Re-loading issues with .223 v-max and varget

[dawghawg7]

hey is there anyone out there who re-loads their own .223 ammo in hornady 55 gr. v-max with varget? I am having some issues. it seems that when i re-load them with 25.5 gr. of varget (thats only .5 grains over the minimum charge according to the speer manual) with 55 gr. v-max bullets, its too much powder because when i seat the bullet i can feel it slightly crushing the powder. Im not sure if im seating the bullets too low or what. but i am seating them according to spec.
Anyways if there is anyone out there who has had these similar problems, please fill me in on what your solution was.:banghead:

 

[Blackrock]

I am loading Hornady 55g SP bullets with 26.0g of Varget. These are called compressed loads and most reloading info shows a small 'c' behind the charge. I am seating my bullets down to 2.250 COAL. which still gives me .010 off the lands.

 

[rikman]

According to Hornady's new 8th edition, just released, page 165.....

55Gr. Vmax #22271 C.O.L. 2.250

Using Varget the starting load is 22.8gr for 2800fps

The load you're making is .9 grs. Under the MAX of 26.4 gr and 3200fps

Rikman

 

[rikman]

I'm new at reloading, but, I doubt Speer would have data for Hornady's bullets....that might be your problem.

 

[kelbro]

I get better accuracy with light 223 bullets with several powders besides Varget. I like Varget for the bigger bullets.

 

[JimKirk]

Powder crunching as you call it ...is what is called a compressed load in reload language.

Compressed loads are perfectly fine as long as they are from respected source, such as powder manufacturer's Data, a reloading manual or other well documented sources. I would not trust internet Joe Bloww's super duper lightening loads.

Jimmy K

 

[MtnCreek]

A 55 gr projectile sitting on Varget in .223 is a compressed load. I've loaded several thousand of these with Nosler BT's. It's not a problem, but there are better powders out there for .223 w/ 55gr projectiles. Also, if you're loading on a progressive press, you'll likely notice powder spillage when the shell holder indexes. My new fav for the 55gr projectile in .223 is IMR 8208 xbr. This is not a compressed load; it meters good (much+++ better than Varget) and shoots like a champ. Also burns clean in my rifle.

I can't say this is true, but I always worried about getting good ignition with compressed loads.

 

[winchester1886]

There is nothing wrong with having a compressed load.If it bothers you use a funnel and pour the powder slowly into the cartridge,or you can use a long drop tube on your powder dump.

 

[NCsmitty]

I agree with MtnCreek, in that there are several powders better suited for 55gr bullet use in a 223. I'm not enamored with Varget in several different cartridges, but others love it. I've heard nothing but good things about IMR 8208 XBR in the 223 and have read that it's insensitive to temperature swings.
My favorite is H4895, but Ramshot Tac, H335, accurate 2015,2230, and a myriad of powders in that burn range will usually perform quite well, if you're conscientious in your load technique.
I'm not a fan of compressed loads, and I try to match powder to cartridge to avoid heavily compressed loads.
Good luck with your shooting.



NCsmitty

 

[MrOldLude]

I use Varget for 69 gr loads. And like others have said, it's a bulky powder, and compressed loads are safe if you're following the published data.

 

[Glock20]

I've had some of my most accurate loads using 55gr V-max and Varget in my Vanguard. There are other powders that perform as well for me but meter better so I tend to use them more. (H-322, H-335, Benchmark, BL-C(2))

Varget does fill the case quite high, so many loads are going to be compressed at least slightly, it's normal for this powder.

 

[Iloadntie]

I love varget with my lighter bullets (40 gr.) when I went to 55 gr. I did best with H335.

 

[hans471]

As some have pointed out, many .223 reloaders find Varget great with heavier bullets and other powders do well with the lighter ones. H-335 is a good example.

This does not mean that Varget is BAD with lighter bullets, just that its advantages are noted more often with heavier ones.

 

[67rschev]

I too , have the best results using Varget with everything down to a 55 gn . For ligher bullets 52s and 50s , Benchmark is my go to drop , but YMMV

 

[ILikeLead]

Also consider case volume which will vary between brands of cases

 

[ssyoumans]

Try AA2230 or W748, both gave great velocity and accuracy and metered better than varget. I've also used BlC-2 and TAC, but like Aa2230 and W748 a bit more. None are compressed.

 

[mnhntr]

In 223 with Varget it is usually a compressed load noted with a (C) on Hodgdons load data.