Understanding WST Powder
Characteristics of WST
WST, or Winchester Super Target, is a versatile smokeless powder specifically designed for pistol cartridges. It is known for its clean-burning characteristics, making it a preferred choice among reloaders who appreciate minimal residue buildup in their firearms. This spherical powder offers consistent performance, contributing to accuracy and reliability in a wide range of pistol calibers.
WST’s burning rate places it within the medium-fast range, often compared to other popular pistol powders. This rate allows for efficient powder burn, resulting in complete combustion within the case and minimizing unburnt powder residue. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in semi-automatic pistols, where cleanliness can impact the firearm’s function.
The powder’s spherical shape contributes to consistent metering, a critical factor in achieving accurate and repeatable powder charges. Reloaders often utilize powder measures to dispense WST, and its spherical granules flow smoothly and evenly through these devices.
One of the significant advantages of WST powder is its ability to produce accurate results at varying bullet weights. This versatility allows reloaders to experiment with different bullet types and achieve the desired performance for their specific shooting needs. Whether you are targeting competition shooting or personal defense, WST powder can be a good fit for various applications.
However, no powder is perfect. WST may not be the ideal choice for all pistol cartridges or bullet types. It is crucial to consult reliable load data sources to ensure compatibility and safety. It may also not be suitable for certain high-performance applications, but its performance shines in the context of target shooting and general plinking with many popular pistol calibers.
Safety First: Essential Precautions
Handloading is inherently dangerous. It involves working with explosive components, and a mistake can lead to serious injury or death. Therefore, adhering to stringent safety protocols is paramount.
Always Wear Protective Gear: Eye protection is non-negotiable. Safety glasses or shooting glasses must be worn at all times when handloading. Hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, is equally essential to shield your hearing from the concussive blasts.
Proper Storage: Store powder and primers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from sources of heat, sparks, and open flames. Primers and powder should be stored separately.
Follow Load Data Precisely: Never exceed the maximum powder charges specified in reliable load data sources. Overcharging a cartridge can lead to catastrophic firearm failures, causing injury to yourself and others nearby.
Case Inspection: Before each loading cycle, meticulously inspect each case for damage, such as cracks, bulges, or excessive wear. Discard any damaged cases. Always use cases from the correct manufacturer for the load data.
Firearm Maintenance: Ensure your firearm is in good working order. Regular cleaning and maintenance will reduce the likelihood of malfunction or accidents.
One Task at a Time: Handloading requires meticulous attention. Do not attempt to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Avoid distractions and concentrate solely on the reloading process.
Never Guess: If in doubt, stop and seek guidance from experienced reloaders or consult additional resources. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Sourcing Reliable Load Data
Obtaining accurate and reliable load data is fundamental to safe and successful handloading. Using incorrect or outdated data is a recipe for disaster. Here’s how to obtain the information you need.
Bullet Manufacturers: Reputable bullet manufacturers, such as Hornady, Sierra, Speer, and others, publish load data in their manuals and on their websites. These sources provide specific data tailored to their bullets, optimizing performance and safety.
Powder Manufacturers: Winchester and Hodgdon (the parent company of Winchester powders) provide load data for their products. Their websites and manuals are reliable sources of information, featuring a wide range of cartridges and bullet combinations.
Reloading Manuals: Comprehensive reloading manuals, such as those from Lyman, Speer, and others, offer extensive data on various cartridges, bullets, and powders. These manuals are considered industry standards.
Always Check for Updates: Load data evolves as components and testing methodologies improve. Always verify the date of publication or the latest update of the data you are using.
Matching Components is Crucial
Successful handloading requires careful component selection. The components used must align with the published load data to ensure safe and consistent performance.
Bullet Weight and Type: Match the bullet weight and type (e.g., Full Metal Jacket (FMJ), Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP), Round Nose (RN)) to the data. Using a bullet different from what is specified can significantly affect pressure.
Primer Type: Use the primer specified in the load data. Different primer types have varying sensitivities and burn rates. Incorrect primer selection can alter pressure and performance.
Case Manufacturer: Cases from different manufacturers may have slight variations in internal volume. Sticking to the case manufacturer specified in the data helps maintain consistency.
Specific Components: If the load data calls for a specific brand of bullet or primer, sticking to it is important.
Example Load Data
Important Disclaimer: The load data below is for illustrative purposes only. Always consult published load data from reputable sources before loading any ammunition. This information is not a substitute for professional guidance or detailed reloading manuals. Verify all data with your selected load data sources before proceeding. Load data may vary from different sources, and you need to assess what is safe for your components and firearm.
9mm Luger
| Bullet Weight | Bullet Type | Powder Charge Range | Primer | Case | Velocity (fps) | Notes |
| :————— | :———- | :——————— | :—————– | :———- | :————- | :——————————————– |
| 115 gr | FMJ | 4.0 – 4.5 grains | Winchester Small Pistol | Winchester | 1050 – 1150 | OAL: 1.100″, Start Low, Work Up Carefully. |
| 124 gr | FMJ | 3.8 – 4.2 grains | CCI 500 | Starline | 1000 – 1100 | OAL: 1.135″, Monitor for Pressure Signs. |
| 147 gr | FMJ | 3.2 – 3.6 grains | Federal Small Pistol | Federal | 850 – 950 | OAL: 1.160″, Check Gun Function |
45 ACP
| Bullet Weight | Bullet Type | Powder Charge Range | Primer | Case | Velocity (fps) | Notes |
| :————— | :———- | :——————— | :—————— | :———- | :————- | :——————————————– |
| 230 gr | FMJ | 4.5 – 5.0 grains | CCI 300 | Winchester | 750 – 850 | OAL: 1.270″, Start Low, Work Up Carefully. |
| 200 gr | SWC | 5.0 – 5.5 grains | Winchester Large Pistol | Remington | 800 – 900 | OAL: 1.250″, Monitor for Pressure Signs. |
38 Special
| Bullet Weight | Bullet Type | Powder Charge Range | Primer | Case | Velocity (fps) | Notes |
| ————- | ———– | ——————— | ————- | ———– | ————– | —————————————– |
| 158 gr | LSWC | 3.0 – 3.5 grains | CCI 500 | Winchester | 700 – 800 | OAL: 1.455″, Start Low, Be Careful |
Remember, always start with the minimum powder charge and gradually increase it while carefully monitoring for pressure signs. Do not exceed the maximum powder charge. These load tables are examples. The specific loads will vary depending on the bullet manufacturer, case, and specific components. *Always* refer to reliable load data sources for exact details for your components.
Handloading Tips and Best Practices with WST Powder
Consistent Powder Dispensing: Use a high-quality powder measure and maintain a consistent technique to ensure accurate and repeatable powder charges.
Trickling: For precise powder charges, especially when approaching maximum loads, trickle powder into the case using a powder trickler.
Seating Depth Matters: Consistent seating depth ensures consistent chamber pressure and ballistic performance. Use a seating die that provides precise bullet seating.
Crimping (where applicable): Properly crimping pistol cartridges (especially those with a cannelure on the bullet) helps maintain bullet tension and enhances accuracy. Avoid excessive crimping, which can alter pressure.
Case Inspection and Preparation: Thoroughly clean and inspect cases before loading. Trim cases to the correct length, ensuring consistent case capacity.
Work up Loads Safely: Always start with the minimum powder charge and incrementally increase the charge while observing for pressure signs. Never exceed maximum load data.
Chronographing: Use a chronograph to measure the velocity of your loads. Velocity is directly related to pressure, and tracking velocity allows you to fine-tune your loads and identify potential problems.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Inconsistent Velocity: Inconsistent velocity can be caused by several factors, including inconsistent powder dispensing, seating depth variations, or inconsistent crimping. Thoroughly check your reloading process for these inconsistencies.
Failure to Cycle: In semi-automatic firearms, light loads (insufficient powder charge) may not generate enough energy to cycle the action. If the firearm fails to cycle, gradually increase the powder charge, following load data, until proper function is achieved. Also consider the recoil spring.
Accuracy Problems: Poor accuracy can stem from various factors, including bullet weight selection, incorrect powder charge, inconsistent seating depth, and the firearm itself. Experiment with different powder charges, bullet weights, and seating depths to optimize accuracy. Ensure the barrel’s condition is good.
Pressure Signs: Learn to recognize the signs of excessive pressure. Flattened or pierced primers, bulging case heads, difficulty extracting cases, and excessive recoil can indicate overpressure. If you observe any of these signs, immediately stop loading, disassemble the ammunition, and consult your reloading manual.
Conclusion
Handloading with WST powder can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to create customized ammunition for optimal performance and accuracy. Following the guidelines in this article, while always prioritizing safety and consulting reliable load data, can help ensure success. Remember that handloading requires careful attention to detail, dedication to safety, and a commitment to learning. Always double-check your data and be diligent in your practices. This guide provides a foundation; the responsibility for safe handloading is yours.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional handloading instruction or a comprehensive reloading manual. The information provided is based on publicly available data, but it is not a guarantee of safety or accuracy. We are not responsible for the use or misuse of the information provided. Handloading involves inherent risks, and you are solely responsible for your safety and the safe loading of ammunition. Consult reloading manuals and other reliable sources for complete and up-to-date data, and seek guidance from experienced reloaders. Practice safe handloading techniques at all times.
