Varget and .223 big variance in max loads

[jgh4445]

Has anyone noticed the label on the can of Varget where it lists loads? For .223 it lists 27.5 gr with a 55 gr bullet for a MV of 3384 fps.

Nosler #6 reloading manual lists a max load of 25 gr with a MV of 3037fps and a 99% fill.

Hornady's 7th Edition lists 26.4 as max with a MV of 3200fps

Speer #14 lists 27 gr as max with a MV of 3216.

I don't believe I've come across such a wide discrepancy before. Also, how can 25 gr in a Nosler case yield 99% fill and 26.4, 27. and 27.5 not even be listed as compressed loads? Am I missing something?

 

[dagger dog]

Different brands of brass, lots of same brands have different capacities, different bullet shapes protrude into the case at different places. Velocities are computed in different barrels,firearms.

That's why it's important to start low and work up in your rifle.

 

[warhwkbb]

Anything over 25gr is a compressed load in my 5.56 cases

 

[silicosys4]

Lymans #49 load data for 55 gr. flat base soft point bullets call for 27.8 grains of varget at max load. It does say this is a compressed load, but at 26.5 grains varget I'm right at the base of the neck, and I don't see how you could fit another 1.3 grains of powder into the case.
These are Lake City 5.56x45 cases though. Is the powder capacity that much different with .223 brass? I'd say with the LC brass I'm using, 26.8 grains or so is the MAX the case can hold, and that would be compressed.

Edit: got to run them over the chrony. 3125 fps with 26.5 gr varget, Sierra 55 gr sp 2.250 coal. 22" m70.

 

[kingmt]

I don't think you can get enough in a case to hurt anything.

 

[Presto]

Another thing that might be going on here is how Hornady lists velocity. Their numbers are very much approximate. Did you happen to notice how many different bullets that they have listed to work with each set of data. I seriously doubt that every one of those 55gr bullets will shoot at the same velocity with the exact powder charge.

You have to consider all of the bullet profiles and test platforms that are being used to develop this data.

As kingmt said, Varget isn't a powder to cause trouble in .223.

 

[James2]

As kingmt said, Varget isn't a powder to cause trouble in .223.

This ^^

I doubt you could go over pressure if you just filled them up and seated bullets without even weighing it. I don't load for 223, but do for 222 Rem and have seen that with a couple powders I have used. You will find some powders that you can't put enough in those cases to go over pressure.

Your question was about the extreme variation in data.? We have to remember that each set of data was produced under different conditions and tested with different equipment. Don't worry about it, but do start low and work up in your equipment. It is up to us to make something that works and is safe for ourselves in our guns. The data gives us a place to start.

 

[silicosys4]

Did you happen to notice how many different bullets that they have listed to work with each set of data. I seriously doubt that every one of those 55gr bullets will shoot at the same velocity with the exact powder charge.

Sierra does the same thing, multiple bullets with individual case o.a.l. for each weight, all listed under the same powder chart. Does make me wonder... Although they don't list varget in their bolt gun data, they do in their ar-15 data and with their listed load I was within 10 fps of their listed data out of the 16" ar-15.

 

[Coltdriver]

I loaded lots of Varget into lots of .223 rounds. It was the first cartridge I ever reloaded and I chose it because you could not double charge it.

I used to get 28 grains in true .223 brass and that filled the case to the top. Definitely compressed load. The military brass would hold maybe a grain less.

The manuals you cite are all under max, some will be compressed, some just close to compressed. At 27 grains you are crunching the powder with about any bullet. In any case see what your rifle likes.

I was shooting most of mine from a Ruger #3 so there was not a problem with blowing it up.

Work your way up and see what your rifle likes.

 

[4895]

I settled on 26.3 grains for 55 FMJ crimped at the cannelure. It shoots good and cycles well with any brass I use.

 

[ATLDave]

I was making some test loads with Varget and 77gr Noslers last night and noticed the same things! One source had a max below another's starting load! I took comfort from the fact that all showed max loads as compressed, suggesting that it's pretty difficult to make a bomb out of a Varget-charged .223. As usual, start low and work up in small increments.

 

[SC_Dave]

I settled on 26.3 grains for 55 FMJ crimped at the cannelure. It shoots good and cycles well with any brass I use.

26.3 of Varget? Does that include Mil brass?
David

 

[KansasSasquatch]

26.3 of Varget? Does that include Mil brass?
David

For me it does.

 

[SC_Dave]

For me it does.

Thanks, good to know.
David

 

[2ndtimer]

FWIW, I have run 26.5 gr of Varget behind 55 gr bullets in the .223 (Hornady Z-Max, Nosler Varmageddon, and Ballistic Tips) in LC brass without issue. Backed it off to 26.0 gr for accuracy. Chrono'd at 3000 fps in 26" barrel Remington 700 SPS Varmint, under 2800 fps in S&W M&P 15 Sport, but accuracy very good in both.

 

[kingmt]

Huh. At 25gn mine were at the bottom of the neck.

 

[balderclev]

I've been shooting 27.6gr of BLC(2) under a Hornady 55gr SP wih cannelure in LC military brass. I get ~3000 fps in my 22" rifle with 3/4" groups. This is not a compressed load.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

Huh. At 25gn mine were at the bottom of the neck.

25.0gr of Varget would only cycle my action about 50% of the time but it was accurate. 25.5 was reliable but not accurate at all. Anything from 26.0-26.5 works great for me. With 55gr Hornady V-Max, Soft Points, or FMJ, I can literally fill the case up to the mouth, seat a bullet, and not get signs of overpressure. But work up your own loads.

 

[kingmt]

I was using these in q bolt rifle. Very low pressure & light recoil but shot terrible.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

Try this, stuff a case full .223 or 5.56 case full of Varget, dump the charge into a scale pan and weigh it. I bet it comes out to about 26.0-26.5gr. If that's what the charge weighs, you should be able to (according to Hodgdon, Lyman, and Lee) be able to seat a 55gr fmj, spire soft point, or Hornady V-Max, and be perfectly safe. Work up your own load starting at the 25.0gr that you tried, but I bet if you have a 1-9" twist barrel you'll like 26-26.5gr.

Personally I have to save what little Varget I have left (1.5lbs) for other rifle calibers. Gotta work up .223 loads with the CFE223 that just showed up.

 

[kingmt]

I've used a few lbs of this stuff & no i don't like it. There is only one pound left at my house & I already gave it away just waiting till I go through Ohio to drop it off.