winchester WSF

[Maximumbob54]

I bought a pound of this to try and am finally getting around to using it.

A quote from the Winchester website:

Winchester Shotgun Powders

"Super-Field propellant is the propellant of choice for Winchester 20 gauge AA Target loads. WSF is an ideal choice to maximize velocities in 12 gauge 1-1/8 ounce and 1-1/4 ounce loads. Super-Field also performs well in 38 Super, 9mm, and 40 S&W pistol loads. Excellent propellant for action pistol applications."

It seems to flow just as well as my current favorite Win 231 but it's slower on the burn rate chart. Since I'm wanting to use it for .40SW with some cast bullet loads I'm thinking this is a good choice. I like the concept of slower burn in a .40SW and I love any powder that flows well in a powder measure. Since Winchester singles it out as being good for auto loader ammo I wanted to give it a try finally.

Is there anything about WSF I should know ahead of time? Any complaints, quirks, or tips for it?

[OKFC05]

tips for it?

It loads like 231, but I'd use 231 for the light loads and pay attention to the starting loads for WSF. I like the powder.

[358156hp]

I especially like it for heavy bullets in 9mm, and for lighter bullets in 40 S&W. Kind of odd, isn't it?

[125JHP]

I have been using it in a number of calibers and like it a lot.

[VAdoublegunner]

WSF is one of my favorite "everyday" powders. Power Pistol is catching up for some things, but not quite there yet.

I have been using it in 40S&W since it became available for both cast and jacketed (and plated) bullets and have found no good reason to change. You will find it a good powder in the 40 with a wide range of applications.

I also use it in 38SP for cowboy and plinking loads, 9mm when I load it, 45ACP target and hardball, some 10mm loads although I like higher end stuff for those, and also developed loads for it in 45 Colt, 44 Mag, and 44 Special, even 25-20. In the 44 Special it is far and away my favorite powder, especially with the Speer 240gr swaged LSWC. I get my best groups with it and about 1025-1050fps out of my short barrel Lipsey's pair.

It meters exceptionally well and consistent. I am not a big fan of Unique, but have adopted it as my version of Unique where I load it, or develop loads for it, in about everything where it seems suitable for use.

[Maximumbob54]

The load so far is 4.5gr of WSF pushing a 180gr .401" cast HP. Have a dozen with BAC lube and a dozen I tumble lubed in straight LLA. Going to the range later when it opens for testing to see if 4.5 cycles the slide and if either lube prevents leading. Test gun will be a M&P40c.

[M29since14]

I do not load a lot of .40SW but I like WSF a great deal for 9x19, second only to HS6. The only cast load I use in the .40 is a combination of the Lyman 401638 bullet and WW231. It has always been exceptional in my P229, but I have a new container of WSF and I intend to branch out with it to .38 Super, .40SW and some of the revolver cartridges as mentioned by VAdoublegunner. Be interested to see how you get along with WSF in your .40 loads.

[VAdoublegunner]

Originally Posted by Maximumbob54

The load so far is 4.5gr of WSF pushing a 180gr .401" cast HP. Have a dozen with BAC lube and a dozen I tumble lubed in straight LLA. Going to the range later when it opens for testing to see if 4.5 cycles the slide and if either lube prevents leading. Test gun will be a M&P40c.

That should work well. My standard load is a 180gr cast LTC bullet with 4.5gr WSF. It is accurate and reliable in my S&W autos. It has also been used for cowboy action in a pair of 40S&W Vaqueros. Velocity in the 5.5" Vaqueros is about 800fps.

Another interesting "gamer" load in the Vaqueros was a 140gr RNFP cast bullet from National Bullet Co. Loaded with 5.1 gr WSF and a WSP it gave an average of 889fps and was very easy to shoot. It could be an interesting possibility for IDPA. It will shoot a bit low though. I think that's a power factor of just under 125, so just a little bump up in charge and....

[fred5876r]

I love WSF and WST for .45 ACP. WSF seems to have about the lowest possible chamber pressure for any given velocity. They both meter great. WST has good volume and seems to give more uniform velocities in light loads.