Varget vs. H335 for 55gr .223 AR loads???

[Twisted]

I've been using H335 for years without issue other than I'm nearly out of it. Loading basic 55gr bullets.

I have about 8lbs of varget left. Basic question is should I switch to varget and work up a basic load using that because I have it or work on a trade for some H335?

The other thing that was brought up was that I may not want to feed Varget through the powder feeder on my Dillon as it won't meter as consistently.

 

[1Sg (ret)]

Re: Varget vs. H335 for 55gr .223 AR loads???

Ball powders work fine for .223 rounds.I have always thought using varget for .223 was a waste.In ball loads anyway.I would stick to the H335.

 

[sawgunner2001]

Re: Varget vs. H335 for 55gr .223 AR loads???

Varget works fine for the 55gr pills. At 26.8gr of Varget in mixed cases, I was getting an average of 3088fps out of a 20" barrel.

The pros/cons of how well it meters through your powder measure will be something to consider. 26.8gr of Varget fills the case pretty dang full and may cause some spillage when you get one that loads a little high.

In a pinch, would I use it in a progressive machine for this application? Yep, but I'd be on the lookout for a ball powder.

 

[280nosler]

Re: Varget vs. H335 for 55gr .223 AR loads???

I am not a big fan of varget in 223. I know there are lots of other fanboi's out there, but I'll gladly stick to my ball powders. I like H335, AA 2230, CFE, and TAC for 223, specifically 55 grain FMJ-BT w/c. I run between 22 and 25 grains (only CFE exceeds 23.3 grains), and I run a heavy buffer in my AR. All those same loads as pretty fast from my 26 inch bolt gun as well.

If I were you, and did not load 308 or 260, I'd try to trade for H335 (or equivalent).

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Varget vs. H335 for 55gr .223 AR loads???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 280nosler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am not a big fan of varget in 223. I know there are lots of other fanboi's out there, but I'll gladly stick to my ball powders. I like H335, AA 2230, CFE, and TAC for 223, specifically 55 grain FMJ-BT w/c. I run between 22 and 25 grains (only CFE exceeds 23.3 grains), and I run a heavy buffer in my AR. All those same loads as pretty fast from my 26 inch bolt gun as well.

If I were you, and did not load 308 or 260, I'd try to trade for H335 (or equivalent). </div></div>

I'm with 280N on this one: H335 is a damn good ball powder for the Dillon. Even if you can get the Varget shooting as well for you, there's very little chance it will meter as will in your Dillon. I've not had good luck with Varget in my 550b. I stick with the ball powders unless I'm using my Rangemaster.

Also, keep an eye out for more H335. Stocks are starting to rise again.

 

[Twisted]

Re: Varget vs. H335 for 55gr .223 AR loads???

Thanks for the input guys, that's the info I was looking for.

My .308 is in the shop turning in to a .260 right now and just picked up 7lbs of H4350 locally so I'm good there. I probably have enough H335 to get me through the summer so not too worried about finding more in stock before then and if it gets real bad I have a couple one pounders of Varget on the shelf I can make work.

I have enough shooting friends local who can use this jug of varget that I'll probably just offer it up in trade for H335 or something so we can all keep shooting.

 

[Clark]

Re: Varget vs. H335 for 55gr .223 AR loads???

The 223 is SAAMI registered at 55kpsi, but can get long brass life with 75kpsi.

75kpsi in a semi auto 223 with non adjustable gas system may not be what you want.

H335 will get the 223 to high pressure with 55 gr Vmax bullets, Varget will not. Not enough Varget will fit in the case.

Varget is temperature insensitive and very consistant lot to lot.
H335 is not.

So it depends on what you've got and what you want to get out of it.

 

[MTyotehunter]

Re: Varget vs. H335 for 55gr .223 AR loads???

yea Varget is too slow for 55s. H335 wouldn't be bad but its almost a little fast for 55s. if your looking for highest velocity look for something with a burn rate in between. you could go with BLC-2 or cfr-223 wich are close to the burn rate of Varget but higher density so you can get enough in the case to get great velocity with 55s.

good luck

 

[Truth223]

Re: Varget vs. H335 for 55gr .223 AR loads???

What about imr 4320 for 223? I have some of this and RL15, but I want to save the rl15 for my .308 loads

 

[Warbone]

Re: Varget vs. H335 for 55gr .223 AR loads???

As always work up loads.
I used h335 for a few years then heard about a varget load that works great on 55g pills

27.2g varget,winchester case, this fills the case, 55g hpbt gamekings, and i shoot it out of a 20" RRA bull barrel with amazing accurracy.

If i want to yot hunt or Pdog hunt i will load up this round, with a auto powder dispencer.

If i want to load a bunch of rounds for plinking i will use h335 and a dropper.