I just ordered 6 jugs of WC860 and 600 API tips from Pats. I believe he said the tips are 700 gr. What charge should I use? I've read some places that say 215gr but I want to get multiple opinions. All of my load books don't have any data for surplus powders. TIA
Need load data for WC860 and 700gr. API 50bmg
- Thread starter hornadylnl
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I did a little checking, and only have data for Accurate 8700 (228gr for 642gr bullet, 218gr for 700gr bullet) and Hodgdon H50BMG (248gr - 655gr bullet, 233gr - 750gr bullet, 225gr - 800gr bullet).
Jeff Bartlett indicates you can use the Accurate 8700 data for WC860: http://www.gibrass.com/gunpowder.html
I'm surprised the Hodgdon manual doesn't have a load for the H870. The powder is listed as a 50 bmg surplus powder.
Jeff Bartlett indicates you can use the Accurate 8700 data for WC860: http://www.gibrass.com/gunpowder.html
I'm surprised the Hodgdon manual doesn't have a load for the H870. The powder is listed as a 50 bmg surplus powder.
ReloaderFred
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The M8, Armor Piercing Incendiary bullet is listed at a nominal 662.5 grains. The load for WC 860 was listed at 233 grains in the Cartridges of the World, 10th edition. I would start at about the 215 grain level and work up slowly.
Hope this helps.
Fred
Hope this helps.
Fred
I forgot to add that those loads I listed are Maximum loads. That is all that is listed in the powder manuals for loads.
This is all the Accurate Arms data for 50BMG:
Barrel Len 44"
Case IMI
Primer CCI 35
642gr 8700 228gr 2930fps
750gr 8700 218gr 2700fps
This is all the Accurate Arms data for 50BMG:
Barrel Len 44"
Case IMI
Primer CCI 35
642gr 8700 228gr 2930fps
750gr 8700 218gr 2700fps
API silver tipped bullets weigh approximately 643 grains. AP black-tipped weigh 690-700 grains.
With API and your 860 I'd start out at 210 grains and work up to 225 grains in 5 grain increments. Watch for signs of pressure. As you probably already know surplus powder does vary from lot to lot in burn rate. I'd base my load on what shoots best in your rifle. I think you'll find a good accurate load around the 220 grain range. I seat these to the military advertised overall length at 5.450".
With API and your 860 I'd start out at 210 grains and work up to 225 grains in 5 grain increments. Watch for signs of pressure. As you probably already know surplus powder does vary from lot to lot in burn rate. I'd base my load on what shoots best in your rifle. I think you'll find a good accurate load around the 220 grain range. I seat these to the military advertised overall length at 5.450".
Can anyone recommend a charge for API bullets and H50BMG powder? Thanks.
Also, I have been weighing these and their weight fluctuates a great deal. They range anywhere from 640GR to 647GR.
Also, I have been weighing these and their weight fluctuates a great deal. They range anywhere from 640GR to 647GR.
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I have been diligently researching this question since before I posted it here. The best answer that I have discovered comes from B And B Armory. They sell reloaded API on Gunbroker. The API listed on the auction now is loaded as follows with 220.Grs. of H5010. I asked them for a recommendation for loading the API bullets with Hodgdon H50BMG and here is the answer I received:
"We use H5010, H50BMG, IMR5010 and WC860. I would start at 215 grains and work your way up in 2 grain increments. Do not exceed 230 grains."
This sounds like a solid starting point. Now I reckon I might wanna get a Chrono, however I think I'll just load these rounds in increments of 5 to 10, and judge the value of the load by the consistency of the rounds performance downrange. Since these are API pulldown projectiles I'm not trying to achieve sub-MOA accuracy; and since the weight of these projectiles varies quite a bit, what I perpose to do is to fire an American Eagle round, then an API reload and so on to see how the API's perform in relation to the factory loads.
How does this course of action sound to you guys??
"We use H5010, H50BMG, IMR5010 and WC860. I would start at 215 grains and work your way up in 2 grain increments. Do not exceed 230 grains."
This sounds like a solid starting point. Now I reckon I might wanna get a Chrono, however I think I'll just load these rounds in increments of 5 to 10, and judge the value of the load by the consistency of the rounds performance downrange. Since these are API pulldown projectiles I'm not trying to achieve sub-MOA accuracy; and since the weight of these projectiles varies quite a bit, what I perpose to do is to fire an American Eagle round, then an API reload and so on to see how the API's perform in relation to the factory loads.
How does this course of action sound to you guys??
You've been doing a lot of researching since May of 2007. However I don't think your trust in B&B Armory and their recommendation is any different than any of the posters to your question replied. While careful choice of starting data for the 50bmg is recommended with surplus powders, you seem over cautious. I would be more cautious checking your 50 bmg cases for signs of case stretching or defects and that the primers are seated flush or below in every case than the generally recommended start charges for 860, 5010, or H50bmg. Have fun!
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