What no Varget!?

[375NoLess]

Just back to reloading for my 308 (Lapua Brass, 155 grain Berger VLD or Scenar 155) after 10 years of being forced to use factory ammo with no where to re load (not good).

I was shocked to find out that I cannot buy Varget anymore here in Europe... Which was my go to powder for the 308.

Anyone point me at a Varget Equivalent please? Was thinking VihtaVouri N140 or N540.

Thank You

 

[Friday]

Not sure if you can get it but IMR8208XBR is incredible

 

[375NoLess]

Thanks Friday I had not heard of this powder, it appears to be relatively new.

Just checked and yes I can! Thank you for that.

 

[Friday]

Vihtavouri powder is by far my favorite but it’s expensive

 

[375NoLess]

Ok I can easily source Vihtavouri here. Do you use N140 or N150, or maybe N540 or N550?

 

[Codiekfx400]

IMR 4166 is very similar to varget also.

 

[375NoLess]

Thanks Codiekx400

 

[sinister]

I would try (if you can get it) IMR 4320, 8208, Vihtavuori N135 or 140, Reloder 15, and TAC if you can find them.

 

[375NoLess]

Thanks sinister.

Interesting, TAC is marketed as the Varget equivalent here. Is it any good, not heard of it before.

 

[padom]

H4895 and IMR4064 where both my preferred powders over Varget for my 308 bolt gun.

 

[375NoLess]

Thanks Padom.

 

[sinister]

TAC is a ball powder that flows very nicely and consistently in most powder measures.

IMR 4895 and 4064 are also very good in 308, but don't meter as nicely.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

Thanks sinister.

Interesting, TAC is marketed as the Varget equivalent here. Is it any good, not heard of it before.

TAC is ball powder. It might have a similar burn rate but isn't what I consider a equivalent to Varget. RE15, 4064, H4895, IMR4895, 8208, etc are all in the neighborhood. VV has an equivalent too but I don't have experience with it.

 

[FLIGHT762]

With 155's in the 308 Win., I like AR Comp. I use 43.0 grains / 2850 FPS in a 24" Hart barrel. Low S/D- E/S and accurate. Temp insensitive like Varget.

 

[XLR308]

Try AR-COMP it's a great substitute for Varget just a slightly faster burn rate.
When I first tried it in 308win my stash of Varget was pretty much just collecting dust after that.

 

[antithesis]

Powders around Varget. Faster to slower burn rate:

• Accurate 4064
• Accurate 2520
• Reloader 15
• N-203
• N140
• Varget
• IMR-4320
• Win 748
• BL-C(2)
• CFE223

 

[Friday]

N-140 would be my choice in Vihtavouri a 308 but I use varget and xbr it has awesome results but for my 243 and 6mm and 6.5 I use N160 and N550 both are a little slow for a 308 imho

 

[longgunJR]

I've been waiting to try Varget on my 6.5x47L for a few months now, if it doesnt come available soon I'll just work up a load on H4350.

 

[Friday]

Try that XBR I’ve had better luck with it than varget

 

[375NoLess]

Thanks to everyone for the useful information, much appreciated.

 

[Mk4A1]

IMR 4064 is close to Varget but temperature sensitive. In my DPMS 308, I use RL15, also very close.

 

[375NoLess]

Thanks Mk4A1. Reloader is available here.

 

[EJ1001]

I have getting really good results with 4064 in my Tikka, but I recently tried N140 and it shoots a touch better than 4064 for me.

 

[375NoLess]

Good to hear EJ1001, thanks

 

[Expert684]

Good to hear EJ1001, thanks

I would shoot N150. Loads are within .1-.2 of a grain from Varget. It is a little more accurate for me. I’m running 44.0 N150 under a Berger 185 Juggernaut @ 2700 FPS. This a hot load!!!!

 

[375NoLess]

Thanks Expert684. That is a hot load indeed.

Correct me if I am wrong but is the N150 better suited to heavier bullets as you are using here (185gr).

I will be using the Berger 155 so maybe the N140 is better in this case?

 

[Expert684]

You may be correct using N140, depends on barrel and length. I'm running the 185 Jugs and 200 hybrids from a 28" F T/R gun. I'm just saying the the loads from Varget to N150 are almost identical for both bullets. Maybe see what you can get your hands on and try a few powders? There a lot of great powders out there to be had.

 

[375NoLess]

Thanks Expert684

 

[Expert684]

You are welcome, look around and use what works best for you. Good luck!