Loading .223 with WC-844 & 62 GR FMJ

[Ej3]

As I understand it, WC-844 is better suited for 55 gr FMJ than 62 GR. But since I have plenty of WC-844, I decided to try it with 62 gr FMJ. Below are my results, using H335 as a basis for developing loads.

Rifle: AR-15 with a 16” FN barrel, 1/7 twist and a YHM Phantom QD suppressor.
Powder: WC-844
Bullets: 62 gr FMJ from Everglades Ammo (Version #1)
Primers: WSR
COL & Crimp: 2.230 – 2.235 with light taper crimp
Cases: Mixed LC brass trimmed to 1.750”
Conditions: Overcast, 72 deg F

Load Data* (Using H335)
Hornady (9th Ed.): Start 20.1 gr (2700 fps) and Max 22.9 gr (3000 fps) – 26” barrel, 1:12” twist, WSR
Hodgdon: Start 19.3 gr (2678 fps) and Max 21.4 gr (2887 fps) - 24" barrel, 1:12" twist, WSR
Nosler: Start 23.0 gr (2909 fps) and Max 25.0 gr (3102 fps) – 26” barrel, 1:7” twist, Rem 7-1/2
Speer: Start 20.2 gr (2760 fps) and Max 22.4 gr (2760 fps) – 24” barrel

Note * - Always verify load data for yourself, starting low and working up in safe increments. Published data varies from source-to-source, and subject to typos and transposing errors. Additionally, internet posts such as this are someone’s personal experience.

Here were my results, 5 shots each at 50 yds (*4 shots):
WC-844 (20.0 gr) – * Avg 2335, ES 133, SD 57, Grp 2.25”
WC-844 (20.5 gr) – Avg 2342, ES 126, SD 52, Grp 2.00”
WC-844 (21.0 gr) – Avg 2404, ES 92, SD 36, Grp 2.25”
WC-844 (21.5 gr) – Avg 2424, ES 102, SD 44, Grp 1.00”
WC-844 (22.0 gr) – Avg 2466, ES 68, SD 28, Grp 2.25”
WC-844 (22.5 gr) – Avg 2516, ES 52, SD 23, Grp 1.25”
WC-844 (22.8 gr) – Avg 2558, ES 109, SD 44, Grp 1.75”
WC-844 (23.0 gr) – Avg 2548, ES 20, SD 8, Grp 1.50”
WC-844 (23.2 gr) – Avg 2592, ES 133, SD 50, Grp 2.50”
WC-844 (23.5 gr) – Avg 2629, ES 73, SD 28, Grp 2.25”
WC-844 (24.0 gr) – * Avg 2684, ES 27, SSD 12, Grp 2.75”

A few observations:

1. My best load (IMO) was 22.5 gr which produced a 1.25” group at 50 yds with an average speed of 2516. This is a nice velocity with decent grouping for my rifle. I believe that this would equate to approximately 2800 fps from a 24” barrel.
2. I was able to produce a 1” group using the same powder with 55 gr FMJ M193 pulldowns. I think that this is more a reflection of the WC-844 is not the best powder for 62+ gr bullets. But nevertheless, I think this is an acceptable result for loading plinking ammo using mixed brass, cheap powder and cheap FMJ bullets.
3. Speaking of cost effective FMJ bullets, I will give a big thumbs up to Everglades Ammunition & Reloading (www.evergladesammo.com) for their 62 gr FMJ bullets (Version #1). A 1000 bullets normally cost $85 including shipping. I bought mine on sale for $74 (shipped). Good quality and consistency in my opinion for a great price.
4. At some point in the future, I would like to try out CFE223, BL-C(2) and Ramshot TAC for this particular bullet.