An inappropriate propellant in my Type 56 SKS

[Maven]

As I'm running out of the usual powders, I decided to try WC 860 in my "as issued" SKS today and was pleased with its performance: Quite accurate and not nearly as filthy as I expected, but it does need a booster of some kind. Since you're not supposed to heavily compress a ball powder, I chose a case filling load of 23.5 - 23.8gr. WC860 (thrown, after lots of weighing). The CB was the C.E. Harris designed, but NOE produced ~162gr. CB seen on the right in this pic. The target was OK, but my eyes would have been happier with a larger one. Btw, I changed my hold ~halfway through my shooting, hence the higher hits in the pic.

[pworley1]

A few grains of 4198 cleans up my loads that need it.

[Maven]

Thanks for the suggestion, pw as I had been considering ~3gr. Clays or FFFFg. Btw, I used the Lee FCD to increase bullet pull and clean up the burn so to speak. I think it worked OK, but a faster powder next to the primer may be better.

[beshears]

I would never duplex load smokeless powder.

[lotech]

I would never duplex load smokeless powder.

Good and safe advice.

[hylander]

Same here, I don't think I woud be duplexing a load of smokless.
I just loaded some LEE 155gr. GC on top of 17gr. to 19gr. for my SKS.
Will see how they do Monday.

[FLINTNFIRE]

Well I have duplexed it is not the demon that some make it out to be with proper use and care .

[Maven]

Exactly right, FF! Ross Seyfried recommended it as well, and this isn't the first time I've done it. I've since reloaded those 16 cases with ~4gr. RL-7 and 21gr. WC 860, hoping for 100% ejection and better accuracy.

[Larry Gibson]

Duplexing, if done correctly (as with any reloading venture), can be a worth while and safe endeavor, especially with the shortage of powder availability these days. I did a rather lengthy pressure test of such for junior wit Turk pulldown and 860A powder in the 375 H&H. I have also duplexed smokeless with black powder and other combinations.

[Maven]

I couldn't agree more, Larry!

[405grain]

IMHO switching to magnum primers would be a better solution than duplexing.

[Maven]

I see I forgot to mention in my 1st post post that I used WLR magnum primers with WC860 and always have. Thanks for the reminder 405grain!