Varget and the .223

G

gnfiter3

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
May 28, 2007
301
7
Florida
#1
Who ever posted the combination of 26 grs. of Varget for a .52 gr. bullet, had his stuff in one bag. Great combination. 7 of 10 inside the 10 ring with 5 touching in the bull. The other two were pulled out by skeeter from the sawgrass, sucking on my ear. Armalite NM lower, DPMS heavy with 1:8 twist. The Nosler 69 grs. with 25.5 Varget went 8 in or on the 10 ring with five in the bull. The other two were in the 9 ring, with two more skeeter bites.

Now the guy that said, Varget didn't meter in his Dillon 550, needs to try again.

Good info here, and thanks.
 
#2
Re: Varget and the .223

The accuracy load for the 69SMK is 25.3 grains of Varget in the Sierra loading manual. I'm going to try 23.9 grains with 77SMKs just for giggles. I don't shoot the lighter bullets.
 
#3
Re: Varget and the .223

26grs of Varget behind a 50-52 gr pill fired through my 1:8 Sabre shoots great.

<span style="font-weight: bold">.56" Ten shot group at 100yds</span>

SabreDefence10shotgroup.jpg
 
#4
Re: Varget and the .223

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: One-Eyed Jack</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The accuracy load for the 69SMK is 25.3 grains of Varget in the Sierra loading manual. I'm going to try 23.9 grains with 77SMKs just for giggles. I don't shoot the lighter bullets. </div></div>
What kind of velocities are you getting? I tried Varget in my 6x45 AR w/ 16" bbl,it was the most accurate I found with the 65gr Vmax,but I could not get enough powder in the case to get much more than 2450fps.Dead on accurate though
 
#6
Re: Varget and the .223

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: paul T</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> any of you guys use varget with the 105g bullets for 243 win. </div></div>

Don't know the exact recipe,but a good friend says it is the only powder to use with the heavier 6mm bullets in the 243
 
#7
Re: Varget and the .223

I don't own a chrony, so I don't know how fast the 26 grs is pushing the .52 grainer. I just know, at mag length, it shoots very well, .517 accross the touching rounds. I wear a tri-focal so between moving my head to get the right lens in the optical center of the scope, and the everglades skeeters in my ear; I feel great about the load. The Nosler 69's were shot at the end of the day/night, so it could have been tired burning eyes, skeeters, and watching the clock for the closing of the range. What differnce could .2 grs make in a gas gun? Had to be me.

I'll be trying some Varget in my .243, when I can get some more. Till then, it's for .223 only. Local shop is out of both Varget and 748; so I'll be trikling 4064 for both .243 and 308. Seems most vendors are out of Varget.
 
#9
Re: Varget and the .223

I have had great luck with varget using 75-77 grain rounds. I just tried AA2520, and I am going to switch. I get 100FPS higher velosity with 2520 over Varget, and I can throw the 2520 charges more accurate than my chargemaster can trickle varget. (2880 FPS with 75grain Hornady Match)

Varget is still my 308 powder and its great, but AA2520 is cheaper, available at numerous places, flows like water, and you get higher velosity.
 
#10
Re: Varget and the .223

I got better results from 3 ARs and 2 bolt guns using 26gr BL-C2 with the 52gr SMK and 53gr Horn Match. It meters perfect. I had good results with IMR 4350 and 100gr SGK .243 in a Rem 700 ADL 24" Walmart clearance gun.
 
#11
Re: Varget and the .223

Interesting, as I continue to do more reseach into loading. The Lyman 47th Reloading Manual says, "Regardless of the bullet weight IMR 4350 is the universal first choice propellant. That's for the .243. On the otherhand, Lyman recommend H335 for 223. Not sure when Varget was introduced, but I've had this copy over 10 years, and Varget isn't in it anywhere.

In the absence of Varget, I may try that AA2520 or BL-2(C)whichever I can get. The whole point of buying the Dillon 550, was faster loading of rifle cartridges,as I shoot so many calibers. I still don't se many references to 748 for .223, 243, and .308 on this thred??
 
#12
Re: Varget and the .223

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: One-Eyed Jack</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The accuracy load for the 69SMK is 25.3 grains of Varget in the Sierra loading manual. I'm going to try 23.9 grains with 77SMKs just for giggles. I don't shoot the lighter bullets. </div></div>

I shoot 24.3 of varget with the 77 smk and it works great.
 
#13
Re: Varget and the .223

in a 1:12 twist I like 27.5g of varget with a 55g nbt.It is a compressed load but will shoot one ragged hole out to 100 in my rifel.just need to work up a load in my 223 with a 1:9 twist so that I can shoot it in different temps.right know I am shooting 4007 in my new 223 with a 75g berger vld.and I am not sure that 4007 is temp sensitive but its giveing me one ragged hole at 100.gotta love that varget.
 
#15
Re: Varget and the .223

I like to keep things simple at this point in my shooting career. I use Varget in my 223 and 308. Varget might be better suited to the 308 but so far it works just fine in my 223 using 50g-69g bullets.
 
#16
Re: Varget and the .223

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: One-Eyed Jack</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The accuracy load for the 69SMK is 25.3 grains of Varget in the Sierra loading manual...</div></div>

That ain't no joke my friend...

RRA varmint 1:8 twisted shoots lights out & tracks perfectly with FGMM out to 500 with this load...

last shots of the day for group & giggles (4 shots) were in one hole... literally...lol
 
#17
Re: Varget and the .223

I like the KISS principle myself. Tryng Varget and getting the great results, complicated it a bit. With several pounds of 4064 on hand, and load data for all the rifle calibers I own available for it; I was good. Then the progressive loader got set up and the .223 shooting in three AR uppers started something. There's a load for .223 with 4064, but imagine the time to trickle 200 rounds of .223? Now someone give me a suggestion on loading .223, .243, 22-250, 25-06, and .308 with one powder that will meter through a Dillon 550. Do note that 4064 can be used, and is very often recommendeed on everything, but the .223. I load 3X the .223 as I do the others. That may change when I start using my AR 10 more, right now, I'm hot on the 40X with 43.0 grs of 4064
 
#18
Re: Varget and the .223

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gnfiter3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like the KISS principle myself. Tryng Varget and getting the great results, complicated it a bit. With several pounds of 4064 on hand, and load data for all the rifle calibers I own available for it; I was good. Then the progressive loader got set up and the .223 shooting in three AR uppers started something. There's a load for .223 with 4064, but imagine the time to trickle 200 rounds of .223? Now someone give me a suggestion on loading .223, .243, 22-250, 25-06, and .308 with one powder that will meter through a Dillon 550. Do note that 4064 can be used, and is very often recommendeed on everything, but the .223. I load 3X the .223 as I do the others. That may change when I start using my AR 10 more, right now, I'm hot on the 40X with 43.0 grs of 4064 </div></div>

I'd start here; http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=351023#Post351023

I have loaded .223 on my 550 with Rl-15 and Varget and a few other extruded powders but not 4064.

You might consider W748 as it is also a kick ass powder in the .223 and meters as well as BLC-2(Thanks Greg L.!)
 
#19
Re: Varget and the .223

My local shop is out of both 748 and Varget. 4064 will not meter in the Dillon. I've been listening to the referals of RL-15, and BLC-(2)and AA2520. I can maybe get another 75 rounds out of the Varget I have, then it's find a powder around here that I can use untill the Varget shortage is over.

Any loaders in tri-county Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade with a location on Varget, please post?
 
#21
Re: Varget and the .223

Please define Okay? Varget gave me a .516, 5 shot group, progressively loaded on Dillon 550.I don't mind doing what I have to do, as far as tweaking the load.

What groups are you getting with the AA powder.
Currently using Berger 52 grainers, and Honady 69's
1:8 Twist barrels

Yes, I'm starting to get picky.
 
#22
Re: Varget and the .223

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gnfiter3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My local shop is out of both 748 and Varget. 4064 will not meter in the Dillon. I've been listening to the referals of RL-15, and BLC-(2)and AA2520. I can maybe get another 75 rounds out of the Varget I have, then it's find a powder around here that I can use untill the Varget shortage is over.

<span style="text-decoration: underline">Any loaders in tri-county Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade</span> with a location on Varget, please post? </div></div>

If I knew you were in Dolphin country I would never have helped
mad.gif
Stupid wildcat offense...

In the interest of cross state Bon Homie, I can't help you on the local vendors, but online vendors such as Powder valley, Midway, Grafs, Third Generation shooters supply, Southeast shooters supply, Bruno's, etc., as they sometimes have it.

If you come up to my area, Harbor Reloading, in Clearwater, stocks a lot of powders but is also searching for Varget.
 
#23
Re: Varget and the .223

No hard feelings Queequeg. I don't bet on the Dolphins, but they are ahead of Tampa Bay. In fact, I'd rather go to the range than watch them play. A bad day at the range, beats watching them lose after being 2 or 3 touchdowns ahead. I just get up, turn on the stereo, and get on the Dillon. Also, lived in Tampa, and Bartow as I was growing up.

Tried a few online suppliers for the varget, but no luck. So a few of the alternate powders may have to do.
 
#27
Re: Varget and the .223

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Super Bee 950</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have had great luck with varget using 75-77 grain rounds. I just tried AA2520, and I am going to switch. I get 100FPS higher velosity with 2520 over Varget, and I can throw the 2520 charges more accurate than my chargemaster can trickle varget. (2880 FPS with 75grain Hornady Match)

Varget is still my 308 powder and its great, but AA2520 is cheaper, available at numerous places, flows like water, and you get higher velosity.

</div></div>
Ive been trying H4895 with the same results. Im pushing a 75gr Horn at 2820-2830fps. Varget works but I wanted more FPS.
 
#28
Re: Varget and the .223

Queequeg, no problem, as I guessed midsouth, I order from them, but they too are out of Varget. The Bucs are rebuilding and the Dolphins only beat them by two. Do you happen to shoot at Manatee? I just heard about it, but it's 4 hours from me. It's the closest range that has out to 1000 yrds. Ran into a guy down here who has made the drive, sounds like a great setup.

Qee, The HazMat cost is more than the can of powder.
 
#31
Re: Varget and the .223

IMR 4064 is a great, classic powder for 308 and 223, you can't go wrong with it. These days most people prefer Varget so you will find most 223 and 308 loads using this powder. I've used both and now I use Varget. IMO there is no particular reason for Varget over 4064 other than Varget might meter a little better than 4064.
 
#32
Re: Varget and the .223

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gnfiter3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Queequeg, no problem, as I guessed midsouth, I order from them, but they too are out of Varget. The Bucs are rebuilding and the Dolphins only beat them by two. Do you happen to shoot at Manatee? I just heard about it, but it's 4 hours from me. It's the closest range that has out to 1000 yrds. Ran into a guy down here who has made the drive, sounds like a great setup.

Qee, The HazMat cost is more than the can of powder. </div></div>

gnfiter3,

It only makes sense to buy 8 (or 5's) pounders to spread that hazmat fee out over the total; Makes the sting hurt a little less! Keep in mind you're paying it anyway when you buy 1 pounders, just a smaller applied percentage.

I shoot at Manatee; Joined there in fact, as I have been getting there enough to justify the cost! It is a great range and certainly worth the drive for me, though it is only a little more than an hour from my place in Tampa. There are several good Joe's here that shoot there. You can look at the Manatee Range thread,( here: http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1197019#Post1197019 ) to get an idea of fellow Hide members who shoot there with regularity. If you should decide to make the trip one day, let me know and if it works for me, I'd be happy to obtain any powder available from my vendor and schlep it down there for you.

Maybe you can bring LadyGlock with you and I can apologize to her for all the nasty things those rude Texans said about her!
laugh.gif
 
#33
Re: Varget and the .223

1911.it, That metering is one big point, accuracy is, of course, the other. I bet the reason long extruded powders don't get pushed into that little case, is the difficulty in getting it in there; and the volume of rounds loaded. I took the advice of 25 grs. of 4064, and it's almost a compressed load. Lyman says 26grs. is max, and 25 is mid-range, as 23 grs. is the suggested starting point. I'm trying to imagine the difficulty of getting another grain in there; not that I have a need to push the speed limit at 100 yrds. all I want is one ragged hole off the bench. Then I want tons of ammo for Service Rifle type shooting.

Quee; I stumbled up on the Manatee Web site looking for a range longer than 100 yards. Then did the map quest to see how far it was. I'd have to pack a lunch and stay for dinner, to shoot there. On the otherhand, I have a friend in Orlando, off I-4, just east of the pike.That would be plan A. I just may do that when I have my .308 loads stock piled with the 43 grs. of 4064. Right now I have several differnt loads, and have not developed the go to load for the AR-10. Maybe it will shoot the same load as well as the 40X. Then, that's only at 100 yrds with 168 HPBT. All the rage on the 175 SMK has not hit me, as I have no place to shoot that far. The last time I shot 175 vld's, it wasn't nearly as good as the 168's. Could have been an issue of speed or the distance it takes that tip to stabilize. I'm still learning about that stuff.

Will, of course, be in touch
 
#34
Re: Varget and the .223

I can't get more than 26.5 grains of Varget in a case. I encourage you to try.

The velocity is unprecedented either way, though....

With heavier bullets, I bet it's the shit.
 
#36
Re: Varget and the .223

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gnfiter3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hate to ask it again, but, "WHERE'S THE VARGET?' </div></div>

Plenty of it on my bench and in my Lyman 1200.
smile.gif
 
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