300 Win Mag + WC857 Results

[Murderface]

Given the scarcity of reloading components and the lack of data using WC857 (since its said to be similar to H1000), here is my setup and results

Rifle: Remington 700
Scope Arken 6-24x
Barrel: Xcaliber (sendero) 26in match barrel
Powder: WC857
Case: Peterson
Case capacity: 89.1 or ~.2gr (dont know which lot)
Ogive: 2.8995in
Bullet: Sierra 220gr HPBT
Primer: Federal 210M

result (fps for 5-shot group @ 100 yds):
76.1gr-> 2,588 (0.4 MOA)
76.5gr-> 2,587 (1 MOA)
76.8gr-> 2,618 (0.7 MOA)
77.1gr-> 2,605 (1.3 MOA)
77.4gr-> 2,649 (2.1 MOA) (my error)
77.7gr-> 2,614 (0.6 MOA)

I've tried longer, but they yielded slower fps. I believe this is the max output in terms of velocity for my rifle but still gets me supersonic out to 1300yds. If I had 215M primers, I would probably get an extra 100fps, but good luck finding those without going to scalpers.

 

[Evlshnngns]

What pressure signs? Thanks for some recent info.

I ordered some for my 338lm in February, hopefully it shows.

 

[Murderface]

What pressure signs? Thanks for some recent info.

I ordered some for my 338lm in February, hopefully it shows.

I didnt see any pressure signs to bring any alarms nor did I have a sticky bolt. I would have tested further, but that would have meant loading my round arbitrarily longer, but I dont think it would have squeezed out any more fps. I believe if I want to get faster rounds (im satisfied with the results btw), I would need a magnum primer and redo the ladder test. Below (top) is a round that was loaded to 77.7gr and an unfired round. Aside from a very marginal flattening as expected, the brass held itself intact with no noticeable damage. But Im also keeping in mind Peterson brass is built like a tank.

 

[Highbrass]

I ran some WC 857 in my 24" Savage 111 300 WM today ( Lot#48129)
only tested 2 loads and only for speed & pressure check 3rds ea. Hornady brass CCI Mag Primer OAL 3.5 Berger 185 Jugs
75 Gr 2550 FPS
76 Gr 2650 FPS
primers slightly flattened and a soot ring on the neck. shoots 2" low compared to my normal load of 73 Gr R22
Looks like it will need a pretty full case to get good speed with the 185 bullet.
My guess is if it maintains pressure sign it will take about 80 Gr. to get to 2800~2900

 

[Bandit320]

I’ve tried a couple of loads in my 300 PRC and my lot is way slower then H1000. Don’t have exact data; with GM215M, 225 ELDMs, and Hornady brass, and approximately 85 grs. I was getting about 2,750.

 

[Highbrass]

Thats pretty much what I am seeing, a bit slower than H1000. Looks like it will take extremely heavy projectiles and a full case to get top performance

 

[Highbrass]

Was back at the range today and shot the same 300 WM same 185 Jugs same 3.5 OAL
77 Gr 2655
78 Gr 2705
both had slightly flattened primers but extracted easily.
@78 Gr the case is very full, to the bottom of the neck. So 78 Gr. is a slightly compressed load.
I do not think adding powder will gain much more velocity and 2700 fps is not exactly what I would consider great performance.
I think that I will have to go to 200+ Gr bullet to get it to bark.
I did run across something interesting on the 78 Gr loads all 3 shots measured Exactly the same speed 2705 fps. They also grouped really nice.
I would say this powder likes some compression.
This powder reminds me a lot of Hybrid V100. I think it will shine in short cases with a lot of volume and a heavy for caliber bullet and a small caliber opening in relation. like the short magnums. This powder may perform well in .270 Win 243 Win also and maybe a long barrel ?
I have some 212 and 22O Gr Hornady's I will test next.