WC846 in .45-70

[muffinman]

Has anybody tried this powder in the .45-70? I have heard it is the same as hodgdon bl-c (2) but dont know for sure. mark

[felix]

Not the same, but a variant of. ... felix

[muffinman]

Where might I come up with some load data? Really have no experince with surplus and dont want to do something stupid! Mark

[felix]

Mark, do you have any BLC2 loads? If so use them. ... felix

[muffinman]

OK thanks, thats easy enough. Can I just interchange the 846 straight across for the blc2 loads? Thats what it sounds like. mark

[Bullshop]

WC 846 was at one time my most favorite powder for top end Marlin type loads in the 45/70. My most favorite load was 52gn under the RCBS 425 FNGC. Old Boo would keep that load on a four bit piece at 100 yards no problem, and that with the old steel Lyman peep sight. I had two kegs of that powder and finaly used it all up. That was about 16 or 17 years ago.
Now about two years ago I had Jeff Bartlet ship some to a friend that was headed my way so he maxed out the legal limit through Canada. I thought I was in business again but not so. This second lot was much slower burning and different in appearance. The second lot is very likely wc 852 which for me has been a dead ringer for H 450.
Going with my old favorite load gave several hundred FPS lower velocity and really smoky cases. I dont use this lot at all in the 45/70 as its just too slow for what I want. The first lot I had was gray in color and looked much like Hodgdons Pyrodex P in grain size and color. The second lot looks just like wc 852 that I also have and compaired it to. I believe the second lot to be wc 852 even though its marked wc 846. I was really bummed! I had to wonder if it was a mistake, or just a way to sell powder when they were out of what I wanted, or just that much variation between lots. Take your pick, no matter which one it still aint so good for the 45/70 no more.
BIC/BS

[felix]

Mark, try 45 grains for starters with your 400+ grainer. You really don't know what you have until you play a little. So, verify 45 grains with your BLC2 loads and see where that might fit. Actually, with all surplus lots, there is no guarantee of anything. That is why there are so many different Hodgdon numbers for these powders. ... felix

[Guido4198]

The only one I find in my log is:
49.0 gn. WC846/ 400 gn. cast(50/50 ww/lino)/CCI-200.
From my Guide Gun...
1348 fps(ave), ES=12,SD=4.9, E=1614 ft-lbs.
Shoots a big ragged single hole @ 50 yds.
These results come from a lot of powder I bought from Pat McDonald several years ago. Looks and loads like H-335.
Hope this helps...