Varget vs N555

[Papa Charlie]

During the Varget shortage, many experimented with the N555 and reported some very good results. Now that it appears that Varget is in plentiful supply, would you stay with the N555 or revert back to Varget?

 

[fisherman987]

That would be like comparing apricots to cantaloupes

 

[Propbndr]

Provided the “good” results were close to equal, I would use which ever was cheaper to buy.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

I'd go back to Varget for one reason. It's more popular. If I decided to change cartridges to something that wasn't efficient with Varget, I've got some trading stock that everyone has data for and knows.

 

[Fuj]

During the Varget shortage, many experimented with the N555 and reported some very good results. Now that it appears that Varget is in plentiful supply, would you stay with the N555 or revert back to Varget?

I tried 555 when getting short on R-16. I found 555 to be too bulky
for my needs and sold it off. The burn rates of Varget and 555 are
quite far apart. with 555 being way slower.

 

[CJ6]

555 is MUCH hotter than Varget also. But I like VV powders and not so much Varget so there's that.

 

[Leeman]

555 is MUCH hotter than Varget also. But I like VV powders and not so much Varget so there's that.

Might want to check that statement.
Last time I checked Varget was 4050j/g, N555, 3700j/g so considerably milder. Maybe you were thinking of N550 at 3900j/g so a bit closer but still not as hot as Varget, which for a single based powder is like rocket fuel!

 

[NZ_Fclass]

During the Varget famine, I tried several powders - some on hand - V555, V150, 8208 and some that I purchased, simply because they were available. Classic was IMR4166. I accumulated several pounds. Hated it in the 308, but it found a home in the 6BR and whilst slow is very accurate with 107s and Federal primers.
Now I have to find a different fuel for the BR. I will be testing Staball Match this weekend - just as a back up and going back to Varget. I will also, in coming weeks, be developing loads for the 308 with other powders - same for the Creed and the 6.5's. I don't want to get caught out with powder shortages.

Primer shortages have also been as issue. I tried some Ginex SR that turned up, but I'm not convinced that they up to scratch - certainly not with 4166. Remington Benchrest SR are due any day ( never seen them before - are they CCI?) and the LRP White River are still in their box as I have some Federal LR remaining.
When Federal re-appear ( please), all others will remain in store, ready for the next shortage!

 

[Papa Charlie]

I love the Varget in my .308 FTR load and have no current plans to switch. But was curious what continued affect the shortage had on others.

Thankfully, Varget has been readily available. I have a modest stock now and plan to add a bit more once my funds replenish.

 

[SeabeeKen]

I would try N-140 or N-540 if comparing to varget. Possibly 150