow and a Hornady LNL powder measure, as I plan to load large volumes. I understand fully the need to start with small loads and work up, but then, I prefer to use a lower range load to conserve powder when possible.

If the powder will work well in 30.06, .303 Brit, 6.5 X 55, 7.5 Swiss, so much the better, though I'm more looking for price for quantity vs. flexibility.

Can you folks recommend a currently available milsurp powder for my application? BTW, I'll likely buy other powders for the other applications at the same time.

thanks,

Dave

Dave

Phil
01-21-2007, 09:02 AM
4895 or any of its clones will suit your needs perfectly for my money. And it's suitable for any of the common mil-surp cartridges also. I use lots of it.

Cheers,

Phil

garandsrus
01-21-2007, 09:56 AM
Dave,

I have shot a lot of 4895 and like it very much in all the calibers you mentioned. I would definitely stock up if you get a chance.

I also bought a bunch of Data 74. I have started some load development with it and am very happy with it's performance. It is a ball (round) powder so it will meter through anything. I'm not sure if it's still available, but I purchased it from Powder Valley (http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/). I don't see it listed on their web site, but a new powder, Data 85 is at $69/8 lbs. It is listed as suitable for a wide variety of cartridges.

John

Scrounger
01-21-2007, 10:41 AM
Anything that falls between 4198 and 4895 on the burn chart will work fine. It is an easy caliber to load. For the last 10 years or so my powder of choice was AA 2015, useful in a lot of other calibers, up to .45-70. When AA2200 came out for a short while and was so cheap, I laid in a bunch of that. Excellent powder in the .223 but not available now. In fact, all the surplus powder is drying up, and the commercial powder is going up in price, so jump quickly. AA 2015 would be a good choice because it is so versatile. Here's a link to Accurate Arms loading Data, check it out.

http://www.accuratepowder.com/data/Accurate%203-1.pdf

RayinNH
01-21-2007, 11:53 AM
Dave check Pat's.

http://www.patsreloading.com/patsrel/prices.htm

Ray

DaveInFloweryBranchGA
01-21-2007, 04:42 PM
Of the WC844 and WC846, which one would be better for my application? I'm quite familiar with 4895, but it looks like it's about dried up on the surplus market and about all I'm seeing is the WC844 and WC846 listed for reasonable prics on Pat's.

I sure wish I'd picked up the 4895 like I intended to and didn't get around to.

dang,

Dave

RayinNH
01-21-2007, 06:55 PM
Dave, personally I've never used either one. Look at the burn chart below. If the chart is accurate the 844 and 846 are aside of each other and not very far away from 4895 in speed . The difference between the two is probably lot to lot variation...Ray

http://home.hiwaay.net/%7Estargate/powder/powder.htm

mike in co
01-21-2007, 07:19 PM
Of the WC844 and WC846, which one would be better for my application? I'm quite familiar with 4895, but it looks like it's about dried up on the surplus market and about all I'm seeing is the WC844 and WC846 listed for reasonable prics on Pat's.

I sure wish I'd picked up the 4895 like I intended to and didn't get around to.

dang,

Dave

looking at the note with the 846...good in 223 and 308...and longer bbl life.....

think i would try that ...

mike

DaveInFloweryBranchGA
01-21-2007, 08:21 PM
Thanks gentlemen, 846 it is.

Dave

Cherokee
01-30-2007, 12:06 PM
Dave - I have both WC844 WC846 from Pat. Both work fine. I'm using the 846 for my 308 mostly and 844 for the 223. Pat's Reloading has a fresh stock of both so order up right away.

Lloyd Smale
01-31-2007, 06:18 AM
ive use a couple kegs of 844 in my ar and minis

vp146b4
02-03-2007, 10:48 PM
Dave
If your starting with jacketed bullets, I use WC844 with Sierra 52 HPBT at 100yds, and it shoots great, and you can't find an easier powder to meter. I also like the WC844 with 69's at 200yds.
Bill

DaveInFloweryBranchGA
02-04-2007, 12:16 AM
Would the WC846 do a good job in any of the following calibers as well?

7.5 X 55 Swiss
6.5 X 55 Swede
.303 Brit
7.62 X 54R Russian

I'm thinking it may have possibilities in the first three, but might be a bit small for the 7.62 X 54R Russian. Am I correct?

Regards,

Dave

GregP42
02-07-2007, 07:49 PM
I was just wondering if the WC846 would work in a 6mm-284, I am looking for something that doesn't burn as hot as what is normally used.

georgeld
02-09-2007, 12:31 AM
I may one of these days order a jug of something else.

But, still have about half a jug of AA2200, bought six, wish I'd had funds to get ten times as much then. But, there's a limit to buying things to stock up for yrs ahead.

Been planning on going back to 4895 when this is gone and might just do so. I just bought six jugs the first of the month, blew $541 on powder alone. Half a months income for me. Won't use it up in three yrs. But, at least I can load til I get tired of loading for months and not run out.

Got quite a buy on primers a few months ago too. Picked up 15 cartons for ten bucks a carton delivered price too. That'll last me awhile. Just need to get my lazy **** in there and do it now.