Varget and both 4895 powders

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Jeff H

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For M1 mostly shooting and a little 7.62x54R, are the differences between Varget and both of the 4895 powders shooting 150 grain pills really enough to matter?

All three seem to be held in high regard and I can't really find any definitive difference between them. Reloading books, internet forums, and limited personal exp seem to show the main difference is personal preference.

I'm leaning towards Varget because I can also use it with my 223 shooting the heavier 69gr SMK, but I would venture a bet that 4895 would do well in that regard as well, but I have never tested it.

On a different note, I love the fireball from my M44. Does anyone have 1st hand knowledge of shooting either of these powders 20" barrel rifles? Is the fireball good or do I need a slower powder.
 
Hardly any serous reloader is looking for bigger fireballs.

I can't help you with that.

rc
 
For M1 mostly shooting and a little 7.62x54R, are the differences between Varget and both of the 4895 powders shooting 150 grain pills really enough to matter?

Varget is a suitable powder for the M1 Garand. If you want to standardize on one powder for the M1 and your 223 Rem 69 SMK loads, you will not go wrong with Varget.

I cannot speak for the 762x54R though.
 
For use in 30-06 ammo for the Garand, 150gr bullets in the 7.62X54R and 69gr bullets in the .223, of the 3 powders you listed I would go with H4895.

Although, I try to use the powder that's best for each caliber even if that means using several different powders. I don't concern myself with trying to pick one powder for all my rifle reloading, especially with such a wide range of applications like the 30-06 and .223.

I like H335 and Varget for the .223, H4895 and IMR4064 for M1 Garand ammo and BL-C(2) for 7.62X54R ammo.
 
The only way I've ever been able to significantly reduce the muzzle flash/blast of my M44 is with reduced loads utilizing Red Dot and cast bullets.
As far as Varget vs the 4895s, they all work well for me in Garand, Mosin and M1A, however I prefer TAC for my 5.56 loads since it meters much better and Ramshot has published data for full 5.56 pressure loads.
 
varget v 4895

I think either is good. at that sort of mid range burn rate there is a load of choice including Tac, N140, Reloader 15 & blc2 . i load N140 in 223, 7mm08, 308 win and 30-06.

I think personal preference has to win. In the states, of course, powder is much cheaper than here in the uk.
 
Never noticed any fireballs shooting either powder out of 20" tubes......
Maybe because I'm too focused on the target to notice.

Now shooting Power Pistol out of my 9mm handguns in poorly lit indoor ranges, I notice plenty of flash:D
 
In an M1 Garand, don't you have to be mindful of the gas system? I remember hearing they are a bit finicky, and too fast of a powder can damage the rifle (even if otherwise OK for a 30-06 chamber).
 
I tried H 335 in 7.62x54r and didn't have any luck with it. Best luck I've had so far is IMR 4895 and 150 grain Sierra Match King's.

Always used IMR-4895 in M1 Garand. No other reason to switch because it has always worked and isn't broken.
 
In an M1 Garand, don't you have to be mindful of the gas system? I remember hearing they are a bit finicky, and too fast of a powder can damage the rifle (even if otherwise OK for a 30-06 chamber).

The M1's gas system is not finicky, it just does not tolerate slow powders. Too much pressure at the port will bend the op rod.

Varget, H4895 and IMR4895 are suitable powders for the M1. There are several others.

Powders used in current 30-06 factory hunting ammunition is too slow for the Garand. They can be used with a gas plug that relieves the port pressure down to levels that will not damage the op rod.
 
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