Need help with WC-844 loading for 308

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Long time lurker, first time poster here... Hoping to tap into the great knowledge base on this forum...

I just started reloading for the 308. I just got a Palmetto State Armory AR10 20" barrel version and I'm trying to duplicate M80 loads for the rifle, so trying to get 2790fps or so.

I picked up some pulled WC-844 and was trying to work up a load with it. I'm using de-milled LC brass and pulled 149 - 150gr projectiles.
I tried the following loads with the following results (all with the LC brass)

WC-844 | Velocities - OAL
41.5gr | 2620,2548, 2551 - OAL - 2.708"
42.5gr | 2608,2595, 2655 - OAL - 2.708"
43.6gr | 2663,2694, 2703 - OAL - 2.708"
44.0gr | 2673, 2668, xxx - OAL - 2.708" - It was getting dark on this one
44.2gr | 2670, 2710, 2723, 2758 - OAL - 2.762" (Thought I was loading too short on previous ones)

According to the Hodgdon load data for H335 (which the WC-844 says to use), max load data is:
43.4gr to get 2,790 fps @59,100 PSI out of a 24" barrel.

I'm not seeing any pressure signs... even at the higher ones that go over the recommended loads for H335. I am seeing a slight mark of the ejector on some brass cases, but it's more of just a shine and nothing you can feel. The primers look and feel about the same as some Aguila 150gr ammo which chronos at between 2663-2750fps out of my rifle.

At the 44.2gr of WC-844, I get about the same performance of the factory Aguila ammo (and I could live with that), but I'm concerned about going so far above the Hodgdon max of 43.4gr.

Do I back it off and just live with a slower velocity or if I'm not seeing over pressure signs am I good with this load data for this lot of WC844 at 44.2gr (or maybe even higher) to get closer to the 2790FPS mark?

Thanks!
 
You are using the wrong surplus powder. Yes WC844 is like H335 but that was the powder used to load the 5.56mm NATO ammo. WC846 was the powder used to load the 7.62mm NATO ammo. like BL-C(2).

If you try loading WC846 instead you will achieve the velocity you are looking for.

Welcome to the forum.
 
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