Chopping Varget

[SC_Dave]

I have used Varget under a 55 gr FMJ BT on my LnL progressive for a few years now. As you know Varget is a stick so my thrower is chopping it. I don't guess its a real issue since I'm not loading for a precision bolt gun and just for practice in my AR. I have ignored the fact that it chops it but I'm thinking about trying a different powder. Can you guys make some suggestions for something that would work for my use and dispense well in a thrower?
Thanks in advance
SCD

 

[Blue68f100]

I use TAC and CFE-223 powders behind the Hornady 55gr FMJ-BT for my general shooting ammo. TAC meters more accurate than the CFE-223 does. My AR's have a min spec chamber so my OAL may be different. I'm using 27.7gr CFE-223 with my LC brass, 2.205"-2.210" depending on year of the brass. These will produce 1 moa groups with an occasional flier, LC brass sorted by year the reason for the OAL variance. I don't have the load handy for the TAC powder.

 

[Walkalong]

under a 55 gr FMJ BT

Not going to make a big difference. If you decide to go with better bullets, then you can get pickier.

That said, H-335, TAC, H-322, 8208, LT-32. All will meter better. All will shoot up to the FMJs abilities. And others of course.

 

[2bfree]

748 meters like a dream and works well with my 55 gr Sp.

 

[Nature Boy]

Add Benchmark to Walkalong’s “others”. Meters great with the potential for accurate loads

 

[DazedandConfuzed]

I've been using H335 behind 55gr. plinkers for years. It meters easily and consistently.

 

[Walkalong]

748 meters like a dream and works well with my 55 gr Sp.

Another good one I forgot. An oldie but goodie.

 

[TheDomFather]

I have used Varget under a 55 gr FMJ BT on my LnL progressive for a few years now. As you know Varget is a stick so my thrower is chopping it. I don't guess its a real issue since I'm not loading for a precision bolt gun and just for practice in my AR. I have ignored the fact that it chops it but I'm thinking about trying a different powder. Can you guys make some suggestions for something that would work for my use and dispense well in a thrower?
Thanks in advance
SCD

Hodgdon H335 or CFE 223 are both spherical powders and work extremely well through a powder drop. I only use varget in a trickler. Varget is great as long as you arent using a powder drop.

 

[SC_Dave]

I'll probably keep chopping until I use up my Varget and then try one of the powders you guys mentioned. Thanks!

 

[jmorris]

748 and TAC are my top choices for progressive press powder measures.

 

[Kaldor]

Nothing wrong with 55gr FMJBTs, especially the Hornady ones. You can get them to shoot at or under and inch with a little work. The Hornady 55gr SPs are probably a little more accurate as they are a closed base bullet but are kind of a PITA to load as they are flat based. Both of these bullets shoot way better than the 7 cents each they cost.

I use mostly H335 with these, meters great because its a ball powder, is about the same powder the military specs out as WC844. CFE 223 will be what I go to when my H335 is gone as its a more versatile ball powder with a burn rate closer to Varget. Neither of these are immune to temp swings though. My other most important powder for 223 is IMR 8208 XBR. Its a short cut extruded powder thats very temp stable that meters very well in a drop. I have fantastic luck with this powder for bullets 68gr and up but would not hesitate to work it up for lighter bullets.

 

[TheDomFather]

I'll probably keep chopping until I use up my Varget and then try one of the powders you guys mentioned. Thanks!

I bought a Hornady lock and load auto charge https://www.hornady.com/reloading/precision-measuring/scales-and-accessories/ as a matter of fact I bought two of them. I found it on sale from Midsouth shooters supply for $159 which is a good price relative to others on the market then brownells had it on sale with free shipping for $139, They measure perfectly, varget runs perfectly through them, and now I have two and will run both simultaneously so there is no slow down. Comparable offerings from RCBS and Lyman are more expensive and maybe they are better but I have had zero issues with the Hornady. You do need to adjust the speed with which it throws based on the powder you are using. A extruded stick powder like varget you can throw fast, a fine spherical powder like H335 you will need to throw slowly, net net thats my solution!
Dom

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Not much to add here, there are many spherical powders which will meter very well in the .223. All the above suggestions are valid IMO. I will add Alliant Power Pro 1200-R and Accurate AA2230 to the powder list although they are not spherical powder they do meter well.

If I were buying powder I would buy CFE223 other TAC because both add an agent to limit copper fouling. I'm using H335 and I'm happy with it. (I have a lot)

 

[entropy]

You can always hand-throw your Varget chagres.