Varget in 223 Rem loads?

[coyotemaster]

So in the past I've used Benchmark for all my 223 Rem loads. I haven't seen Benchmark in a few years. But I currently have 14 lbs of Varget as I load for 7mm-08's and 308's.

Looking to see how it works in 223 Rem? Primary rifle is a Rem LTR with 20" 9 twist. Primary use is coyotes, but do have a prairie dog, so was thinking 40-60 grain v max? Probably load inLapua brass with CCI 400's.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

It can be used and works quite well with heavys 60gr.+. Powder Valley (as or Friday) had AA 2460 and is one of the most accurate powders I've found for the .223; The go to load for 55gr. bullets around 26.0 and reportedly shoots tiny groups in some rifles.

 

[BoomFlop]

@Firewurx

I've heard the 53 is really sensitive to seating depth, have you found that?

 

[Firewurx]

@Firewurx

I've heard the 53 is really sensitive to seating depth, have you found that?

I generally use the Hornady/Stoney Point case gauges to find my length to the lands and then back off .010 and go from there. Lemme go find my books and take my dog out and I'll see what I wrote down.

 

[Firewurx]

With 53's, 2.240" is book, mine are at 2.230" OAL.
As an alternative, 25 grains of Ramshot TAC gives equivalent accuracy with a bit more velocity, as I've found, tho YMMV. TAC is what I used last time I loaded for shooting P-dogs in Wyoming. Made up 600 rounds and still have 200 left for next year. I alternate shooting .17 HMR, .17 WSM, then .223 for the longer shots when I go out there, just to keep the barrels from getting too warm.

That's what's I've found works for me, rimfire at 200 and under, then when they won't come out anymore, stretch it out with a centerfire cartridge.

 

[Firewurx]

As far as seating depth, no, I didn't encounter anything unnatural. Like I say, use a gauge or book value, back off .010 and "choot 'em".

 

[coriolis2k]

I load tons of different 223 rounds with Varget.

In the world of competitive shooting, Varget is considered one of the absolute best powders for 223 cases.

Granted, most are loading heavier bullets - say 60~77 grain - but achieving world class results.

There are literally thousands of high-end shooters that rely on that single Powder as their go-to 223 fuel.

You should do well with Varget in that cartridge with heavy enough pills.

I agree with the above. One of my most accurate 5.56 loads, Berger 77 OTM, is using Varget.

 

[rcar112]

So in the past I've used Benchmark for all my 223 Rem loads. I haven't seen Benchmark in a few years. But I currently have 14 lbs of Varget as I load for 7mm-08's and 308's.

Looking to see how it works in 223 Rem? Primary rifle is a Rem LTR with 20" 9 twist. Primary use is coyotes, but do have a prairie dog, so was thinking 40-60 grain v max? Probably load inLapua brass with CCI 400's.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sierra Match or Green tip 69grain - Varget 25 grains is the match load for a one hole round. I win competitions over and over out to 300 yds….. just sayin

 

[Greyfox]

Varget (Is my go-to 200-300 yard competition load for 69 gr SMK's(25gr/BR4/Lapua brass.

 

[fmuguira]

Varget is great with 55 gr and up bullets in 223. It ll work well with 50 grainers but it takes a full case of powder. 40 grainers it just might be a little too close for.

 

[fmuguira]

Little to 'slow' for … Fat Fingers !!

 

[katakenm]

I've used Varget and BLC2 in 223 many times. It works great. I mostly use Varget and BLC2 in my precision built custom competition AR10 in 308 Win. Good Luck!

 

[Lionel Boyd Johnson]

So in the past I've used Benchmark for all my 223 Rem loads. I haven't seen Benchmark in a few years. But I currently have 14 lbs of Varget as I load for 7mm-08's and 308's.

Looking to see how it works in 223 Rem? Primary rifle is a Rem LTR with 20" 9 twist. Primary use is coyotes, but do have a prairie dog, so was thinking 40-60 grain v max? Probably load inLapua brass with CCI 400's.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

One more vote for Varget in the .223. It is a great choice for loading behind Sierra 80 grain MatchKings. I've shot hundreds of them at 600 yards in competition. The only other star for this application, in my experience, is Vihtavuori 140.

 

[Gater]

I have been using Varget in my .223 for years normally 80.5 GR Bergers another good one for .223 is w-748

 

[Zen Archery]

Yup. You can crush a lot of Varget before seeing pressure signs.