SS109 - Varget - Pros & Cons?

WWIII

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
46   0   1
Anybody using Varget in this 223/556 combo? I operate in +30C to -40C temps and am considering using varget in my next load for a 1/9 twist M-4gery using (SS109) projectiles.



1. Varget - 223/556 - (SS109) combo - Pros & Cons???

2. I have heard issues of metering problems out of Dillon powder meters, so does anyone have experience with this possible problem?

3. Primers, CCI still the best or (### alternatives)?

Thxs
 
I use varget with my 75bthp or amax with no problem, in my dillon 650 it meters well enought just remember to take your time reloading(figure about 300rnds/hrs)
 
Seems a shame to "waste" Varget on SS109 projectiles when you can get so much better performance from an inherently more accurate bullet like the Hornady V-max, Sierre HPBT, etc...

I use Varget a lot. Haven't had any problems with it metering out of my RCBS powder measure, can't comment on the Dillon. CCI primers, I'm assuming you're referring to the extra hard military style No. 41 primers? I've used them and they work fine in my AR. However, they're a little hard to find these days, so I've been forced to use Winchester SR. Proper maintenance, care and control have prevented any slamfires, etc...using the Winchesters.
 
X-man said:
Seems a shame to "waste" Varget on SS109 projectiles when you can get so much better performance from an inherently more accurate bullet like the Hornady V-max, Sierre HPBT, etc...

I use Varget a lot. Haven't had any problems with it metering out of my RCBS powder measure, can't comment on the Dillon. CCI primers, I'm assuming you're referring to the extra hard military style No. 41 primers? I've used them and they work fine in my AR. However, they're a little hard to find these days, so I've been forced to use Winchester SR. Proper maintenance, care and control have prevented any slamfires, etc...using the Winchesters.

As you stated "I am worried about slam fires" with softer primers, so.... the CCI 41's are what I will be looking for, however failing that I would like to know the next best alternative for the AR.

I like to standardize to just one projectile and I chose the SS109 as they work with the 1/9 twist where the heavier projectiles become somewhat unstable, particularly at colder temps in this twist rate. The SS109 also suit my budget.

I would imagine it might be difficult filling the case with the max charge of Varget with longer projectiles such as the 65+ grainers as there would barely be enough room left in the case without increasing the standard OAL which is a new danger factor in its self??
 
ssgp2 said:
I use varget with my 75bthp or amax with no problem, in my dillon 650 it meters well enought just remember to take your time reloading(figure about 300rnds/hrs)

Good to hear, I use a 650 as well. Curious ...with the long profile of the 75bthp do you run out of room in the case with Varget before ever reaching excessive pressure signs or....?
 
Never had pressure sign with varget/ccibr/win brass and believe me there is a lot of varget with my 75 bthp at 2.25"(2900fps)

Keep in mind that my AR has a kreiger 24" 1/8 + weight in the bolt carrier.

I should try a faster powder, but I really varget and load my 308 with it.
 
Canuck223 said:
FWIW, I've always used standard Winchester small rifle primers, and have never had a slam fire.

Comforting news, I have plenty Win SR that I use in my .40 S&W. Anybody else using softer than "CCI no. 41" primers in their AR for extended use.

If Alberta Tactical is looking, do you stock CCI 41 & 34 primers, if so how much$$.
 
WWIII said:
Canuck223 said:
FWIW, I've always used standard Winchester small rifle primers, and have never had a slam fire.

Comforting news, I have plenty Win SR that I use in my .40 S&W. Anybody else using softer than "CCI no. 41" primers in their AR for extended use.

If Alberta Tactical is looking, do you stock CCI 41 & 34 primers, if so how much$$.

You bet a lot of us use Winchester SR's in .223 for AR's, I've also used standard federal and CCI small rifle primers, all work flawlessly. Just think; just about any commercial .223 you can get your hands on has a "standard" small rifle primer cup, and do you have any guess how many millions of rounds of commercial .223 go through AR's every year, think of the US! :shock: And I haven't heard of an epidemic :?

Now on a related note, using SR primers in your .40S&W gives me the shivers... :| Especially if you shoot Glock... Any particular reason you're using SR's in a .40? If you really need a tougher primer at the MOST, in my opinion, go to small magnum pistol but albeit very cautiously. Perhaps I'm missing a trend here in really hot IPSC loads or something, but I've yet to hear about SR's in .40 being cosher... :?
 
Ardent said:
WWIII said:
Canuck223 said:
FWIW, I've always used standard Winchester small rifle primers, and have never had a slam fire.

Comforting news, I have plenty Win SR that I use in my .40 S&W. Anybody else using softer than "CCI no. 41" primers in their AR for extended use.

If Alberta Tactical is looking, do you stock CCI 41 & 34 primers, if so how much$$.

You bet a lot of us use Winchester SR's in .223 for AR's, I've also used standard federal and CCI small rifle primers, all work flawlessly. Just think; just about any commercial .223 you can get your hands on has a "standard" small rifle primer cup, and do you have any guess how many millions of rounds of commercial .223 go through AR's every year, think of the US! :shock: And I haven't heard of an epidemic :?

Now on a related note, using SR primers in your .40S&W gives me the shivers... :| Especially if you shoot Glock... Any particular reason you're using SR's in a .40? If you really need a tougher primer at the MOST, in my opinion, go to small magnum pistol but albeit very cautiously. Perhaps I'm missing a trend here in really hot IPSC loads or something, but I've yet to hear about SR's in .40 being cosher... :?

IPSC trend, Beretta EII, Hot, Hot Hot! :D

I will give the Win SR, Varget & SS109 a try in the AR. 8)
 
In the 80's, many shooters using .38 super for IPSC were having problems with primers flowing into and around the firing pin and it's hole. Switching to small rifle primers cured most of the problem. Of course, switching to the rifle primer also mandates that you start your load lower and work back up to the correct velocity.

Simply swapping rifle primers for pistol without backing off the powder charge will likley add several thousand CUP to the pressure.
 
I use WSR primers in my 40 exclusively. Work up the load like any other. I also feed the AR's WSR primers as well.

As far as 223 and Varget with heavy projectiles goes, if your compressing it, its overcharged. You should have no OAL troubles at all.

Cheers
 
Back
Top Bottom