Using Varget with Barnes 55gr MPG

[Bikertrash]

Needing to load up some varmint bullets for my .223 bolt gun. I picked up some lead free Barnes MPG (multi Purpose Green) boolits. I emailed Barnes and Hogdon over a week ago and havent had a reply from either. These MPG's are REALLY Long so I don't think it's safe to use my normal load.

I don't have any of the specified powders in their published data, but I have a bunch of Varget.

Can anyone help with load data?

[MongooseV8]

Barnes has some good load data on their website for specific bullets.

[MongooseV8]

https://www.barnesbullets.com/load-data/

[Bikertrash]

Barnes has some good load data on their website for specific bullets.

Not for Varget

[MongooseV8]

Im not recommending you do this but I would use the 53 grain TSX starting load at the 55 grain MPG coal.

[highpower790]

The Berger 85.5 I use with 24.4gr of Varget.Im sure op would be safe at 24gr.

[Fjold]

Because Barnes always recommends the .050" jump to the lands that helps lower peak pressures. The starting loads for any 55 grain bullet would be a good starting point.

[Bikertrash]

Thanks for the help everyone. I think I know where to start. This advice was what I was thinking, but just needed some confirmation from others.I wish I could find some H335

[FLIGHT762]

The only issue with Varget for lighter bullets is that it's difficult to get enough into the case for good, high velocities. The issue with the Barnes MPG's are so long, you have to seat them deep in the case like they were a 77 gr. lead core bullet where you will lose some case capacity.

As others have said, I use 24.3 grs. for a 77 SMK and 25 grs. with a 69 SMK. You will be safe to be about there. You could go higher if you don't get too much powder compression.

You should be fine for your use if you get them to 2600+- FPS.

[kevins750]

Not for Varget

There's a good reason for that.......is varget the only powder you have?

[ar15barrels]

Needing to load up some varmint bullets for my .223 bolt gun. I picked up some lead free Barnes MPG (multi Purpose Green) boolits. I emailed Barnes and Hogdon over a week ago and havent had a reply from either. These MPG's are REALLY Long so I don't think it's safe to use my normal load.

I don't have any of the specified powders in their published data, but I have a bunch of Varget.

Can anyone help with load data?

Case fill looks to be a problem.

Cartridge          : .223 Rem. (SAAMI)
Bullet             : .224, 55, Barnes MPG 30195
Useable Case Capaci: 26.466 grain H2O = 1.718 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.460 inch = 62.48 mm
Barrel Length      : 18.0 inch = 457.2 mm
Powder             : Hodgdon VARGET

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 0.794% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step    Fill. Charge   Vel.  Energy   Pmax   Pmuz  Prop.Burnt B_Time
 %       %    Grains   fps   ft.lbs    psi    psi      %        ms

-07.9   98    23.20   2671     871   38601   8214     83.3    0.958
-07.1   99    23.40   2695     887   39560   8312     83.8    0.948
-06.3  100    23.60   2719     903   40542   8409     84.3    0.939
-05.6  101    23.80   2743     919   41552   8505     84.8    0.930
-04.8  102    24.00   2767     935   42590   8601     85.3    0.921
-04.0  103    24.20   2791     951   43658   8696     85.8    0.912
-03.2  103    24.40   2815     968   44755   8791     86.3    0.903
-02.4  104    24.60   2840     985   45884   8884     86.8    0.894
-01.6  105    24.80   2864    1002   47044   8977     87.3    0.885  ! Near Maximum !
-00.8  106    25.00   2889    1019   48239   9069     87.7    0.876  ! Near Maximum !
+00.0  107    25.20   2913    1037   49467   9159     88.2    0.868  ! Near Maximum !
+00.8  108    25.40   2938    1054   50733   9249     88.7    0.859  ! Near Maximum !
+01.6  108    25.60   2963    1072   52034   9338     89.1    0.850  ! Near Maximum !
+02.4  109    25.80   2988    1090   53375   9425     89.6    0.840  ! Near Maximum !
+03.2  110    26.00   3013    1108   54756   9511     90.0    0.831  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0  111    26.20   3038    1127   56178   9597     90.5    0.821  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba    107    25.20   3086    1163   58526   9642     94.8    0.807  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba    107    25.20   2710     897   41256   8360     79.2    0.933

[MongooseV8]

Ouch looks like you would be much better off trading for some H335 or something.

[17+1]

Wrong powder for 55 grain.

Should use H335.

[Bikertrash]

I got this reply today from Barnes:

Hello Trevor,



It does not look like we tested that powder with that bullet. We did with the 62gr TSX you would be ok using this data for the lighter bullet.





Thank You

Cagen Carter | Tech Support/Consumer Services
Barnes Bullets

[Bikertrash]

Of all places I didn't look, I found load data on the Lee die instructions. 22.8gr - 24gr of Varget for the 55gr Barnes solid X which is the same length and weight as the 55gr MPG.