Varget vs Reloader 15

[rebs]

I am reloading Berger 80.5 bullets in Lapua match 223 brass with 24.5 of Varget seating at 1.920 base to ogive, which is shooting very good. However I am getting low on Varget and have plenty of Reloader 15. What would be an equivalent load with Reloader 15.
On a side note I have had three split necks on the Lapua 223 match cases. Is 24.5 of Varget considered a stout load ?
I am only bumping the shoulder .001 and not over sizing the neck. I am sizing the neck to .048 with a redding bushing die and loaded measurement is .050

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Your load is about the same as mine (24.4 with 75g), so maybe a little warm for the 80.5g.
I really don't know R15, but IMR8208 would be a good alternative.

 

[RegionRat]

By now I am sure you know the answer is always look for more than one data source and do your work-up with an eye on safety.

Depending on which manual you look at, the Varget and RE-15 loads for the Berger 80.5 will be very close together.

For example the Berger Manual 1st Edition shows the 80/80.5 grain with Varget at 22.2 and RE-15 at 22.5, while the Sierra SMK 80 is shown below where the two reverse with Varget at 24.0 and RE-15 at 23.8



So the bottom line is you have a pretty good idea of where to drop your test loads and where to work them up.

The Pet Load level for RE-15 and the 80/80.5s has been 24.0 grains adjusted plus or minus to suit the gun for Service Rifles for a long time. These are not soft loads and known to be hard on the brass in an AR15, so do your workup and play it safe.

 

[nakneker]

If you want more Varget it’s in stock at Powder Valley, Midsouth, Midway, Mile High and Hodgdon, probably more too. “If” being the key word in the previous sentence.

 

[vonb]

When changing powders, nothing beats the tried and true methodology of working up a load. With that said, if you want an idea, I use Gordon's Reloading Tool (GRT) to run some models based on the volume of a fired case in my chamber. It will give you a good idea provided it's one of the better studied powders in the app.

 

[diggler1833]

Obviously the "start low and work up in small increments for safety" applies.

That being said: I have Varget and Re-15 loads for the same rifles in .223, .308, and 6.5x47. You will probably find that the charge weights are pretty close, but not exact.

Re-15 gives excellent accuracy, but is very temperature sensitive...so you'll probably end up with at least one warm and one cold temp load...and never do load development with it in the winter and assume you're safe in the summer.

 

[Doom]

Split necks are likely due to hardness of the case neck/shoulder. This is normally where annealing comes into play.

 

[searcher]

The first (only?) edition of the Berger manual shows 22.2 grains Varget to be the max load @2,718 FPS
The max load shown for Reloader 15 is 22.5 grains @2,762 FPS
Looks to me can use approximately the same amount of each powder for similar velocity.
The split necks more likely due to work-hardened necks which are in need of annealing - but that load may very well be a bit warm for your rifle. In my experience, the Berger loads are pretty tame as a rule - but two grains over their max might be warm for your rifle.

 

[rebs]

I tested their 22.2 of Varget and 22.5 of reloader 15 and my groups opened up

 

[rebs]

If you want more Varget it’s in stock at Powder Valley, Midsouth, Midway, Mile High and Hodgdon, probably more too. “If” being the key word in the previous sentence.

I ordered more Varget yesterday. Thank you for the heads up

 

[ImBIllT]

RL-15 is very close to Varget. Drop a few grains and work up until you match your previous velocity or see pressure signs. Your nodes don’t change when you change powders.

Your neck measurement doesn’t make any sense. Something is written wrong.

You can still be “overworking” your necks if your chamber has a fat neck in it. Not sizing smaller than necessary is still an improvement, but if the neck in your chamber is fat, you may have to anneal frequently.

 

[PopCharlie]

I shoot 80.5 gr Full Bores and 75 gr VLDs in my .223 bolt gun. It's an 8 twist Hart barrel that has 3200 rounds thru it. I shoot 22.5 grs of Varget under the full bore bullets, seated .018 off the lands. This is a lower node @about 2650 fps, but its very stable. It shoots bug holes at 100 yards. I had similiar results with 22.5 grains Re-15.
The 75 gr VLDs have a node @ 22.2 gr of RE-15 at .006 off the lands. Again, a lower node @ 2590 fps. Nice round bugholes @ 100 yards. I couldn't get Varget to shoot these 75 gr bullets, so I switched to Re-15.

PopCharlie

 

[nakneker]

I tested their 22.2 of Varget and 22.5 of reloader 15 and my groups opened up

Glad it helped!

 

[jackieschmidt]

Reloader 15 is one of the most finicky powders I ever used in my 6BR.

When it’s on, is is on all the way. But when it’s off, it’s also off all the way.

 

[Eagle Six]

I ordered more Varget yesterday. Thank you for the heads up

If the lot numbers differ, you will most likely have to load develop a bit, maybe not.

 

[rkj1313]

Have shot thousands of 223 75&80gr 24.5 R15. My go-to high power competition load for many years. Excellent performance in Krieger 7.7 twist with Compass Lake chamber.