Anybody have experience using this powder as a substitute in IMR 4831 loads? Does it perform the same and does it burn clean?

Thanks,
fishnfool

I use it in my 338 win my 300 win and my 06. The lot I have seems a little slower than 4831. I love how it metters. The price is right and seems to work very well. Burns clean enough. Start out with low 4831 loads work up. use crony to check vel. when you are getting the vel you should with out pressure signs stop

Use H-380 Data.
Jim

Fishnfool Whoa big fella ! Unless you have some numbers mixed up you are working on a receipe for a wreck. WC852 is a military surplus powder that is basically a non canister grade of H414 or W760. It is quite a bit faster burning than 4831 (either H or IMR). I have used this powder in 7mm-08,7x57,308,30-06,8x57 and even my 416 Rem.I would suggest you step back and re-check your data. Just trying to help!

Hold on gentlemen! There are two distinct lots of WC 852 being marketed, and it's very confusing that the suplus marketers are not using different nomenclature for them.

The original WC 852 is the bulk version of H-380, a powder with a burning rate somewhere between IMR 4320 and IMR 4350.

An "odd" lot of WC 852 has come on the market which burns much slower, perhaps as slow as IMR 4831 or such.

This is creating a confusing and potentially dangerous situation. Be sure you know which one you're working with!

Whoa fellas!
This is what Jeff Bartlett's website says of the product in question:

WC852 Original application is U.S. .30 Cal. Ball M2 ammo, restricted for
Machine Gun use ONLY. A ball powder which can be loaded using IMR4831
or Hodgdon H450 data. This is new powder.
$56/8# jug.

Another powder they offer says this:

WC852f Original application is U.S. .30 Cal. Ball M2 ammo. A ball powder
which can be loaded using Hodgdon H380 data. Typical .30 Ball M2
load was 50-52 grains. This is pulldown powder.
$64/8# jug

[This message has been edited by fishnfool (edited 01-12-2002).]

Hey folks,

I have been using WC852 for years and generally substitute IMR-4350 loading data for it. I am also using the WC852 that is on the market today, and I do not see any noticeable difference in it. I would point out, however, that my loads are generally on the mild side. With WC852, though, you would really have to pack it in to get a really hot load. I think if folks start out light and work up higher, they can get good and safe results with it.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile