surplus powder

[harpman]

Any one using 5010 or 7383 surplus ?...Pats says the 7383 can be used in lower velocities in mid range rifle calibers , wondering if its any good for cast plinking loads.

[frank405]

I have been using WC 860 in the 505 Gibbs and 338/06 A.I. Both are a case full with outstanding accuracy and, of course a cast bullet. I will work on a cast bullet load for my wifes 7-08 with this powder also.

[Leftoverdj]

My lot of 7383 is 4320 burning rate but about a third bulkier and needs to be used in full case charges.  I reverse the normal loading procedure with it. Fill a case to the base of the neck, weigh that charge and see it that weight of 4320 will give an appropriate pressure and velocity.

I suspect that it will work with cast bullets in the .35 Remington, .30-30. 32-40, and a few others. With the .308 Win and larger cases, you need jacketed bullets.

[Nobade]

The batch of 7383 I've got goes volume for volume with 4350 at 88% of the weight. I.E. whatever a listed 4350 load is, I'll use 88% of that of 7383 and it will occupy the same volume as the listed 4350 load, with pretty much the same performance. But from what I read, the stuff is all over the place as far as burn rate so you have to work up loads with each new jug. Also it's touchy at max pressures, especially in hot weather. Don't use magnum primers with it either. From what I've seen, if you load it hot enough to burn clean you're too hot. Back off and put up with some unburnt powder and you'll get good use from it. BTW, I do use it for cast bullet loads in my 308, 7mm-08, 30-30, .243, 45-70, and .375 H&H. It works great and at $3.50/lb is quite the deal, as long as you're careful and don't make any assumptions.