Reloaded last night,Shot horrible today

[1919A4]

Guys,
When you first started reloading did you ever have days where your reloads just fired like crap. I had the worst day so far. Fricken depessing. The last time I went out I tried:
Winchester Case
Winchester LR primer
SMK 175 grainers
Hodgdon H414, various charges. All did well.
Case trimmed to 2.005
Bullet seated to 2.800
I was able to shoot 5 and 10 shot group less than 1 inch or so. Was damm happy.

THEN
Today I went out to try a new load. Friends were saying you just have to use Varget. Its the best..Tyr this.
So I loaded some up last night.
I did all the normal prepping.
I used:
Winchester case
Winchester LR primers
SMK 175 grainers
Hodgdon Varget
Cased timmed to 2.005
Bullet seated to 2.850
I started my loads at 42grains. then 42.5 grains, then 43 grains, then 44 grains.
My groups were an average 2-3 inches. I did get a few good groupings. But it was a horrible day in the end.

Some changed I made.
I seated my bullets from 2.800 to 2.850. Could this cause that much change.
New batch of 175SMK's
I changed powders. But millions swear by varget powder. So that must not be a factor. And I used varget from friend in the past that worked good.
It could also be that I was just off today.
Or my rifle is just not liking the loads.
What is your guys opinions for a beginner.
Thanks!!!

[freonr22]

it must be the varget I traded you. bad batch

[kmca]

Yup, it's probably the powder. That's why I hate working up accuracy loads. You've got to try different powders, bullets, primers, charge weights.etc. At least you've eliminated one powder

[bcrich]

So you went from 42g then 42.5g then 43g,44? I think you just skipped over the sweet spot! That is just too big of a jump brother. You have to take the time to slowly work up in atleast .2grains at a time and let the groups and brass tell you the story of what's going on pressure wise in your particular chamber. I dont think it's the varget, take your time and try again. If in fact you did slowly work up in .2 grains or so....try another powder

[sv_1]

When testing them are you shooting from a rest of any sort? It seems best to eliminate as many variables as possible.

[spareparts]

Personally I wouldn't let it get you down. Try some different powders and bullet weights. Maybe the Varget will will perform well with some 168 SMK's. Could also be that you were off that day. I've had ammo shoot sub moa groups one day then a month later with some of the same batch, I'm doing minute of pie plate. I've had one load work great in my M1A and shoot worse than an SKS in my heavy barreled Rem 700.

[mif_slim]

Millions can swear by varget, but it your gun dont like varget, it doesnt like varget. My gun doesnt like varget so I shoot R15 and its great!

[Timberwolf]

You're generally too light in powder to Varget in a 308 with 175s and Win cases. The old standby load for 175 SMKs in Win cases is 45 grn of varget with CCI BR2 primer. Since you're using a little hotter primer start at 44.0 grn (since you've already been there with I assume no pressure issues) and work your way to 45 grn in 0.2 grn increments - you'll find your rifles sweet spot. If not get some CCI 200s or BR2s and try them - Varget seems to like CCI primers.