Currently, i have the perfect load for my rifle (.308)...
Lapua brass, 178gr AMAX, 44.7gr of Varget, 2.91OAL (long throat on the rifle and this puts it at .020 off the lands).
I can consistently shoot sub 1/4" groups at 100yds. The rifle is a 700 varmint with the barrel chopped to 18" with the 1/12 twist. Im not sure of the velocity of this as i dont have a chrono, but i was not seeing overpressure signs until i hit 45 grains. Luckily the 44.7 was perfect.
However, its been over a year and i've yet to find any Varget in stock. I began looking for an alternative, and what i did find in stock, is IMR4064, so i bought 2 lbs. From what ive been reading, is that it is nearly interchangeable (+/- a couple grains). Once i started looking deeper, it seems that many people stick with 168s or less due to the 4064 being a faster powder.
So my question is basically if it will be safe, or should i definitely drop to a 168. I was hoping to avoid changing a lot since this load is perfect, but will do what i need to...or find someone locally to trade some varget with haha.
Lapua brass, 178gr AMAX, 44.7gr of Varget, 2.91OAL (long throat on the rifle and this puts it at .020 off the lands).
I can consistently shoot sub 1/4" groups at 100yds. The rifle is a 700 varmint with the barrel chopped to 18" with the 1/12 twist. Im not sure of the velocity of this as i dont have a chrono, but i was not seeing overpressure signs until i hit 45 grains. Luckily the 44.7 was perfect.
However, its been over a year and i've yet to find any Varget in stock. I began looking for an alternative, and what i did find in stock, is IMR4064, so i bought 2 lbs. From what ive been reading, is that it is nearly interchangeable (+/- a couple grains). Once i started looking deeper, it seems that many people stick with 168s or less due to the 4064 being a faster powder.
So my question is basically if it will be safe, or should i definitely drop to a 168. I was hoping to avoid changing a lot since this load is perfect, but will do what i need to...or find someone locally to trade some varget with haha.
