I recently picked up a RRA Varmint upper and had a chance to get it to the range today. It's got a 1 in 8 twist. I loaded 15 cases with Varget and 15 with Reloader 15. Topped them off with 69 gr. SMK's. Rem. 7 1/2 primers. I was pleased with groups that each produced. (ragged holes to about an inch-5 shot groups) I'll add this was with an Aero receiver with stock DPMS lower parts kit, carbine stock and rough trigger. I have a PRS stock and 2 stage trigger on backorder for another receiver I will put this upper on. I plan on using this out much further that I tested these loads today (100 yards.) When going the distance, would one of these powders give me an edge over the other? I also want to try the 77 gr SMK's as well. This is my first time using Reloader 15. I've used Varget in a 22-250 and use it exclusively in that rifle. Thanks in advance, I appreciate any suggestions or advice.
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Varget & Reloader 15 with heavier bullets for AR
- Thread starter Friar
- Start date
Re: Varget & Reloader 15 with heavier bullets for AR
I load 24 grains of Varget and 77's. I get 2700 fps. I've tried 24.5 and got 2750. At 600 yards it didn't make much of a difference so I load 24.
Concensus is that Varget is temperature stable, Reloader 15 can give higher pressures depending on when you work up your load (50-60 degrees) and when you're shooting (80-90 degrees).
I load 24 grains of Varget and 77's. I get 2700 fps. I've tried 24.5 and got 2750. At 600 yards it didn't make much of a difference so I load 24.
Concensus is that Varget is temperature stable, Reloader 15 can give higher pressures depending on when you work up your load (50-60 degrees) and when you're shooting (80-90 degrees).
Re: Varget & Reloader 15 with heavier bullets for AR
this is my load: 25.1 RL-15 and 80 gr. a-max
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTC0oNy54RM
watch in full screen loved the spray paint shot
this is my load: 25.1 RL-15 and 80 gr. a-max
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTC0oNy54RM
watch in full screen loved the spray paint shot
Re: Varget & Reloader 15 with heavier bullets for AR
If you have a choice, I'd go Varget. You can't go wrong. If you're going long distance (500-600 yds) and you don't need to feed through a magazine, I'd go with 80 SMKs. If you need to have rounds feed through a magazine, go 77s. 24 with a 77, 24 to 24.5 with an 80 should get you in the ballpark. That's pretty much "book" loads. As always work up and use caution.
Good luck!
If you have a choice, I'd go Varget. You can't go wrong. If you're going long distance (500-600 yds) and you don't need to feed through a magazine, I'd go with 80 SMKs. If you need to have rounds feed through a magazine, go 77s. 24 with a 77, 24 to 24.5 with an 80 should get you in the ballpark. That's pretty much "book" loads. As always work up and use caution.
Good luck!
Re: Varget & Reloader 15 with heavier bullets for AR
My Rock River ar 1-8 twist 20'" Wylde chamber likes 24.5-24.7 RL-15 69 smks (FACTORY SECONDS!!!) mag length gtg out to 600. Holds Moa for the most part even with the 2 flyers. No brass uniforming was done, like deburing the flash hole or primer pocket uniforming which I always do for my match loads. Just wanted to see what this load would do in plain old Lake City brass.
CCI 400 small rifle primer. Some say don't use that primer, but I got a shit load of them for cheap. So F it, I have never had any issues with them. Shot several hundred rounds with them no slam fires to date. I prefer Winchester primers though, I would use them if could have found them when I got the cci. They must be close in performance since the velocities are near identical.
I think you'll be happy with the RL-15. I like it a lot.
Varget, Schmarget... I use Varget it in one of my .308's. Not because it's supposedly temp insensitive, because somebody gave me a couple pounds they couldn't get it to shoot in their rifle. I monkeyed with it more than they did and guess what, bugholes at 100...
Even IMR4895 gets me cleans at 300 in Service rifle matches so don't get hung up on a powder because it's supposed to be temp insensitive.
You can achieve excellent results with about a half dozen proven powders. Just pick one and tweak it to your rifle. Shit Black Hills supposedly uses Ramshot Tac, and who the heck uses that??? Everyone knows Black Hills Boolitz shoot.
I'm just sayin develop a good load and use it. Keep a shooting log so you can remember your dope in any condition and have fun with it, mostly, have fun with it.
Oh 1 more thing when comparing 2 different powders. I always start testing each load with different powder (or different bullet manufacturer for that matter) on a clean barrel mostly to keep things on an even playing field, it's supposed to make a difference.
I did modify my A2 RRA rifle though...
My Rock River ar 1-8 twist 20'" Wylde chamber likes 24.5-24.7 RL-15 69 smks (FACTORY SECONDS!!!) mag length gtg out to 600. Holds Moa for the most part even with the 2 flyers. No brass uniforming was done, like deburing the flash hole or primer pocket uniforming which I always do for my match loads. Just wanted to see what this load would do in plain old Lake City brass.
CCI 400 small rifle primer. Some say don't use that primer, but I got a shit load of them for cheap. So F it, I have never had any issues with them. Shot several hundred rounds with them no slam fires to date. I prefer Winchester primers though, I would use them if could have found them when I got the cci. They must be close in performance since the velocities are near identical.
I think you'll be happy with the RL-15. I like it a lot.
Varget, Schmarget... I use Varget it in one of my .308's. Not because it's supposedly temp insensitive, because somebody gave me a couple pounds they couldn't get it to shoot in their rifle. I monkeyed with it more than they did and guess what, bugholes at 100...
Even IMR4895 gets me cleans at 300 in Service rifle matches so don't get hung up on a powder because it's supposed to be temp insensitive.
You can achieve excellent results with about a half dozen proven powders. Just pick one and tweak it to your rifle. Shit Black Hills supposedly uses Ramshot Tac, and who the heck uses that??? Everyone knows Black Hills Boolitz shoot.
I'm just sayin develop a good load and use it. Keep a shooting log so you can remember your dope in any condition and have fun with it, mostly, have fun with it.
Oh 1 more thing when comparing 2 different powders. I always start testing each load with different powder (or different bullet manufacturer for that matter) on a clean barrel mostly to keep things on an even playing field, it's supposed to make a difference.
I did modify my A2 RRA rifle though...
Re: Varget & Reloader 15 with heavier bullets for AR
I had very good results with RL-15, and 75 amax and bthp bullets in my Ar. 24ish grains has given me around 2700-2750 with a 20 inch 8 twist barrel.
I had very good results with RL-15, and 75 amax and bthp bullets in my Ar. 24ish grains has given me around 2700-2750 with a 20 inch 8 twist barrel.
Re: Varget & Reloader 15 with heavier bullets for AR
As others have said, there are 4 or 5 powders that all shoot well. RL-15, Varget and N140 are what most folks I shoot with use with the 77SMK in 20" SR match barrels. Pick one and go. You hear comments about RL-15 being more temperature sensitive and <span style="font-weight: bold">my experience</span> supports that when you load at the high end of the scale. Varget gets a bad rap for inconsistencies between lots (which is why I buy 8 pounders)
After I screw around looking for perfection, I usually end up going back to 24.0 Varget with 77 SMKs as my go to round for 200 and 300 yards. I used to use 24.5 to have a same charge for my 600 yard loads but now I load them with a different charge.
Shorter distances get the Sierra 60 Grain Varmiter with 4895. It is the best load I have for a 6.5 PacNor 20 inch barrel.
JM2C
As others have said, there are 4 or 5 powders that all shoot well. RL-15, Varget and N140 are what most folks I shoot with use with the 77SMK in 20" SR match barrels. Pick one and go. You hear comments about RL-15 being more temperature sensitive and <span style="font-weight: bold">my experience</span> supports that when you load at the high end of the scale. Varget gets a bad rap for inconsistencies between lots (which is why I buy 8 pounders)
After I screw around looking for perfection, I usually end up going back to 24.0 Varget with 77 SMKs as my go to round for 200 and 300 yards. I used to use 24.5 to have a same charge for my 600 yard loads but now I load them with a different charge.
Shorter distances get the Sierra 60 Grain Varmiter with 4895. It is the best load I have for a 6.5 PacNor 20 inch barrel.
JM2C
Re: Varget & Reloader 15 with heavier bullets for AR
Anyone work any loads up for 77 nosler cc's with varget?
Amazing how different they shoot than 77smk's.....
Anyone work any loads up for 77 nosler cc's with varget?
Amazing how different they shoot than 77smk's.....
Re: Varget & Reloader 15 with heavier bullets for AR
I used the same 24.0 load and played with loads up to 24.5 without any noticeable improvement. They don't shoot as well as the SMKs or Hornady 75 HPBT in my guns. I had hoped they would be a good replacement for the SMKs but I guess you get what you pay for.
I used the same 24.0 load and played with loads up to 24.5 without any noticeable improvement. They don't shoot as well as the SMKs or Hornady 75 HPBT in my guns. I had hoped they would be a good replacement for the SMKs but I guess you get what you pay for.
Re: Varget & Reloader 15 with heavier bullets for AR
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2clicks</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Varget, Schmarget... I use Varget it in one of my .308's. Not because it's supposedly temp insensitive, because somebody gave me a couple pounds they couldn't get it to shoot in their rifle. I monkeyed with it more than they did and guess what, bugholes at 100...
Even IMR4895 gets me cleans at 300 in Service rifle matches so don't get hung up on a powder because it's supposed to be temp insensitive.
You can achieve excellent results with about a half dozen proven powders. Just pick one and tweak it to your rifle. Shit Black Hills supposedly uses Ramshot Tac, and who the heck uses that??? Everyone knows Black Hills Boolitz shoot.
I'm just sayin develop a good load and use it. Keep a shooting log so you can remember your dope in any condition and have fun with it, mostly, have fun with it.
</div></div>
The point is here that in a quality AR, any reasonable load will deliver good results. You can feed a quality AR most anything and it will shoot.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RSQ41</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Varget gets a bad rap for inconsistencies between lots (which is why I buy 8 pounders)
</div></div>
I've been shooting competitive serivce rifle for over 15 years now (with ARs) and I feel folks get too hung up on this lot to lot stuff. I've been through numerous quality barrels, you name the barrel du jour (douglass, black star, pac nor, krieger, etc.) and if you have a quality load and quality barrel, lot numbers don't mean squat on target(IMHO). If the load will shoot, then it will shoot. For the last several years, I've loaded the same load for my rifle and another rifle my son shoots (different barrels) with different lots of powder (of N540, try that on for size) that I pick up every year as I go and they never miss a beat.
I'm not trying to bust on anyone, but you're shooting an AR. It's not benchrest. Quality rifles will shoot most anything within reason you feed it. I used to tailor loads to the specific AR, but tried one good load in several of them and the all performed. End of spending time load tweaking. Spend that time on training and you'll easily eliminate any issues related to perceived differences realated to lot to lot powder variations.
Good luck!
ET
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2clicks</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Varget, Schmarget... I use Varget it in one of my .308's. Not because it's supposedly temp insensitive, because somebody gave me a couple pounds they couldn't get it to shoot in their rifle. I monkeyed with it more than they did and guess what, bugholes at 100...
Even IMR4895 gets me cleans at 300 in Service rifle matches so don't get hung up on a powder because it's supposed to be temp insensitive.
You can achieve excellent results with about a half dozen proven powders. Just pick one and tweak it to your rifle. Shit Black Hills supposedly uses Ramshot Tac, and who the heck uses that??? Everyone knows Black Hills Boolitz shoot.
I'm just sayin develop a good load and use it. Keep a shooting log so you can remember your dope in any condition and have fun with it, mostly, have fun with it.
</div></div>
The point is here that in a quality AR, any reasonable load will deliver good results. You can feed a quality AR most anything and it will shoot.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RSQ41</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Varget gets a bad rap for inconsistencies between lots (which is why I buy 8 pounders)
</div></div>
I've been shooting competitive serivce rifle for over 15 years now (with ARs) and I feel folks get too hung up on this lot to lot stuff. I've been through numerous quality barrels, you name the barrel du jour (douglass, black star, pac nor, krieger, etc.) and if you have a quality load and quality barrel, lot numbers don't mean squat on target(IMHO). If the load will shoot, then it will shoot. For the last several years, I've loaded the same load for my rifle and another rifle my son shoots (different barrels) with different lots of powder (of N540, try that on for size) that I pick up every year as I go and they never miss a beat.
I'm not trying to bust on anyone, but you're shooting an AR. It's not benchrest. Quality rifles will shoot most anything within reason you feed it. I used to tailor loads to the specific AR, but tried one good load in several of them and the all performed. End of spending time load tweaking. Spend that time on training and you'll easily eliminate any issues related to perceived differences realated to lot to lot powder variations.
Good luck!
ET
Re: Varget & Reloader 15 with heavier bullets for AR
Yup what my brother (and I when I feel like it) shoot shortline with with service rifle. 24.3gr of Varget. Shoot great.
I believe someone else posted but just pick one and go with it. There are a bunch of powders that work great in .223 for an AR. I have a RRA 24" varmit upper has always shot great.
Yup what my brother (and I when I feel like it) shoot shortline with with service rifle. 24.3gr of Varget. Shoot great.
I believe someone else posted but just pick one and go with it. There are a bunch of powders that work great in .223 for an AR. I have a RRA 24" varmit upper has always shot great.
Re: Varget & Reloader 15 with heavier bullets for AR
+1 for the 24gr of Varget topped with a Nosler 77gr pill. I tried RL15 and prefer Varget over it. Just picked up some XBR, and have heard it may be a little better then Varget, but we'll see.
+1 for the 24gr of Varget topped with a Nosler 77gr pill. I tried RL15 and prefer Varget over it. Just picked up some XBR, and have heard it may be a little better then Varget, but we'll see.
Re: Varget & Reloader 15 with heavier bullets for AR
24 gr Varget pushing Hornady 75gr BTHP is the sweet combo for my 18" 1/8" AR
24 gr Varget pushing Hornady 75gr BTHP is the sweet combo for my 18" 1/8" AR
Re: Varget & Reloader 15 with heavier bullets for AR
I may be off the subject since I don't shot my 5.56 AR at long distance, but I've had very good results with 55's and N-135 or Benchmark with that same upper you Got but a RRA lower.
At 100 yds 5 shot groups I'm getting .500" to .750"
This were done by my daughter (she is 13) she is my load tester when it comes with my two AR in 5.56. This are 3 shot groups for load develop.
AND THIS IS A 5 SHOT GROUP FOR THE RECORD FOR, MISS,SURE SHOT.
I may be off the subject since I don't shot my 5.56 AR at long distance, but I've had very good results with 55's and N-135 or Benchmark with that same upper you Got but a RRA lower.
At 100 yds 5 shot groups I'm getting .500" to .750"
This were done by my daughter (she is 13) she is my load tester when it comes with my two AR in 5.56. This are 3 shot groups for load develop.
AND THIS IS A 5 SHOT GROUP FOR THE RECORD FOR, MISS,SURE SHOT.
