Load Data for Winchester 680BR Powder

[gschwertley]

I have a can of Winchester 680BR powder that I would like to use, but as an obsolete powder, data has not been available for it for some time.

680BR is used for small-cased centerfire cartridges, and some straight-walled cases.  Seems like it could have application for other small centerfire cases, like .222 and .223 Rem.

Does anyone have access to the 1969 Winchester powder pamphlet?  If so, I would like to know if it gives loading data for .222 Rem using 680BR powder.  I would like data for .223 Rem also, but since the Winchester pam. from June 1973 doesn't have ANY data for .223 (if you can imagine that!) I doubt if the earlier edition would have it.  

Any help would be appreciated.

[Graybeard]

I don't think the burning rate is correct for those rounds. Look at the data on the Accurate Powder website for their 1680 and you'll understand what cartridges it is proper for. I have some older Winchester data I could look thru but it would be best to find a cartridge you load for that it is proper to use with. I have a large supply of it and it is good for some rounds but not others.

It excells in the Herretts, the Hornet, .25-20 and other such rounds.

[ricciardelli]

W-680 is not really a suitable powder for either the .222 Remington or the .223 Remington.

Burning characteristics are very similar to the following:

Faster
107 N-120
108 AA-1680
109 N-200
*110 W-680
Slower

[gschwertley]

Well, one reason I thought perhaps it could be used in the .222 and/or .223 is because Accurate Arms gives data for 1680 in both of those.  AA claims 1680 is a replacement for the old W-680.  AA also gives data for some straight-wall cartridges like .375 Winchester and .45-70 using 1680.  

I understand that the best or most efficient use of the powder may not be in .222 or .223 Rem; what I'm wondering is if Winchester ever made a recommendation for W-680 in these calibers.  

It's down to one of those extensions of logic situations.  If AA 1680 may be used in .222/.223; and if AA 1680 is like W 680; then W 680 should also be usable in them.  

Well, I have been reloading for many years and have managed to keep from blowing myself or a weapon up so far, so would like to continue that record.  No sense in engaging in risky business for one pound of powder that I paid $2.75 for.  BUT  -- if it isn't risky, I would like to use it.

[ricciardelli]

Put your .45-70 case next to a .222 case.

Now put a .458 bullet next to a .224 case.

Is there any difference?

[gschwertley]

Of course the relative differences are obvious, but I'm not sure direct comparisons are relevant with powder application.  I say this because, for example, compare .222 case and .45-70 case, then .224 bullet and .458 bullet.  IMR 4198 is a good performer in both dispite their seeming dissimilarities.  

I was wrong about an Accurate Arms recommendation for 1680 in .45-70.  I went back and looked at their web site again and the large, straight walled cartridge for which they give data is the Marlin .444.  Still, it is a straight wall case.  

In looking over the AA data again, I notice they give an application for using 1680 in .32-20 revolver loads which is something I might be interested in also.  I think the old Winchester recommendations for .32-20 loadings were in W-630, which of course was a different powder.  

Thank you for your input.  I probably won't do anything with this powder as I have so much other powder that is more appropriate for the calibers that I load.  I would like to have a .22 Hornet or a .25-20 WCF someday, so I may just save it for that time.  680 can also be used in .30 Carbine, but I'm done with that caliber.

[skb2706]

W680 and AA 1680 are interchangable. Works great in .221 FB and .357 Max

[Dand]

Check out pages 221-224 of the 3rd edition of Wolfe's Publishing Propellant Profiles. Or Handloader  30.  Darn I sure wish they had included the dates of original publication and the original Handloader issue.

If you have 680 BR powder it can foul bores. Possilby with newer bore cleaners this isn't a problem.

From the above source it looks like WW 680BR and WW 680 is best for small capacity cases like the 22 Hornet, Rem Jet, 218 bee, 256 mag, 30 carbine etc.  

Good luck.