Wondering about WC 735 surplus powder?

Canuck Bob

Canuck Bob

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I did some searching but thought a few more experiences would be welcome. My needs are all cartridges in the H 355 range and this stuff is supposed to be in the same range, just a bit faster, for 223, 32 Special, 303, and 444.

I didn't find any, "this powder sucks" threads but wondering about accuracy potential, clean burning, and primer choice (magnum or regular).
 
I have used H735 for years in .223 . I have found it to be very accurate, clean burning . I use regular primers.
The recommended loading data for H735 is to use H335 data reduced by 5%.
 
Thanks again guys, This definitely nails down a sensible burn rate range. Both of those powders work for my needs so 735 should suit me fine.
 
It's not the cleanest burning powder I have used but its still "not that bad" depending a lot on the cartridge it's being put in, I use it for .223 in M4's and .308 in my M14's and have rolled up a bunch of 7.62x39 with it all with decent results... I have used everything from CCI small rifle and CCI BR's as well as Winchester standard primers and have never had an issue tho I was going to try some magnums out just because I can however I haven't had the urge to rework my current loads yet....

I'm going to buy a 45gal drum of the stuff some day just so when the next shortage comes along I will be better prepared :D
 
I use it in a couple of different cartridges. I used to use it in my 223 but now, I use CFE. Not because it's better but I got it at a reasonable price.

I use Magnum primers with all ball powders. They burn more consistently and cleaner in every case.

I have nothing against people that insist on using standard primers with ball powder but I really don't understand their reasoning.

I often hear complaints about poor accuracy or to much powder fouling etc.

Go to magnum primers and all of a sudden the powders perform like they were designed to.

WC735 is a ball powder and acts like one. It requires a hot primer as an ignition source, to behave as intended.

I understand the pressures will rise slightly with magnum primers but I usually don't load right at maximum anyway. All I can really say is the results with magnum primers are far better than with standard primers.

Now, that being said, that is just IMHO. Load in the manner you trust most.
 
I use WC735 exclusively for .223 to .30-06. While I don't use magnum primers, I find I do need to check my POI when I sight in in June and hunt in Sept and then Nov. November quite a bit colder. Will be switching to magnum primers in a year or two when I burn up the thousands of standard primers still in stock in my locker. That powder will serve you well, as it does me and a 23lb powder order is still affordable.
 
WC735 is my go-to powder in .223 and I am going to be using it for .308 this winter as I stock up on reloads. It has produced some of the smallest groups and highest velocities in .223 for me. It is much more in the H322 range. Work all loads up carefully as a little goes a long way with this powder.
 
have used it for 223, works fine. I am reloading with TAC now, works fine also.... they dont smell the same, they shoot the same, to me at least.

I just dont like to get repackaged powder in a cardboard box. I prefer factory powder in the original container, but that's just me.
 
I too find that WC-735 is in the H322-H335 range, and load all three for comparison when developing loads. For example in the 308 with the 150gr Hornady FMJ, I got the following results:

1. 41.0 grs WC-735 - 2850 fps
2. 41.0 grs H335 - 2820 fps
3. 41.0 grs H322 - 2800 fps
4. 41.0 grs Benchmark - 2750 fps
5. 41.0 grs H4895 - 2670 fps.

I consider load #1 "hot" and #2 and #3 "max".

This told me that in the 308 with the 150 gr bullet, WC-735 was faster than H335 which was faster than H322, which goes against common wisdom. All to say, powder burn rates are not fixed, they exist in ranges depending on the cartridge and bullet used.

WC-735 is simply DP-2200. Look here for some loads: http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DP2200.pdf
 
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I just finalized a deal on a 223 Cz lefty, thanks Chris. Which I pick up on Sunday. My reloading has been mostly minute of deer or tin can lever action loading until now. The cost of shooting has ramped up so much with everything I'm sure a test order of this powder is in order. The reports of good 223 reviews is very encouraging. The burn rate seems to suit my calibers and most reports use standard primers for the loads. There is lots on H 322 and 335 data out there. My subscription to LoadData from Handloader lists many reports.
 
armorman said:
Perhaps a crazy question but I guess it doesn't hurt to ask. Has anyone tried this powder in a 500 S&W revolver?
Click to expand...

I've used it in a Handi-Rifle chambered in 500 S&W. I used a full case (from 50.0 to 60.0 grs) with bullets weighing from 340 grs up to 700 grs. It worked well - moderate pressure with the lighter bullets, and jarring loads with the heaviest bullets.
 
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