Noob handloading...Varget?

[Clipper]

I have a Lee deluxe reloading kit, and factory crimp diesets for the rifles I have. Now I'm gathering components, and since I can get them almost wholesale, I can generally afford to buy in large lots.

I'm trying to select powders with an eye to the possibility of finding ones that can be used in the widest variety of the calibers I shoot. I have pretty much aquired all the calibers I'm interested in having (.257 Roberts, 300 Savage, 7.62X54R, .35 Rem, and maybe .303 British), and see that Varget is about the only powder I have found that is listed for all for the bullet weights I use. Now, I know that's no guarantee it will be best for everything, but if it ends up being serviceable for all, I'm gonna buy a ton of it.

My question is a general one...How do you like Varget?

BTW, considering my search for commonality, what primer would you recommend for all?

Thanks

 

[Hesenwine]

Varget works very well for me in my .308, 22-250 & .204 Ruger. Meters well and performs consistently in most weather conditions.

It's been tough to find but recently it started showing up at Midway, etc.

I just bought a pound of TAC to try out but haven't loaded any rounds yet.

Primers? Use whatever you can you hands on these days.

 

[Schwabee1]

I used Varget for the last two years in my .223 loads. Shoots great. It is a little dirty. Does not throw as nice as RL15, drop tube plugs with the stick powder.
This year I am going back to RL15 because it throws great, easy to find, and a little less expensive. Matt S

 

[fireflyfather]

Except for the .257 Roberts, consider Red Dot/Promo for your plinking/practice ammo. Google "Red Dot, Ed Harris, The Load".

Cheap as hell, and accurate too. Also could use 2400.

 

[counterclockwise]

I went through the same exercise and wound up with Varget. The extruded and cut kernel dia. and length do no go through volume based metering very well. I always trickle and weigh each load. If you are going for high volume reloading where volumetric based throwing is inherent in the process, then better pick another powder.

 

[Clipper]

Nah...I don't feel the need to shoot thousands of rounds per year. I probably won't average 100 rounds a year per rifle. I just want to be shortage proof. When the price went through the roof and availability went into the toilet, I decided I couldn't put it off anymore and decided to get reloading...

 

[Franco]

I've been reloading about 18 months and went through the same exercise. Unfortunately, I ended up with 3 primary rifle powders and one handgun powder (H110). Having said that, I use Varget on 3 different calibers. Regardless how many powders you end up with, you'll want a couple pounds of Varget on the shelf.

 

[qajaq59]

Nah...I don't feel the need to shoot thousands of rounds per year. I probably won't average 100 rounds a year per rifle.

Famous Last Words...... It wont take long and you'll be shooting a 100 a week just so you can reload them.

 

[gearheadpyro]

I tried Varget on many recommendations with favorable reviews, but I honestly couldn't find a load that I liked with it. I wasn't impressed, at least not for .308 Win.

I charge with a Chargemaster, so difficulties in throwing charges didn't pop up.

 

[NCsmitty]

I have been disappointed when using Varget in my 22-250, and could not get any charge to group with the 52gr A-max. I ended up with the tried and true IMR3031 giving me 3/8" groups at 100yds with them.

My 8mm Mauser loads with Varget were more than 250fps lower than the manual listing for the charge used. H4895 was the answer.

I find myself reaching for H4895 more often, and choosing it over Varget in many of the cartridges that I load.
I find that H4895 is great in my 14" 223 Contender, and the FTX loads in 30-30 and 35 Rem, and the list goes on.



NCsmitty

 

[Slamfire]

Varget was very popular with the .223 AR15 Highpower crowd.

I bought some and tested it in 308. It shot very well.

I think it may displace IMR 4895 as the most versatile rifle powder.

 

[janobles14]

varget will work fine for all the loads you listed. if you can find it then by all means use it with confidence. i use it for 4 or 5 rifle calibers including a couple you mentioned. for full on loads in the .30-06 (which i know you didnt say) i like H4350. but as a do all powder you cant beat varget. best powder on the market imho.

 

[shaggy430]

Maybe I'm the exception to the rule, but my .308 does not like the stuff.

 

[giggitygiggity]

Varget is very universal. It may not be the best powder for a particular load, but it can be used in just about every rifle load.

 

[LeverGunJunkie]

I agree it is probably a great powder to have on hand, given its versatility, but from an accuracy perspective, I couldn't get the groups to close beyond 2" in my .308 (WIN M70). H335 has become my powder of choice for the .308 and .307. As I begin reloading for .223 and '06, I plan to try Varget again.

 

[Clipper]

Well, my overall aim (and I realize it is likely impossible, but I gotta try)), is to find acceptably accurate hunting loads for my rifles, then load up on the necessary components. I tend to be very monogamous with regards to ammo, so I'd likely use one bullet for each rifle, and one primer. If I can use one powder, I'll be dancing in the streets...

Since I'm using a 4-hole turret press, I can set up a plate for each caliber, and pretty much forget it. I'm a big believer in the KISS principle.

 

[kludge]

H4895

 

[Russ in WY]

Benchmark, is what I have switched to from Varget. It is a bit faster but meters better I think. I use both in the Dillon powder measures on a couple of 550's. My 2¢ Russ.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

It's true the volume based meters don't throw it well, but I weigh light and trickle each round anyway, so it's no big deal for me. I tried it and my Vangaurd loves it. It's .30-06 and I'm getting sub moa groups with a 150 grn ballistic tip and 51 grains of Varget. It's all about what your rifle likes. There's nothing wrong with stocking a few different powders if that's what it takes to achieve the best performance in your guns. It's up to you, but simply being servicable isn't good enough for me. Factory ammo is serviceable. I reload to get custom ammo. And to have fun of course.

 

[captain-03]

Use it exclusively now in all my .223s .....

 

[atlanticfire]

Maybe I'm the exception to the rule, but my .308 does not like the stuff.

Uhhh, what? I use Varget for 22-250, 8x57 and my bench rilfe in 308. And my average 300 yard grounds are between .35 and .40 MOA depending on winds and other conditions. Thats with 168 SMK and Lapua brass. Maybe you should try a different load.

 

[LeverGunJunkie]

Uhhh, what? I use Varget for 22-250, 8x57 and my bench rilfe in 308. And my average 300 yard grounds are between .35 and .40 MOA depending on winds and other conditions.

Hey dude...glad Varget works for you in your bench rifle . But different rifles like different reloads. Tried 5 different charges under 3 bullets never closed inside of 2". That only happened when I went to H335 (.75"). So yeah, I recommend the OP tries a new load, in something different than Varget.