varget feed

[deputy bruce]

does varget feed through a no.55 powder measure? I have mine set for a diffrent powder and don't want to reset it.

 

[Laphroaig]

Short answer: Yes.

Disclaimer: I don't have a Lyman 55, but I do have an ancient Ideal No. 5, which is the parent of yours. But I can't remember if I ever tried Varget in it. I do throw a ton of Varget in my Dillon and my Uniflow.

IMO it's better than throwing IMR4895 so it can be done. I'd say plus or minus 1% is typical for me. If you're loading on a node that shouldn't make a big difference. Just don't expect ball powder accuracy.

 

[Ifishsum]

It helps a lot to have the large chamber adjustment set as closely as possible to your target drop weight; it's a bit more trial and error, and it's certainly easier to fine tune the drop with the smaller slices intended for that purpose, but it does measure stick powder more consistently and with less cutting if the chamber adjustment edges are lined up even with each other vs having a step.... Hopefully that makes some sense.

 

[FROGO207]

In my vintage Ideal book it had a page/chart on popular settings to get popular weights of various propellants. The trouble is most of the new ones we use are not listed and many listed are discontinued. It depends on the size flakes or sticks and using the knocker to settle the charges to be accurate. Takes a bit of trial and error with each type bit I use mine more than my Lee or older pacific measures.

 

[WVRJ]

My 55 throws it pretty good,like plus or minus .3 of a grain.I use Varget in my precision 223 and 308 so I set it to throw barely under what I want and use a trickler to get it right.Use the large chamber and don't use the knocker thingy.It also helps if you pause for a 3 count with the lever up to give the powder time to gently settle into the chamber.As with any powder measure it works best if you do the same thing every time.