Varget replacement . I was wondering if anyone has tried Winchester Staball 6.5 powder for .308 Winchester?
Question
- Thread starter Michael Bryant
- Start date
I recently read that IMR4166 is similar to Varget.
Staball 6.5 is slower burning than Varget and will not work as a replacement.
4166
4895
4064
4320
RL-15
N-135
N-140
N-150
N-530
N-540
N-550
CFE-223
BLC-2
Win-748
Norma 203b
Norma 202
8208 xbr
Ramshot TAC
Alliant Power Pro Varmint
Alliant AR-comp
To name a few.
If you want a good Ball powder that replaces VARGET, I suggest Win-748 or Ramshot TAC.
4166
4895
4064
4320
RL-15
N-135
N-140
N-150
N-530
N-540
N-550
CFE-223
BLC-2
Win-748
Norma 203b
Norma 202
8208 xbr
Ramshot TAC
Alliant Power Pro Varmint
Alliant AR-comp
To name a few.
If you want a good Ball powder that replaces VARGET, I suggest Win-748 or Ramshot TAC.
Varget is getting harder and harder to find! Thanks for advice on powder possibilities! With it being harder to find , means price is also rising!
I tried 4166 and could never get an acceptable grouping with it. I have no idea why and I even worked in 2/10 grain steps trying to fine tune it.
Power pro 2000 ?
Power Pro 2000 would work. But probably best for heavier bullets in the 308win / 223rem.
Power Pro 1200 would work good for lighter bullets.
I once loaded 308 win. / 110 vmax @56-cfe223 . no pressure signs, it was super accurate-.165" , 3300fps. 11 twist Tikka factory barrel- WoW!
Yeah, a light 30 cal bullet is short and doesn't intrude into boiler room. Along with a fine ball powder, I'm not surprised you were able to fit 56 gr of it.
According to Quickload, your 110vmax load is right around 61,000 psi. That's with brass that has 56 gr H20 capacity and 2.720" COAL. and estimated QL velocity is 3,368 fps from a 22" barrel.
Yes, just enough room to seat the bullet out as far as practical. I think it was about .160-.170" into the case mouth. With a firm .003" grip. Most shooters don't believe light bullet's will make tiny groups, but they sure do! With the right powder charge.
What's your 135 load? Been using 4064 but have 135 on the shelf from 6br
joshb
Gold $$ Contributor
37.3 grains behind a 168 Sierra MK. This is not a long range “Uber velocity” load. When I was shooting it, I was limited to a local 100 yard range. It is very accurate in my factory Remington 700 5r 308.
That gun and that load got me hooked on target shooting and started me down the rabbit hole. Now I’m shooting “more exotic cartridges”, like the 6ppc, 6br, 6xc, and just put together a Dasher. Funny timing tho, this morning I dug out that old gun and put a scope on it.
By the way, I was loading Federal brass, Federal LR primers and setting the bullet at 2.96 COAL. I’ll have to play with it again as now I “know” so much more!
That gun and that load got me hooked on target shooting and started me down the rabbit hole. Now I’m shooting “more exotic cartridges”, like the 6ppc, 6br, 6xc, and just put together a Dasher. Funny timing tho, this morning I dug out that old gun and put a scope on it.
By the way, I was loading Federal brass, Federal LR primers and setting the bullet at 2.96 COAL. I’ll have to play with it again as now I “know” so much more!
Last edited:
I had to chime in, my n135 load was 44 grains with berger 150 fb.. Very accurate indeed.37.3 grains behind a 168 Sierra MK. This is not a long range “Uber velocity” load. When I was shooting it, I was limited to a local 100 yard range. It is very accurate in my factory Remington 700 5r 308.
That gun and that load got me hooked on target shooting and started me down the rabbit hole. Now I’m shooting “more exotic cartridges”, like the 6ppc, 6br, 6xc, and just put together a Dasher. Funny timing tho, this morning I dug out that old gun and put a scope on it.
By the way, I was loading Federal brass, Federal LR primers and setting the bullet at 2.96 COAL. I’ll have to play with it again as now I “know” so much more!
hahahaha. thats what we all say.
oh, and back on topic. I had heard w-a-y back that varget was pretty much a temp stabilized 4064. is this actually true?
Its been on my list. Having a hard time finding it locally. Hate to pay hazmat for 1 lb to try.
Liven The Dream
Gold $$ Contributor
The Wonder of Varget ?
Having shot Palma ( .308 with 155 Gr. at 2984-3017 ). Lots of Powders have been tried for a Replacement.
N-150 will do it the Guy's in Canada use it.
4320 comes close ( less Velocity )
4064 same as above.
R-15 will work
4166 8208 ? Hi Pressure to get the needed Velocity
H4895 will work ( some say original Palma Powder ).
In a .223 a lot of theses will work ? I used them up after buying them to replace Varget.
Best of Luck
Having shot Palma ( .308 with 155 Gr. at 2984-3017 ). Lots of Powders have been tried for a Replacement.
N-150 will do it the Guy's in Canada use it.
4320 comes close ( less Velocity )
4064 same as above.
R-15 will work
4166 8208 ? Hi Pressure to get the needed Velocity
H4895 will work ( some say original Palma Powder ).
In a .223 a lot of theses will work ? I used them up after buying them to replace Varget.
Best of Luck
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