WC852

[spitpatch]

Has anyone done any work with the surplus powder wc852? Had some given to me and would like to try it in a .308. Thanks

[PawPaw]

I've never tired to use WC852, but the popular data indicates that it is close to IMR4831 in burn speed. However, there are two formulations of WC852, one is faster than the other and is closer to H380 burn rate. They are differentiated as WC852 and WC852f. You've got to know which one you have.

Google is your friend here. Start low, go slow, and be safe.

[Bart B.]

Lake City Army Ammo Plant tried a couple of Winchester ball powders when Winchester was running the plant in the mid 1970's. It's accuracy was not up to snuff and top level service rifle competitors hated it.

'Course even the bolt gun folks never got the accuracy extruded (stick) powder produces either. Match rifle and benchresters use extruded powders for best accuracy.

Use whatever powder you want, but those in the speed range of IMR3031 to IMR4064 has proved excellent for bullets from 150 to 190 grains. Faster ones for light bullets, slower ones for heavy bullets.

[Slamfire]

I purchased a bunch of WC852 from GIbrass and ran tests on it.

Understand there are a number of different burning lots of WC852. Accurate Arms bought one lot, sold it as 2700. I am certain current AA2700 is newly made but you can look at the data for 2700 for guidance.

My lot of WC852 was too slow for any use in the 308. I could not get a decent velocity even with 190's.

308 Win M70 26" Kreiger Barrel, four groove, 1:10 twist

190 gr Speer Match 50.0 grs WC852 wt'd R-P cases Fed 210S

9 Mar 97 T=70F

Ave Vel = 2328
Std Dev = 18
ES = 52
Low = 2310
High = 2362
N = 14

0.85"*0.68 5 rd group

190 gr Speer Match 51.5 grs WC852 wt'd R-P cases Fed 210S
30 April 97 T=70F
Ave Vel = 2392
Std Dev = 19
ES = 54
Low = 2361
High = 2415
N = 10


190 gr Speer Match 52.5 grs WC852 wt'd R-P cases Fed 210S
30 April 97 T=70F
Ave Vel = 2461
Std Dev = 12
ES = 41
Low = 2442
High = 2483
N = 10

I did find my lot of WC852 worked well in the 243, 6.5 X 55, 7.5 X 55, 30-06 and 270 Win.

[medalguy]

I believe the 852 was originally formulated for M25 tracer in the .30-06. You might have better luck using it in that caliber. I've used two different lots and there is indeed quite a bit of difference in the two of mine. I don't know how many different lots may exist, but start very low and work up carefully in whatever caliber you try this powder in.

[spitpatch]

Thanks for the info. It works well in my 06s. So I will just stick with using it in those. Thanks again.