Varget

You may want to try H4895, or IMR4064. I use a lot of IMR4895. Its almost available where I live. Sometimes those who impossibly high prices encourage others to enter the market at lower prices.

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I use Alliant Reloder 15 in place of Varget in my .243 and some .223 loads. I haven't seen any Varget in a while either.

I lucked into an 8lb jug a of Varget at the "pre Sandy Hook price" right after Sandy Hook.. I think it was $135USD.. Anyway, I haven't seen it for less than double since then.

I used IMR3031 before I used Varget, and I had great results with it. That being said, I hear there are better alternatives. Unfortunately, I don't have any current info beyond that. Best of luck with the search, and I'll update if I hear of anything that's worth trying.

Take a look at Benchmark. Should meter better too.

Really going to come down to what you are loading? Knowing a caliber or calibers you are loading currently with Varget will make it easier to suggest an alternate powder.

Ron

The caliber would REALLY be helpful. I'm gonna guess 308 since Varget is very popular in 308 and my go-to powder. The good news is that I've gotten very good results in 308 with 4064, 4895, RL-15 and even 3031. I read reports of others working well. The 308 seems to shoot well no matter what you pour in it.

Accuracy and velocity for me has been very comparable, Varget gets the nod simply because it is more temperature resistant.

All assuming you are talking about 308.

I tried Varget for .223 and my results were only so so. Also tried benchmark that was only a bit better. My best loads were with mil surplus which doesn't seem to be available anymore.

joem1945 said:

I tried Varget for .223 and my results were only so so. Also tried benchmark that was only a bit better. My best loads were with mil surplus which doesn't seem to be available anymore.

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Was it WC846? If so, H335, BLC-2, and couple of others are really close.

Imr 40-64

IMR 4064 in.IMHO

Fifty quid wow. IMR 4320 might be similar speed, maybe not as dense...

www.woodburyoutfitters.com has 1lb Varget for $32.00

What cartridge and what powders are typically available in Scotland?

25-5 said:

www.woodburyoutfitters.com has 1lb Varget for $32.00

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I could drive down the road and get some. Unfortunately the original poster is in Scotland. Shipping might be a problem.

Ron

IMR3031 is very close to varget.

It's spotty but I have been able to pick up what I've needed. The local Cabela's had 1 pound containers just a few weeks ago and last month Powder Vally also had 8 pound containers.

What I've noticed is that if you review the major online sites on a regular basis, you can and will find what you need. In the past 2-3 months I've been able to pick up L19, Varget and Tightgroup. I've been proactive in purchasing powders in advance of when I need them so when January and the cold months settle in, my reloading room will be stocked and ready for me.

If you can get ADI (Australian Powders) Varget is exactly the same as AR2208

Varget is made for Hodgdon by ADI, it is the same powder.

4064 or 4320

As asked earlier, what application? There are some outstanding powders that would as well as Varget in many cartridges.

Varget has been outstanding in 223 and 308 Win, I can get equal accuracy at 600 yards with IMR 4064 and heavy bullets, but I can push the bullets faster with Varget.

Dunno what cartridge you're reloading, but for .308/7.62x51, I like IMR-4064, RL-15, IMR or H-4895 and believe it or not, Ramshot TAC.

In my experience*, all of the "substitute" powders I listed above have better lot to lot uniformity than Varget.


*Full disclosure: I haven't purchased any Varget in 6 or 7 years, it may have better uniformity now.

It would be good to know what cartridge or cartridges you are loading with Varget. I like this powder for .308 Win. BL-c2 and IMR 8208 xbr works well for me with this cartridge.
Good luck, finding your powder of choice, it has been a challenge here to.