Reloader 15 v. Varget

[Leaddog]

I have been using RL-15 for quite some time with good results (Remy 700 5R .308). Many folks swear by Varget. Is it better? How? I do know it is very hard to get. Your thoughts appreciated. Thanks.

Btw... I am shooting 175 SMK's over 43.5grs. of RL-15. I haven't chronoed them yet.

 

[kwild]

Re: Reloader 15 v. Varget

I havent noticed any difference between the 2 but I only started reloading last spring. I tried varget and it worked well but it is very hard to come by so I went with reloader15.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Reloader 15 v. Varget

Here is the Ramshot loading page. If you click on 'Burn Rates' on the L/H sidebar, you will see that Varget is listed as 105, R/S Big Game is listed as 114, and RL-15 as 115. This doesn't mean all that much, but it does mean Varget is notably faster than RL-15.

 

[shadow4]

Re: Reloader 15 v. Varget

I doubt you will see a difference in accuracy between the two. You will see a big difference in temperature stability with Varget winning hands down. You'll probably get more velocity from the RL-15. At least that was the case for me, YMMV.

 

[Michael]

Re: Reloader 15 v. Varget

I switched to RE-15 for 2 years.
Good velocity, no pressure issues, but always had larger groups and the occasional bullet that just went ...............over here...................
So I switched back to Varget. Better and more consistant results and much much less temperature swing.

 

[1979Wolf]

Re: Reloader 15 v. Varget

go with varget.

 

[head2h2o]

Re: Reloader 15 v. Varget

I have ran both and can't tell a lot of difference between the two. Take the time to slowly work up your loads and see which one holds the best group consistently. While varget may be good in one rifle, it may not be in another. The only way you will know is to try it in your rifle.

 

[minnesotadan]

Re: Reloader 15 v. Varget

I use them both behind the 175SMKs I can not see a difference. I do have a preference for the Varget because I have had more time with Varget and better groups. But I mus admit I will shoot Varget for score and RL 15 for practice.

Dan

 

[kombayotch]

Re: Reloader 15 v. Varget

Varget is liked for its temperature stability.

 

[josephberry]

Re: Reloader 15 v. Varget

varget works best in my 5R

 

[crumpmd]

Re: Reloader 15 v. Varget

+1 for temp stable. I have seen RL-15 shoot hot in hot weather. I use it exclusively in my target rifle. I keep loaded rounds out of the direct sun. If I had to guess I would say about 25fps between high 70s low 80s to upper 90s near 100F. Rounds that are noticibly warm to the touch from being in the direct sun for a while on a 98 degree day will give a bit more than that and I have had a hard bolt lift a time or two.
Varget I shoot in my 308 does not seem to vary as much as the RL-15. It does really well with the heavy bullets, I shoot 185gr Lapua scenars at long ranges. The 155ge scenars do as well as the heavy bullets and I have been using them with 45.5gr of Varget.

 

[Mag 300]

Re: Reloader 15 v. Varget

really like the rl-15 will have to do a test to varget seeing whats better

I will do the 9 loads spaced .3 gr apart

Bill

 

[akxx]

Re: Reloader 15 v. Varget

Hodgdon claims 25-50 fps variation in Varget from 0-100 degrees.

Some of the ball powders may see 150 fps(!)