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wc 844 in the 308
ddhotbot
Member Posts: 1,426 ✭✭✭✭✭
i want too work up some accurate loads using wc844 powder and the 165ge pspbt bullet.anyone use this powder in thier 308? good starting point?thanks don
Comments
I think you'll find that the WC-844 is a touch fast for the .308 Win. This doesn't mean that you can't use it, just that you won't get a full case of powder which generally leads to more consistant accuracy. Measurement of powder weights that are less than a full case (85.0% here) gets to be critical faster as you approach the maximum pressure. WC-844 will show improved ballistics when used with the lighter bullets such as 125 gr. and 130 gr. WC-846 is actually the powder that is better suited to this cartridge with the mid-weight and heavier bullets.
The ballistics breakdown for the 7.62 x 51 cartridge and the WC-844 powder is as follows:
For the 147 gr. FMJ = Starting / 42.0 gr. at 2600 FPS.
________________ = Maximum / 45.0 gr. @ 2800 FPS.
For the 173 gr. Match = Starting / 40.0 gr. @ 2429 FPS.
__________________ = Maximum / 42.0 gr. @ 2528 FPS.
Best.
The proper primer is arrived at by testing. It is still thought that Ball-type powders can benefit from a Magnum primer but this isn't always true. The best situation is to use or borrow for use, a chronograph which helps establish the peaks and efficiencies of loads as you work them up. Remember to start low and work up slowly, watching for the obvious signs of pressure.
I've always used the Federal Match primers for most of my loading but that shouldn't preclude trying other primers such as the CCI's either. Occasionally, the Winchester primers will solve a grouping problem as well.
This is a link to a primer reference chart:
http://www.lasc.us/primerchart.htm
And another for cross-reference:
http://www.handloads.com/misc/primers.asp
Best.