Any one use Varget with a .260 Rem?

[jlow]

Just wondering what your experience has been. Planning to use the Berger 140 Hybrid.

Thanks!

 

[vtmarmot]

I've stuck with H-4350 but I find plenty of published loads getting around 2600 fps with 140's and Varget. Seems like most use it with lighter bullets.

 

[jlow]

Don’t have H-4350 on hand, thus the question. I’ve done some searches but coming up with not much. Maybe my Google-fu is weak…

The thing is although it is not one of the listed powders in the Berger manual as it relates to the 140 Hybrids for .260 Rem, it is on the list for the same bullet for 6.5CM. Just curious, when you say “most use it with lighter bullets”. Do you mean in general, or with the lighter 6.5mm/0.243” bullets.

 

[germanlongbow]

Ive had great success with H4831 SC and Lapua 139. Scott

 

[trailrider121]

I've used 38.0grs of Varget in my 260 rem with 140's and it works very well. Another is H4831 or 4831SC around 46.5grs. Both are max loads btw. Varget is a little slower in speed. Work up to 38grs with those 140's, and you'll be happy with the accuracy.

 

[jlow]

Thanks trailrider121! Much appreciated. I will of course work up the load to be safe. Can you tell me how you seated them? Was it 10 thousands off?

 

[trailrider121]

My barrel really likes them .018" off the lands. I would try .010" OTL first and see how it goes. Good luck!

 

[jlow]

Thanks again! Yea my plan was to start 10 thousands off and go deep from there. Much appreciated!

 

[Ringostar]

I tried varget about 5 years ago, with 140's. Yes it's accurate, but didn't get enough velocity for long range shooting. It depends on what your uses are. I tried several different powders, but ended with the same thing that most people recommend. H4350 is the best to use!

 

[jlow]

Understood, looking for the stuff now. The Varget is only for a short term fix...

 

[trailrider121]

Forgo to mention IMR 4064 works just as well.

 

[Ringostar]

Check out Recob's shooters supply. They've had one pound containers of H4350 in stock the last couple of times that I was at there store. I haven't been there for about a month though.

 

[jlow]

Trailrider121 - Just looking at the Hodgdon “Relative Burn Rate” chart, seem like IMR 4064 (#93) is an even faster powder than Varget (#99) vs. H4350 (#114). If I am going to switch to IMR, why not IMR 4350 which is #113? I know there has been a lot of old discussion as to whether IMR 4350 is the same as H4350 and that IMR 4350 is more temperature sensitive in the past. Any more definitive read on this in 2015?

Ringostar – sorry all gone before I got there.

 

[trailrider121]

jlow,

Here's some good reading:

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2010/08/sherri-gallagher-uses-260-rem-to-win-national-hp-championship/

 

[jlow]

Great article indeed! Thanks! That's a great confidence builder if I've ever seen one! ;D

Looks like I will stick with the Varget for the time being. Never consider myself a bleeding edge competitor in any of my shooting competition. When I come first, I am happy, when I don't I am happy for those who put in more time and practice. Mostly shoot for the precision, fun and SD so this looks perfect for me.

 

[gary0529]

You did not say how fast you were pushing the 140's but I settled on Norma MRP and get just at 2800 fps -Berger Hunting Hybrid (with a 26" barrel)

Norma powders do cost more but have been available online for some time

Other than than H 4350 works well as has been previously noted.


Gary

 

[jlow]

You are right, I have not mentioned an MV yet but that is because I just got the barrel and have not installed it yet. I brought a whole bunch of Laupa .260 brass, Berger 140 Hybrids, and am busy adjusting primer pocket depth today. Pretty much everything is here and so once I have the barrel installed and throat measured, brass neck adjusted I will be ready to rock! Looking forward to it!

 

[Raptor]

37 to 38.5grs of Varget worked great in my rifles. I wore out two barrels using Varget. My first two rifles loved the 140AMAX and Varget. Like the guys said it isn't quite as fast but it shot really well. I think I was around the 2750+ range with my rifles.

 

[jlow]

Thanks! Getting really psyched about the new caliber. Still working on my cases and bullets right now but hope to have some rounds loaded in a couple of weeks! Now if we can just get above freezing I can go out and test some loads! 8)

 

[jlow]

Just scored an 8lb jug of H4350 so it looks like I am all set!