Varget replacement

[ramrod45]

I've given up looking for Varget. What's a good replacement ? I'm reloading a 175 gr. Sierra Match King for .308 Win. (F/TR class) Thanks

 

[CaptainMal]

I tested some IMR 4166 and found it a near direct replacement in my 6mm Dasher. No clue about it's use in 308 but it's recommended on the label.

 

[jonbearman]

Try imr 4064, xmr8208,rel 15,h335,blc-2,imr4895

 

[trailrider121]

IMR 4064 is pretty close.

 

[joshb]

^^^^^^^^Ditto. What John said. I've used 4064 and RL-15, to great sucsess.

 

[ShootDots]

Two (2) powders that come to mind for that bullet weight is 1.) RL-15 and 2.) IMR 4895..

 

[Down South]

H4895

 

[michaelnel]

My favorite for .308 is VV N-150. Very accurate, very clean burning, very expensive.

 

[laveritt]

IMR 4320 is close and under rated.

 

[Lapua40X]

RL15, CFE223

 

[mslman]

AR-Comp

 

[GeorgeSpringer]

Varget has started to show up in decent quantities at the gun shows in the Dallas area. You might check Austin and San Antonio shows. Whitestone Castle Armory in Cedar Park is slowly recovering from the shortages, I used to buy quite a bit from them. The advice given in this thread is good, a buddy of mine shoots 4064 and RL15 and Varget in his 308 with 175 SMK's. Good luck in you quest for Varget.

George Springer

 

[Dos XX]

Check Cabela's. I see it at Cabela's up here fairly regularly.

 

[heymarine1833]

ballistic products has varget on sale...or at least they did two days ago

 

[amlevin]

I've found IMR 4064, IMR 8208 XBR, and Alliants PP2000MR to all yield great results in my .308 with 175 gr SMK's.

Actually get more speed from the 8208 and 2000MR than I was able to get with Varget and I can do so without the "crunch".

 

[Road_Clam]

Back a year ago when Varg and RL15 were impossible to find, I started testing available and comprable burn powders such as Win 748, 2000MR and good ol' 4064. Found many super accurate loads, so no matter what brand powder shortage hits i have alternatives ready!

 

[Shynloco]

I played around ALOT with my .308BR a few years ago in testing powders using Sierra 168 Gr HPBT's. I found that Varget, IMR4895, RL15 and VVN150 were pretty much interchangeable in varying amounts. Gotta test with your particular rifle to see which accommodates her needs for best accuracy and performance depending on the distance you are shooting.

Alex

 

[snert]

I like AA 2495...nothing special, not "superformance" etc etc, but just plain old inexpensive and works great in both my gas and bolt guns running 168-175 bullets.

 

[amlevin]

no matter what brand powder shortage hits i have alternatives ready!

A lesson I learned several decades ago.

 

[Joe R]

I've given up looking for Varget. What's a good replacement ? I'm reloading a 175 gr. Sierra Match King for .308 Win. (F/TR class) Thanks

I was at the same point last January, I was shooting Sierra 175 gr. Sierra Match King, the Win 748 wasn't working and Varget was not available. The local store recommended IMR8208xbr, I was skeptical but I decided to try a pound. I went home reloaded 40 rounds starting low and working up, my groups immediately tighten up. After I finished I called the store and bought the 2 8-lbs cans they had in stock and I've never looked back.

I started attending F/TR matches at my range in July and most of the guys there use Varget and are dealing with compressed loads and near max capacity. IMR 8208 measures like ball powder but it shoots like stick powder, it is not affected by temperature and because it is short kernel it packs more densely. The other interesting thing is that the pressure curve in QuickLoad is nearly identical to Varget.

Just last Sunday I was at the 1K match at my range, it was very cold by Houston standards, and I had no problems with the powder. The 10-15 mph wind is another story.

Last month I had the opportunity to buy 2 8-lbs cans of Varget but I passed on it. The powder is not my limiting factor, it's me. I just need more practice.

I'm sure there are other substitutes for Varget, but IMR 8208 works for me. If you can find it do yourself a favor try IMR 8208 xbr.

Kindest regards,

Joe

By the way, you may want to consider Ben's recommendations first. He shoots like I can only do in my dreams.

ShootDots said:
Two (2) powders that come to mind for that bullet weight is 1.) RL-15 and 2.) IMR 4895..

Benjamin Steinsholt