Posted: 5/20/2008 4:40:00 AM EDT
| Perhaps this is the wrong forum for this question, and forgive my ignorance, but I've never seen this mentioned before: What's the problem with using ball powder in an AR? |
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Temperature sensitivity, barrel erosion, and hotter flame temperature,, harder on the barrel,, according to Maj Julian Hatcher. (Hatcher's Notebook) When you're out on the line, you can't keep the rounds cool. I've also not had the best of luck with accuracy with it. It would be nice to use it with the progressives tho. 'Borg |
| Thanks for the replies! I have been using some surplus WC844 for my match loads with Nosler 77gr CC bullets with very good accuracy results. I have shot them in temps from below freezing to mid 80 degree days, but the temperature was usually constant or near constant. Not like shooting on a cold May morning and into the afternoon when it gets hot. Thanks again for the replies. Towgunner |
According to Pat's Reloading www.patsreloading.com/patsrel/prices.htm A new coating has been applied to new lots of WC-844 and 846 ball powders. The government reports more barrel life. Just the same I am sticking to the extruded type powders. Ball powder has too many undesirable charistics besides, what down side effect will the new coating have? I don't want to venture into a 8lb. jug to find out  .Dave McGrath |
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Well, that's where I'm at right now- venturing into an 8lb can of WC844 which I bought about 4 months ago! Probably the old, non-tube friendly type. I am getting good accuracy, however. Pressure signs have remained constant in the 30 degree to 80 degree temps prevailing when I have tested the loads. I only chronographed the load during the "warm" phase of testing. But I could have sworn I read that WC844 wasn't that temperature sensitive. Edited for spelling 
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If you tested in warm weather you should be ok but don't let a loaded round in the chamber too long when the barrel is hot. Of course that's goes for all rounds loaded with extruded or ball. Some ball powders are more temp sensitive than others. Like the older lots of 2520 from China. Wow, had some bad experiences with it back in the mid 90's! The flame temp is next on the undesirable list because of throat erosion. Well, since you have a 8 pounder to work on, you could shoot it up. Take a throat reading of your rifle now. Keep a count of your rounds fired and when the WC-844 is gone, take another reading. I know of a few shooters that have shot WW-746 which is about the same as WC-846 and they shot some really good scores but their barrel life was shortened by at least 1000 rounds. This may make you feel better. I believe Black Hills ammo is loaded with ball powder. I think it is TAC powder. Not sure. Also most of the factory ammo I have pulled over the years from Federal had ball powder and all Winchester ammo is loaded with ball powder. Dave McGrath |
| Well, I'm as curious as the next guy, but also poorer. I don't have access to an erosion gage, but I really don't shoot that often- and there will be other powders burnt as well- especially IMR 4895 just to plink with- all through this one beleaguered rifle! I appreciate the input- I checked Fulton Armory- their gage wasn't TOO expensive- if I hit the lotto perchance, I will get one. |
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Try this. Make a poor man's Stoney Point gauge. Take a fired case from your rifle. Size it just to the point where the spent primer is knocked out. Insert a long ogive bullet like a 80 or 75 gr. into the case with finger pressure. Trick is, you want the case sized enough to accept the bullet with finger pressure and be able to use finger pressure to pull it back out. Once you have accomplished this, push the case with the bullet into the chamber with a pencil or wooden dowel rod. The bullet will seat itself against the rifling. Now carefully remove the case without disturbing the bullets seating point. You have to hold your tongue just right  ! Measure your over all length. Pull the bullet out of the case and insert it back into the chamber again. Do this a few times to be sure you get a good measurement. Write your O.A.L. down for future reference. Save this case and this bullet for future throat erosion readings.I have done this for years in all of my match rifles. Best to start when the barrel is new. I do have a T.E. gauges too, but the case/bullet trick helps with seating of the bullets ogive off the lands. Dave McGrath |
| This 20"Wilson SS 1X8 Heavy match barrel has about 500 rounds through it- fairly new. I will try that "Stoney Point" technique- I have tried it before with other rifles with varying success, but I will plug away at it until I get it right. Thanks again for your help. |