Author Topic: WIN 748 Versus Varget for 308 Win and 233 Rem (Read 4357 times)

Chappy · « **on:** March 11, 2006, 12:27:23 PM »

I currently use WIN 748 in my 308 and 223 loads. I like how it meters and accuracy and velocity are good in both calibers. The only negative thing I have noticed is that if the cartridges are left in the sun on a warm day, the velocities will rise and the primers will flatten a little more.

I read that Varget is less affected by temperature and works good in both of these calibers. However, it looks like it might take some compressed loads of Varget to match my 748 loads.

I know I just need to break down and buy some Varget and experiment, but I would be interested to hear the opinions of others who have used these two powders in these two calibers.

My 223 rifle is a Ruger Model 77 and I shoot 50 gr. Speer TNT bullets.
My 308 rifle is a Rem. Model 700 and I shoot 125 gr. Speer TNT and 165 gr. Speer boattail bullets.

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience and opinions concerning these two powders.

JoeRobbins · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2006, 01:36:02 PM »

I load for the .223 and have found better accuracy with H335/Win748 for lighter bullets. Usually in the 40-50 grain range.
Now with Varget I get good accuracy with the 55s and 60s for bullet weight. I started with 50s on Varget and was getting around 1 to 1 and a half MOA at 100 yards. With the 55 Vmaxs and 60 Sierra HPs and 27gr of Varget, I got down to 1/2 (60s) to 3/4 (55s) MOA at 100. This was with my Remington 700 VLS off bags and a bench. I kept those targets. That is the best I've been able to do with this gun. I was very happy with these loads.

308, I don't reload for that one, sorry.

Joe

ricciardelli · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2006, 03:32:23 PM »

My choices:

.223 with 50's:
N-133 From 19.8 grains to 26.2 grains
Remington 7-1/2 Primer

.308 with 125's:
Varget From 45.0 grains to 50.0 grains
Remington 9-1/2 Primer

.308 with 165's:
N-550 From 40.7 grains to 48.9 grains
Remington 9-1/2 Primer

MnMike · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2006, 05:06:01 PM »

I use Varget for .223. I have tried 748 but in Minnesota, I have to change the load from summer to winter - not so with Varget. I also use Varget for .220 Swift, .243 and 7-30 Waters.

For my guns this works, that doesn't mean it will work for all.

mike

Idaho_Hick · « **Reply #4 on:** March 13, 2006, 04:19:33 AM »

I have tried both in a .222 and in a .308. In the .222 748 gave better accuraccy with 50 grain bullets, the only weight I tried with both. In the .308, 748 gave better accuracy with 150 and 165 weight bullets, the only weights I have tried in this cartridge. Varget is touted as THE .308 powder, but my results were very unimpressive. Additionaly, my groups with 748 are much more consistent, while my groups with varget could vary by a half inch or more from group to group.
Also, I just finished a weekend of playing with benchmark in my .222 and am extremely happy. If you get a chance, I would try it in your .223. I shot the best group of my life this weekend with a starting load of benchmark and a 55 grain sierra.

bja105 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 13, 2006, 01:54:47 PM »

My best groups with the 308 were with 165 Hornady and Varget.
Very good luck with 223 with Varget and Sierra 69g Match Kings.

Questor · « **Reply #6 on:** March 14, 2006, 05:55:15 AM »

I have used both for .223 but prefer Varget. I like that it is insensitive to temperature, which is handy because I can do my load development when it's cold, then shoot when it's blazingly hot out without and still shoot to the same point of aim (as long as the gun isn't susceptible to temperature and humidity variations.) They both meter well from an RCBS powder measure. 748 granular powder are more exact in the charge weight than the short sticks of Varget, but that doesn't seem to translate into a performance difference. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

If you're looking to get maximum velocity from the .223, I don't think Varget is going to be your powder.

Dillohide · « **Reply #7 on:** March 26, 2006, 06:58:19 PM »

I tested 6 loads of Varget in my 30-06 using Hornadry 165 gr BTSP and 6 in my 223 using Hornady 55 gr V-Max (Remington brass, CCI 200 & 400 primers repectively) today. This was my first time with this powder and I was impresed. Of the 30-06 loads 49.4 gr and 50.5 gr (Hodgon Powder Manual Max) had almost equal groups a little over an inch in 4 shots and in the 223 25.2 gr and 26.1 gr had similar groups ... for the 223 that was almost bullet on top of bullet with a minor flyer in 4 shots each at 100 yards. The 223 is a new H&R bull barrel, just getting broken in and with the standard NEF 5 or 6 lb triger pull ... so this was very good. The 30-06 a Win Model 70.

Judging from the 30-06 I think this would be an excelent 308 powder and there is no doubt about the 223. My test with BL-C2 didn't come close to this with the 223. Also I metered the Varget loads for this test and it metered very well. When I go back to refine these four loads I'll meter, weigh, trickle and funnel each in.

I'm looking for a deer stand turkey load in the 223 good out to 200 yds so will be switching over to the Hornady 55 spire point once I nail the powder. Nothing like that bonus turkey walking out while your waiting for the big buck and have to wack him with a 30-06. One minor jerk and you've got half a turkey!