Varget Powder
- Thread starter Dunk
- Start date
I used to use IMR 4895, changed to Varget when it hit the Canadian market and don't really see a reason to change to anything else. I use it for pushing 155 gr bullets in my .308 target rifles and 80 gr bullets in my .223 target rifles. I buy it in 8 lbs jugs and once I open one, I start looking to buy another one. It takes me a season to go through 8 lbs shooting competitions and practices, so I have about a year to find another 8 pounder.
- Location
- Saskatchewan
Use it in the same applications where you have used 4064. Might provide a touch better consistency in all temperatures and result in a tiny bit better accuracy, and it meters a tiny bit better.
- Location
- West Quebec
Good to know just bought some for my 223..
hometownhero
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Toon Town, Sk
I use lots of the stuff. Had great luck in 223, 308, and 30-06
I use it in the same calibers. Its a good powder but stops well short of being magical. It doesn't seem to like the cold any more than other powders.
I like it because I can load any rifle calibre I have with. Tried the different powders for different guns crap and realized I am neither a precision shooter and I don't have time to play around with loads at this point in my life.
What you said. I have only been reloading for 1.5 yrs and used Varget exclusively for .308 as I thought it was the magic powder as everyone was raving about it. I had good results from my rifles with it but when the powder suppy started to dwindle I managed to try some IMR 4895 and had more consistsent and better results than Varget, out of my rilfes anyway. It opened my eyes for sure and just goes to show it doesn't hurt to try something different, it may even be better. As far as the tem sensitive thing, I didn't find it any different than Varget.
I was with the Canadian Team at Camp Perry last summer (coach). One of the issues a Coach worries about is if the ammo team members have is as good as it can be (does it work well in that rifle) and if it is at risk of being a disaster.
I am of the opinion that Vht N140 or N150 will make a better match load than Varget. The team shooting beside us at one point was the US Army Team, who have money and resources in depth. I got into a conversation with the Team captain about ammo (all their Team members shoot the same ammo) and he explained they decided to use Varget because it was reliable.
I see his point. Although N150 might make better ammo, if temperatures get real high (or lower than normal) N150 and most other powders - with RL15 being quite bad - will show much more increased or reduced velocity/pressure.
Varget means there is one less thing to go wrong. A good idea in the long run.
When I use a powder for a match load, I deliberately try it with an extra 0.5gr. If it shoots badly, I know my load is dangerous to rely on because on a hot day it will get me a low score. I also try it with 0.5 gr less, because first thing in the morning temperatures can be quite cold.
When I send my son off to compete in an important match, he has two extra boxes of ammo (with VHT N150) labeled COLD and HOT, in case a match happens to be unusually cold or hot weather. If I loaded his ammo with Varget, this would not be required. But the VHT N150 groups a bit better than Varget, so that is what we use.
If you use powders other than Varget you won't notice the temperature sensitivity issue unless your load is near the extreme of hot or mild.
I am of the opinion that Vht N140 or N150 will make a better match load than Varget. The team shooting beside us at one point was the US Army Team, who have money and resources in depth. I got into a conversation with the Team captain about ammo (all their Team members shoot the same ammo) and he explained they decided to use Varget because it was reliable.
I see his point. Although N150 might make better ammo, if temperatures get real high (or lower than normal) N150 and most other powders - with RL15 being quite bad - will show much more increased or reduced velocity/pressure.
Varget means there is one less thing to go wrong. A good idea in the long run.
When I use a powder for a match load, I deliberately try it with an extra 0.5gr. If it shoots badly, I know my load is dangerous to rely on because on a hot day it will get me a low score. I also try it with 0.5 gr less, because first thing in the morning temperatures can be quite cold.
When I send my son off to compete in an important match, he has two extra boxes of ammo (with VHT N150) labeled COLD and HOT, in case a match happens to be unusually cold or hot weather. If I loaded his ammo with Varget, this would not be required. But the VHT N150 groups a bit better than Varget, so that is what we use.
If you use powders other than Varget you won't notice the temperature sensitivity issue unless your load is near the extreme of hot or mild.
neoconfection
Regular
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
I've had meh results with Varget in .223 pushing 55gr FMJ/BT bullets and 68gr Match bullets. I prefer to use IMR4198 or H4895 in .223.
Varget is great in .308 Winchester (150gr FMJ/BT and 155gr Match bullets) and 7.62x54R (pushing a 150gr or a 174gr). At least, in my experience. The burn rate is better suited for medium-large cases.
Varget is great in .308 Winchester (150gr FMJ/BT and 155gr Match bullets) and 7.62x54R (pushing a 150gr or a 174gr). At least, in my experience. The burn rate is better suited for medium-large cases.
neoconfection
Regular
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
- Location
- West Quebec
I'll keep an eye..
- Location
- West Quebec
What rife you using?l
neoconfection
Regular
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
If you find a keg (8lbs) on either and don't want the whole thing...I wouldn't mind splitting it...just speaking theoretically, of course 
- Location
- West Quebec
If you find a keg (8lbs) on either and don't want the whole thing...I wouldn't mind splitting it...just speaking theoretically, of course
Trick is to find it..
neoconfection
Regular
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
