Varget to IMR 4064

[DarrellA]

After many false starts and lateral movements I think I've finally gotten my OCW sorted out. For Varget. Which I am out of and, like most people, can't seem to find anywhere. But I do have 4 pounds of IMR 4064 on hand. I want to tweak the seating depths now. So do I have to start the OCW tests all over again or can I shortcut the process because Varget and IMR 4064 appear to be pretty close in burn speed? IMR burns a little faster so can I just adjust the IMR charge weights a few 1/10's in each direction and get there?

Thanks

 

[gaboon]

I would start a a grain and half lower. Just to be safe.

 

[SWThomas]

Different powder means you should do the test again.

 

[K22]

They are similar but not interchangeable. I'd retest using published data.

 

[Dans40X]

Depending on which IMR 4064 you are referencing-
Dupont/IMR 4064 burn rate is slower than Hodgdon/IMR 4064.

I'd take a Lb of DUPONT IMR 4064 over a 20yd end dump of Hodgdon/IMR 4064 any day of the week.

Load some VV N135/N140 & you'll spread the green coated/dirty Varget in the flower garden!

 

[masterblaster1]

Start over, I have went back to 4064 and shooting just as good as Varget in my 308 guns, using the varget for 223 and 123 smk's in the 260. Sticking with 4064 from now on. I would like to find some RL 15, the 77's in the 223 seem to like it slightly better than Varget.

 

[boltgunluvr]

Glad to see this topic started. I've bounced back and forth between IMR 4064 and Varget for 223 and 308. For 223...I basically use .5 gr less of 4064 when compared to Varget for the same bullet. 4064 gives me utmost accuracy. Varget close second. I've been telling people this for years, but no one seems to believe me until they experience it. IMR 4064 is an great classic powder that still rules for it's purposes. I do wish it would meter better.

 

[DarrellA]

I was pretty sure the answer was going to be, "Start over." But I was hoping that someone was going to say, "Here's the well known shortcut ...."

Thanks!

 

[Raptor]

You guys shooting the heavier bullets in the .223s and even your 308 loads need to check out IMR 8208BRX. It meters really nice and my initial testing has shown great results in my .223 with the 77gr bullets. I am hoping to replace my Varget load so I can use my Dillon progressive to load the .223 stuff. I will also give it a try in my 308 when it warms up.

 

[chuckbuster243]

I have used the IMR 8208 XBR in my 223 and 77's with great success. It meters out of the RL550 great. It is more accurate and more velocity out of my rifle than Varget. I think I was running mag length and around 23.2 grains. If I recall correctly. I have run 4064 and varget in my 308 both run very well and will shoot which ever one i have the most of at the time. It seems as the varget gets just a little more velocity than my lot of 4064 but accuracy is about the same. Matt

 

[243Mendoza]

You guys shooting the heavier bullets in the .223s and even your 308 loads need to check out IMR 8208BRX. It meters really nice and my initial testing has shown great results in my .223 with the 77gr bullets. I am hoping to replace my Varget load so I can use my Dillon progressive to load the .223 stuff. I will also give it a try in my 308 when it warms up.

How does IMR8208BRX compare to Varget on temp sensitivity?

 

[fredhorace77]

Load some VV N135/N140 & you'll spread the green coated/dirty Varget in the flower garden!

When it comes time for this call me and ill show you where I store my fertilizer and you can drop it off...dont worry about it .ill spread it later

 

[Shynloco]

I was pretty sure the answer was going to be, "Start over." But I was hoping that someone was going to say, "Here's the well known shortcut ...."

Thanks!

Darrell,
If I may, once you start getting into "short cuts," you are just asking for trouble. I've seen too many well intentioned stunts go south over the years due to "short cuts." Like everyone before me says, "start over." Each rifle is unique and as well as the loads each person makes up for his particular rifle. Be safe and do it the right way. Good luck on your testing and I think you'll find IMR 4064 is some good powder to use.

Alex

 

[DarrellA]

Thanks, Alex. That's what I'm going to do. I have 18 rounds loaded up in shiny, new Norma brass and am just waiting for some decent weather to get out to the range.

- Darrell