Varget VS H4895

RangerPark

RangerPark

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As I'm going through my 16th pound of Varget in two years I'm looking to make some changes. This year's 8 pounder seemed a tad slower than last year's. Most of my loads need an extra 0.5 grains to reach the same velocities as before. I'm also finding that for my applications, I always end up with a compressed load with no pressure signs whatsoever. I mainly use Varget in .223 (I know it's not optimal but love the convenience) and all manners of .308, from 155 grains SMK to 185 grains Juggernauts, bolts and now a Stag 10.

I was using IMR 4064 before Varget and I switched because of Varget's touted better lack of temperature sensitivity. Truth is in Alberta hunting applications from +10 to -30 I haven't really seen any difference.

With IMR 4064 I would always reach over pressure during load development and would then know where the upper limit was. With Varget, I almost always fill the case so much that the bullets won't sit consistently and I still don't get pressure signs. For example with 180 grain Accubonds over 45 grains. I have to use a lower node with that combo and end up with lower velocities I'm not happy about.

Also, I recently took apart some Federal Gold Medal Match 168 grains and found the mystery powder to look like IMR 4064 but there was only 40.8 grains of it. I know IMR 4064 is not fast enough for 40.8 grains of of it to push a 168 grains SMK to 2700 fps. I was wondering if this could be a powder with a burn rate similar to H4895, only an IMR variant. Anyone have any idea what kind of powder would be used here?

So to anyone who has used both, which do you prefer, especially for .308 semis like the Stag 10? Varget or H4895, or even IMR 4064? I'm only interested in powders that can be had in 8lb containers.
 
I use IMR 4895 in .223 .243 .308 and 30-06 with very good results.
Its available from one of the site sponsors Budget Shooter Supplies in 8 Lb kegs.
I would expect H4895 would work the same.

Terry
 
I got a real slow lot of Varget as well. I didn't have the available case capacity in my 308 loads to add much more powder. So I'm using it in my 30/06 instead.
I really like H4895 in my 223 Rem loads.
And the D4895 is excellent in the 308 win and 22/250 I've tried it in as well. The larger sticks make metering a bit tougher so I don't use it in my 223 Rem.
I think the H4985 is one of the best powders for metering and versitility. I don't buy into all that temperature sensitivity marketing though.
 
Most of the temperature issues don't arise until hot weather (+30c). I shot 60 rounds of Win760 ball powder last weekend in my 6.5cm, started at 9am at +14c , 2620 fps. My last string of the day was around 4pm, temp was +26c. Avg speed 2685 fps

Varget in the 308 - compressed loads, mid to low velocity, fantastic accuracy.
 
For AR10, I will use H4895... others are reporting excellent results with IMR 8208 in both 223 and 308.

AR Comp is a temp stable version of Re15 which is a perennial fave for the 308.

I will only use varget in bolt rifles.

Jerry
 
I have used h4895 in my stag 10 with 168 gr eld m bullets and Sierra 168 gr tipped match kings with horrible results. I was also getting extremely high pressure signs not far off from the starting charge weight. I had to start several grains blow the starting charge weight to get a ladder test going. I did not have good results. Hopefully your experience is different using h4895.
 
Gotta be careful moving to 4895 after getting accustomed to Varget. With Varget, load development stops when you start damaging bullets while compressing the load to the extreme. With 4895 you don't get near compressed loads and the charge weights are lower.
 
Thanks everyone for the great feedback. I have some H4895 on the way and I'm hoping I get good results in my Stag 10. I will be watching for early pressure signs since the powder will be faster than Varget.
 
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