I have been loading some US Military surplus powder in my 308 called WC852F. It is a pull down powder taken from tracer rounds. The distributor lists "IMR 4895 Data" as a starting place so I have been loading some 165 and 168 grian bullets at 40.0 grains. The powder is very dirty but accurate. In my Model 70 sporter I shot some .5 and .6 inch, three shot groups after mounting a new Leupold eye glass. I was down to about 12 rounds left when I realized I had driven my 'fair weather' car to the range which had my chronograph and related gear in the back. (It is beautiful out side today: warm and sunny with almost no wind.) I quickly set up and fired 10 shots.
I had expected these loads to be in the 2550 fps range but the chronograph doesn't lie: my average was 2370 fps from my 22 inch barrel. I had reduced the starting load because of using Lake City military brass (thicker) but I see there was no need. It was a little disappointing but we're talking surplus powder and surplus brass. The bullets were PPU 165 grain BTSP cannelured hunting bullets. (which have always shot well for me in the past)
What did not disappoint me however, was the extreme spread of 46 fps and the standard deviation of 21 fps. I was really pleased when that tape rolled out of the machine! The charges were not weighed, loaded on Lee Dies, the necks flared before bullet seating, and crimped at the last. The bullets seated to the base of the neck.
I need to go back to the drawing board but it's a start.~Muir
I had expected these loads to be in the 2550 fps range but the chronograph doesn't lie: my average was 2370 fps from my 22 inch barrel. I had reduced the starting load because of using Lake City military brass (thicker) but I see there was no need. It was a little disappointing but we're talking surplus powder and surplus brass. The bullets were PPU 165 grain BTSP cannelured hunting bullets. (which have always shot well for me in the past)
What did not disappoint me however, was the extreme spread of 46 fps and the standard deviation of 21 fps. I was really pleased when that tape rolled out of the machine! The charges were not weighed, loaded on Lee Dies, the necks flared before bullet seating, and crimped at the last. The bullets seated to the base of the neck.
I need to go back to the drawing board but it's a start.~Muir