Varget vs. Benchmark

[jwest]

Calgunners,

Just wondering why so many of you favor Varget.

For a 55 gr FMJ/BT - using as a reference 0.223 round -

Benchmark burns faster and uses less grains for the same load.
Varget burns slower and uses more grains for the same load.

So - why do so many favor Varget over Benchmark?

TIA,
jwest

[spareparts]

Partially cause you have to shoot what your rifle likes. You experiment with different components and loads until you hit on one that is very accurate with your rifle. Alot of people can achieve this with Varget. Filling the case to capicity also effects accuracy. So if you have X and Y powders, X fills all the way to the base of the bullet and Y fills only 3/4th of the case, then typically X will be more accurate.

[Jonathan Doe]

I always used IMR 4895 for the 223 cartridges with good results. I never used Varget or Benchmark.

[jwest]

Partially cause you have to shoot what your rifle likes. You experiment with different components and loads until you hit on one that is very accurate with your rifle. Alot of people can achieve this with Varget. Filling the case to capicity also effects accuracy. So if you have X and Y powders, X fills all the way to the base of the bullet and Y fills only 3/4th of the case, then typically X will be more accurate.

spareparts,

Thanks for the knowledge,
jwest

[maschronic]

i hope benchmark works good. i bought 16 lbs for it. i'm making plinking rounds

[jwest]

i hope benchmark works good. i bought 16 lbs for it. i'm making plinking rounds

That's all I got it for too really. I bought 3 lbs - have almost used 2 - and thought I have 8 more coming from TNT but evidently they take orders and then don't tell you what's going on. I've e-mailed and VM'ed - zero response.

I think PVI has the 8 lb in stock - may place another order with them.

[NRAhighpowershooter]

I actually use H335 for my blaster loads for 308 and .223.. I use Varget mainly for my accuracy loads.

[jwest]

I actually use H335 for my blaster loads for 308 and .223.. I use Varget mainly for my accuracy loads.

NRAhps,

Just wondering - what else do you use for accuracy loads? (0.223 and .308)

Did you compete at Richmond last weekend?

Thanks,
jwest

[mvpatriot]

I opted for Ramshot TAC for my cheapo 223 loads

[damon1272]

I tried Varget, Bechmark, BLC-2, and H335. I ended up getting the best powder drops and accurcy with the H335 than the other powers. That is through a Dillon 550 as I shoot more .223. For my 22-250 I used my Lyman auto powder thrower/scale. For 22-250 I tried benchmark and Varget. I got the best results from Varget.

[mecam]

So - why do so many favor Varget over Benchmark?

Dunno about Benchmark but Varget is an all season powder. My velocities hardly changed on the chrono.

[Agustav]

I use Varget for larger case caliber (.308 and 7.62x54r), because my powder drop (+- .2gr) isn't very accurate with stick powders. For smaller case caliber (.223), I used BLC2 or Win 748. As for accuracy, I really can't tell that much of a difference between the 3 powders on the same caliber. However, I am not shooting precision bolt guns.

[cleanguy46]

I got a pound of Hodgdon H322 and wondered if anyone has had any experience using this powder for .223.

[Fjold]

I've used IMR4895, Varget, H335, IMR3031 and BL(c)-2 in 5.56 and I just bought 5 lbs of R15. I can always find some bullet that will shoot with a powder.

[NRAhighpowershooter]

NRAhps,

Just wondering - what else do you use for accuracy loads? (0.223 and .308)

Did you compete at Richmond last weekend?

Thanks,
jwest

I didn't soot at Richmond last week. i'm still recovering from shouder surgery.. probably I'll be able to shoot matchesin the next 3-4 months.

As for loads..
223
24.0gr Varget 69gr SMK CCI primer LC case good to go out to 300yds.

308
39.5gr Varget 168gr SMK CCI primer LC case good out to 300yds