WC872 in 338 lapua or others

[mace2364]

Hi all,

I’m looking for a little insight on a particular powder. I have a quantity of WC872 powder and I’m looking to use it in .338 Lapua, and possibly .300 Win Mag If it’s suitable. I seem to remember it being usable for magnum calibers. In another day and time, I would probably buy something specific for each one. But obviously these days you can’t get half of what’s supposed to be available. And I have at least 2 8lb jugs of this stuff, so I want to use it.

I have seen a few references by folks to using it in the 338 lapua. I‘m going to be loading 300gr SMKs for now. What I’m after is what reference data to use, and a starting load if possible.

If anyone has experience loading .300 win mag with this powder, I’d also be interested in hearing about it. I’m loading 190gr SMKs, but the powder I was using is unavailable now. I also load 7mm Mag, but I haven’t really settled on a load for it, if by some chance this powder will work for it, I’m looking for the same info.

To be clear, I have used other surplus powder before. And I am familiar with the lot to lot variations of surplus powder and the need to carefully work up loads for each batch. I’m really just looking for a place to start, and a very rough idea of what I might need to expect or watch out for. Basically, any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Loudenboomer]

I use quite a bit of WC860. Most lots will be faster than your WC872. For me WC860 and Seconds 300 gr bullets give me an opportunity to get very inexpensive trigger time in the .338 Lapua. You probably already know starting loads for H870 and AA8700 loads will get you going. Hot magnum primers and heavy for caliber bullets are best. Another inexpensive favorite for us is WC860 in the 7 Rem Mag and 162 BTSP Hornady. My sons have harvested many deer with this number. YMMV

 

[ebb]

Ive loaded WC872 in 300RUM and 338LAP. I used WC872 in the 338 while doing barrel break in and it shot some of the smallest groups it ever has. I was shamed into using Retumbo for my regular load with 300SMKs and as I am typing this wondering why. I shoot WC872 in 2 300RUMs but both were with Remington barrels and had little to no chance of making good groups. I would not give the powder choice you are making a second thought, I like it. The Retumbo loads that I loaded several years ago are now over pressure and I am convinced its powder related as it was about the same temps as when i developed the load.

 

[mace2364]

Thanks guys. That gives me at least something to go on.

 

[mace2364]

Ok, so I took a look and the only manual I had with reference to H870 in .338 Lapua is Sierra 5th edition. I couldn’t find any data for aa8700. Anyway, Sierra is claiming a starting load of 89.4 gr of H870. Would that be a reasonable starting load for 872?

 

[ebb]

I think that would be in the ball park. The break in load I mentioned was in the low 90s, as best as I can remember.