Varget Substitute?

[RPRNY]

I like Varget's versatility and performance. I load 6.5x55, 30-30 and 30-06 with it and like that I can use one powder with good results.
 
 BUT, I am using the Lee Auto Disk powder dispenser (double disk) and I find that it throws Varget with much less consistency than H110 or Trail Boss, for example. I can get variations of up to 0.8 grs currently. I'm thinking the extruded construction of Varget presents issues in a volumetric system like the Lee Auto Disk.
 
 I would appreciate the thoughts and views of those of you with broader reloading experience as to what a potential substitute for Varget might be. I was thinking IMR 4064 which is very close to Varget but read of someone describing it as "meter[ing] like rough ground gravel" which would probably not be an improvement vs Varget in the Lee Auto Disk.
 
 So the parameters are 1) versatility/use across the three calibers listed above 2) no significant loss in relative performance, and 3) throws well - consistently - in a volumetric system like the Lee Auto Disk.
 
 Thanks very much.

[Larry L]

You probably would have better luck with a ball powder. Here are a few choices using ball powder- AA2520, 748, H335, and BL-C2

[beerbelly]

I never trust that double disk set up. I weigh every charge when loading rifle.

[RPRNY]

Larry - thanks very much for that. I understand that AA2520 is described as a Varget substitute, but when I lookk on Accurate's site at load data, I can't find 2520 data for either 6.5x55 or for 30-06. If you have a better source for AA2520 load data, I would really appreciate the link. I spoke to a tech at Hodgdon today - Dave, very nice chap - and he also proposed BL-C2 and CFE223. But neither of these work for the heavier 6.5x55 bullets (140 gr), despite delivering for 30-30 and 30-06 in the 150 - 170 range. Weird ?

It looks like I either suck it up and live with low accuracy from the Lee Powder disk, replace Varget with probably 2 other powders, or find a better metering solution for Varget. The Lee Perfect Powder Measure has been suggested to me as dealing better with extruded powders. Any thoughts on that?  The auto disc does well for me with Trail Boss and H110, but the extruded stuff just doesn't come out well.

[tacklebury]

If you aren't trying to achieve super-performance, I've had good luck with Reloader7 in those class cartridges.  .223, 30-40 Krag, 7.5x55 Swiss and 45-70 to name a few.  It's a wide ranging powder and has done well for me. 

[jhalcott]

 RPR what are you loading for, hunting,paperpunching, or serious target work? I am another guy who uses a single stage press for all my reloading. I don't under stand the concept of one powder to do all that I NEED done. YOU have a wide spectrum of calibers there. a 30-06 has a larger case capacity than the 6.5 (40some vs 50 some). A call or email to Vargets maker MAY help with the data you want. It will NOT help with the inaccuracy of your powder dispensing though! A middle of the road charge may give you acceptable loads.

[Larry L]

From an Accurate Loading manual, the handout kind:
6.5x55 Swed 140gr bullets
Start 32.9grs 2520= 2314'ps- max 36.5grs 2520 =2600'ps


3006 150gr bullets
Start 46.1grs 2520= 2583'ps, max 51.2grs 2520= 2870'ps
They have 165/168 and 180 gr bullets listed if you need them.


If you have other bullet weights, I have the manual and can look it up for you.

[RPRNY]

I'm loading for not so serious target work, refining rather than competing and, chiefly for hunting. I like Varget because it delivers for what I need across those three calibers. But maybe my understanding is wrong. Will average deviations in the same batch of @ 0.5 grs not matter very much for sub 250 yard shooting? Because I'm not doing anything longer than that.

Larry, that's extremely helpful!!! Thanks very much. Those numbers look fine to me. If you have 160gr in 6.5x55 and 180gr in 30-06 for 2520 as well, that would be great to know.

[mjbgalt]

h4895 and cfe223 are pretty darn close. check hodgdon's site for data

[Larry L]

From the same handout:
6.5x55 Swed 160 gr bullets
Start 32.0grs 2520= 2031'ps, max 35.5grs 2520=2282'ps
Test firearm was a Mauser 95, CCI 200 primers


3006 180gr bullets
Start 42.1grs 2520 =2327'ps, max 46.8grs 2520= 2585'ps
Test firearm was a 1903 Springfield, CCI 200 primers


Hope this was helpful.

[RPRNY]

Hope this was helpful.

Yes it was Thanks very much.

[MZ5]

Will average deviations in the same batch of @ 0.5 grs not matter very much for sub 250 yard shooting? Because I'm not doing anything longer than that.

No, not at all.  Not if you're using a good powder for the application.  Test it for yourself, though.  It sounds like you already have, at least practically-speaking, since you say Varget works well for you despite the variation of charge weights you experience.  So, if it's working so well in the field, why would you let a theoretical 'problem' convince you it's not?

[geezerbiker]

You could always get a Lee perfect powder measure.  I'd heard good things about them for use with extruded powders. I already have a Lyman that is wonderful with flake and ball powders but is all over the place with extruded IMR powers I like to use. 

I figured for the price, it was worth the risk.  The Lee perfect is cheap and all plastic but it works once you get used to it.  I'd like a better handle on it but I can live with it.  For 20 bucks it's way better that I expected.  I figure I'll likely load a lot of ammo with it before I replace it.

I really want a RCBS measure but I don't want to spend the bux for one now.

Tony

[Savage]

The Lee Perfect powder measure works well with extruded powders. Even better than my RCBS measure. I bet it'll throw consistent charges with Varget as well.
Savage