.308 Headstamp/Load Question

[Ike666]

I've got a collection of .308 brass of unknown history as to times fired. They all bear the headstamp WCC (Western Cartridge Company). They also have a two-digit number, mostly 88 or 06. I doubt they are years b/c I acquired the brass prior to 2006 (actually around 1997).

The mean weight of 126 cases is 175.8. This seems closer to ex-military LC brass than commercial .308 cases.

I'm prepping them for loading with SMK 155 gn Palma Match (#2156C). The Sierra manual calls for a start load of 41.4 of Varget; the Lyman book calls for a start load of 43.0 of Varget; and 6mmbr .308 page gives a load of 45.5 of Varget (this is not a start load).

I'm loading for accuracy beyond 500 yards.

Primers will be CCI BR2.

I also have a collection of LC 86 (automatic weapons once-fired), with a mean weight about 2 gns heavier.

My questions for the collective wisdom here resident are:

What should I consider for a starting load?
Can I use the same load for both sets of cases?
Any other recommendations or considerations?

[hagar]

I will tell you not to exceed 44 grains with these cases, I will actually start at 42.5 grains of Varget. In lighter Winchester cases (15 grains lighter) I shoot 46 grains in a Palma rifle, but it will probably destroy lesser rifles.

[Unclenick]

Ike,

That is military spec WCC brass, and the two digits should indeed be the production year. I can't explain the '06 if it was actually acquired in '97, though. New one on me. More likely later brass was somehow mixed in. In any event, treat them like other military cases. These are not the light (155 grain) commercial Winchester .308 cases that need more powder, so use the smaller start numbers you have. Two grains case weight difference is only equivalent to about 0.1 grains worth of powder charge difference. You will almost certainly wind up with larger charges, but there's no penalty for being too low, within reason.

I recommend you check out Dan Newberry's load development approach.

[Ike666]

Thanks guys, that is what I was looking for. When I weighed the WCC I was surprised at the weights, but then remembered the guy I originally purchased it from had acquired a 55 gallon drum load from the military.

Nick, I appreciate your confirming my suspicions for me. I'll load that like the heavy LC brass and work up slowly.

I was intrigued by the idea of the 45.5 gn load, and the claim of 2900+ for the 155 gn Palma bullet. That would get it out there quickly.

IIRC the 2156C has a slightly better BC than the 2155 in the same weight, but I cannot find any load data specific to that round.

The Sierra manual reports the same loads for several lighter (150 gn) bullets along with the 2155. If I start with those loads (adjusting for reduced case volume), I assume I'll be in the safe zone.