I'm reloading some .223 for my sl-8 using lapua brass, lapua 69 gr hpbt and varget. Starting charge is 24.1 going up to 24.5 oal is 2.210 (same oal as lapua factory ammo). The load seems on the verge of being a compressed load . Factory lapua ammo fed great and grouped sub moa so I'm trying to copy the results, but not sure if I'm barking up the wrong tree with the oal .
Varget for .223
- Thread starter RXP1
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Varget in 223 is expected to be compressed. Whether you are seating longer than SAAMI with heaviest bullets, or SAAMI length with standard shaped bullets like a hpbt in the 65-75gr range, you'll generally end up with a compressed load.
H4895 offers similar performance without being compressed in a 223.
H4895 offers similar performance without being compressed in a 223.
i have been using Varget in my .223 match rifles for many years, with bullet from 69 to 88 grains. All the loads are compressed and depending on the rifle ( twists from 1:9 to 1:7) they have been extremely accurate out to 900 meters.
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GunsNotPuns
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Back when I used to reload .223 I used a load of 26.2 gn of Varget under a 55 grain Hornady bullet (#2266). Shot fantastic out of my AR-15.
I load 23.8gr of Varget for 80gr Berger VLD’s. That charge weight is not compressed in Lapua cases (or range pick up differing head stamped cases). The performance I’m getting won me a couple of competitions.
It kind of surprised me to read all of the comments here about Varget loads being compressed. I’ve not experienced that even with 77gr (24.1gr charge) and 68gr bullets before I switched to the heavies. But I do seat them long (always have). So there’s more room in the case when you do that too.
It kind of surprised me to read all of the comments here about Varget loads being compressed. I’ve not experienced that even with 77gr (24.1gr charge) and 68gr bullets before I switched to the heavies. But I do seat them long (always have). So there’s more room in the case when you do that too.
Lots of CARTRIDGES run compressed Loads ! VERY common . RJ
Vihtavuori's reloading data for the 69 gr Scenar shows 2.260" for OAL. I'm pretty sure they would not have used Varget for their factory loads, I'm guessing Vihtavuori powder (guessing N140) as they are under the same umbrella.
I would suggest working with the seating depth that will fit in your magazine. It may or may not be a compressed load.
Another post suggested H4895 as an alternative, another good powder might be Alliant AR-Comp, ...if you can find it, lol.
N-140 would be a good alternate too, As it it might be what the factory loads were loaded with.
https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/?cartridge=7
I have been using n133 with excellent results out to 300 in my 2 chassis bolt actions with oal of 2.260. But big V is hard to find right now so I thought I would give varget a try in my semi ,since varget seems to be easy to get right now and I'm down to my last 3 kg of n133
If you'd rather stay away from compressed loads in your 223, try using a drop tube to add the powder to the case. It makes a noticeable difference in the height of the powder column.
I started using one a couple years ago and haven't looked back.
Don't dump the powder all at once, rather add it more slowly, it settles better that way.
I ran compressed loads in a 223 for a while, they weren't as good as non-compressed with the same amount of powder.
I started using one a couple years ago and haven't looked back.
Don't dump the powder all at once, rather add it more slowly, it settles better that way.
I ran compressed loads in a 223 for a while, they weren't as good as non-compressed with the same amount of powder.
+2 with Varget - as I was reading all the compressed load comments, I was thinking 'you guys need to get drop tubes on your funnels'.
I wouldn't over think the seating depth - 2.250" OAL with the 69smk.
Never felt the need to cram as much power in the case to push the envelope with varget either as moderate loads often yield the better and wider accuracy nodes.
Another vote for the Varget brass filler ! My 8 twist Tikka varmint loves the Varget. 24.2 gr with 69 scenars...real close to the same powder nodes for the 75 and 80 gr A-maxes too. I'm seated outside my mags length, so I'm using a single shot follower I made.
I haven't used a drop tube yet, but simply put my finger over the brass and turn and tap it on the bench to settle it down. Seems to work good, for now when I have run compressed loads in the 6.5 PRC.
Might have to get my son to 3D print a drop tube for my funnel for future loading. What length is optimal?
The one I have is simply a piece of 1/4" stainless tubing with one end turned down to fit into a 223 case mouth. The other end got a few turns with a countersink so that powder from the funnel flows smoothly into and through the tube.
It's about 8" long from end to end.
The more gradually you add the powder, the better it settles in the case.
I give the charged case a few taps to further settle the powder before seating the bullets.
It's about 8" long from end to end.
The more gradually you add the powder, the better it settles in the case.
I give the charged case a few taps to further settle the powder before seating the bullets.
