Anyone use surplus Wc 860 Powder

wachtelhund1 · May 31, 2009, 01:33 AM

Has anyone use suplus WC 860. My gunshop has a bunch of 8lbs containers for $80.00. He says it is equivalent to Aa 1680.

rg1 · May 31, 2009, 03:51 AM

Yes, I use surplus WC 860 for loading the 50 BMG (browning machine gun) shooting 647-700 grain bullets with a charge of approximately 220 grains per round. With 860 powder you can load about 33 rounds of 50 BMG per POUND of powder. WC 860 is one of the slowest rifle powders suitable for large capacity magnum rifles only. AA1680 is the fastest rifle powder made by Accurate Arms. AA 1680 is suitable for 7.62x39, 22 Hornet, and some other small capacity 22 caliber cases such as .222 Rem. Your shop must have mis-spoke or the employee doesn't know powders especially surplus 860.
WC 860 is close to AA 8700 or H870 in burn rate.

hodaka · May 31, 2009, 06:56 AM

Yes, rg1 stated it correctly. I bought 8 lbs from Bartlett for $40 a few years ago. It works okay, sort of, in my 25-06; accurate enough but slow. I think the burn rate is close to charcoal.

Less good in a 6.5-06 and a swede. I think it would be useful in the big Weatherby Magnums or equivalent. I have a pound left and just use it to fireform anymore.

May 31, 2009, 01:33 AM	#1
wachtelhund1 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2007 Location: pelican lake, WI Posts: 414	Anyone use surplus Wc 860 Powder Has anyone use suplus WC 860. My gunshop has a bunch of 8lbs containers for $80.00. He says it is equivalent to Aa 1680.

May 31, 2009, 03:51 AM	#2
rg1 Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2001 Posts: 1,125	Yes, I use surplus WC 860 for loading the 50 BMG (browning machine gun) shooting 647-700 grain bullets with a charge of approximately 220 grains per round. With 860 powder you can load about 33 rounds of 50 BMG per POUND of powder. WC 860 is one of the slowest rifle powders suitable for large capacity magnum rifles only. AA1680 is the fastest rifle powder made by Accurate Arms. AA 1680 is suitable for 7.62x39, 22 Hornet, and some other small capacity 22 caliber cases such as .222 Rem. Your shop must have mis-spoke or the employee doesn't know powders especially surplus 860. WC 860 is close to AA 8700 or H870 in burn rate.

May 31, 2009, 06:56 AM	#3
hodaka Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,010	Yes, rg1 stated it correctly. I bought 8 lbs from Bartlett for $40 a few years ago. It works okay, sort of, in my 25-06; accurate enough but slow. I think the burn rate is close to charcoal. Less good in a 6.5-06 and a swede. I think it would be useful in the big Weatherby Magnums or equivalent. I have a pound left and just use it to fireform anymore.