Hodgdon "Varget" versus "Benchmark"

[jlewis]

Hi. i'm a rookie and am excited to learn more about precision target shooting. Could someone tell me the difference and preference when comparing Hodgdon "Varget" and "Benchmark" powders. I plan to use in 223 and 6mmBR.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Terry]

Re: Hodgdon "Varmet" versus "Benchmark"

If you mean Varget, Varget has a slower burn rate.

 

[jlewis]

Re: Hodgdon "Varmet" versus "Benchmark"

"Varget" is correct (spell check got me). So, which would be more consistent and produce tighter groups?

 

[pdog2062]

The best way to know is to try them both in your rifle,each rifle is a law unto itself. Another shooter can make generalizations but you need to know your own rifle,and how it works with each powder.

 

[Juma]

In 223 Varget which is 2208 [in NZ] does not hold candle to Benchmark as in BM2.

 

[jlewis]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like I'll be trying both, but expect better results from Benchmark in 223 and Varget for 6mmBR.

 

[wapiti25]

I use Benchmark for the 55 gr bullets. I use Varget when I shoot 80 gr bullets for 600 yd matches, both in 223 Rem. Benchmark will be ok for 6mm BR when shooting bullets up to 70 gr, Varget can be better for The heavier bullets.

 

[Road_Clam]

Benchmark is an excellent AR gas gun powder, working best for me with lighter 52-62 gr bullets. I have had some great results with 69's but more suited for lighter bullets. Varget seems to be a great "do all" powder in both my AR gas guns and my .223 and .308 bolt . I am really surprised that Varg works well in an AR as Varg is a respectively slow burning powder. I'll plug Win 748 as well as far as an excellent "do all" powder in both AR's and .223 and .308 bolt rifles.

 

[searcher]

Varget can work really well in the 'medium' weight bullets (such as 69's) in the .223, yet getting enough into a case to properly drive the lighter bullets requires careful case selection in order to get enough powder in to reach the best node. Varget way better in 6BR IMO experiences.

 

[BCBRAD]

I have slightly better results with H 4895 than Varget with heavy bullets, 75gr AMax's

 

[jlewis]

Have you tried IMR 8208 XBR for .223?

 

[wildcatter]

Have you tried IMR 8208 XBR for .223?

great with bullets over 70 grains in my 223 bolt gun, I owned factory class with my savage LRPV on 3 different ranges last season using it in target competitions from group to live varmint and egg shoots!

 

[DiRTY DOG]

8208 xbr works great with 40gr Vmax in 223, and other light bullets.

 

[dhagerty40]

7+ year old thread..

 

[DirtySteve]

7+ year old thread..

Plus the OP has not been on since 2016..