varget to 4064

**Texas Solo** · 02-01-2014, 11:14 PM

With Varget being so hard to find, I need to keep what I have reserved for my .223.
My .308, being a powder hog, is going to have get something new. I was at my local range yesterday and saw 8lb jugs of 4064. I've never used it, but I know it's one of the old stand by powders for .308, so I bought it.
I know there's still plenty of other options, but I shouldn't have any problem getting a load with 4064...right?

**rotts4u** · 02-02-2014, 01:01 AM

Originally Posted by Texas Solo

With Varget being so hard to find, I need to keep what I have reserved for my .223.
My .308, being a powder hog, is going to have get something new. I was at my local range yesterday and saw 8lb jugs of 4064. I've never used it, but I know it's one of the old stand by powders for .308, so I bought it.
I know there's still plenty of other options, but I shouldn't have any problem getting a load with 4064...right?

My situation is exactly the opposite of yours. I have used 4064 for years in 308 for both bolt and AR10 but I can't get it. So now I am having to go to Varget. 4064 is indeed a standby for 308 and you will not have any trouble, Many theorize that 4064 is used by Federal in their Gold medal match ammo. Others say it is a revised non commercial version. But I know it looks just like it. 43.7g behind a 168g pill works for me. I just wish I could get some more to resume loading again.

I think in the AR10 I back off slightly to 42.5g in Lapua or Hornady match brass

**RyanG** · 02-02-2014, 01:13 AM

I also use 4064 for my 308. Same load.. 42.5 grains using a 168 grain Sierra Matchking.

**LoneWolf** · 02-02-2014, 01:40 AM

The Marine Corps loads the M118LR using IMR4064. That's what I just started loading mine with as well.

**stomp442** · 02-02-2014, 01:52 AM

Yep 4064 works great for me too. 42.7 under a 168gr berger.

**Texas Solo** · 02-02-2014, 08:41 AM

Thanks guys, I feel better about spending the $150 now.

Looks like 42.5 +/- is popular. I have 155,168, + 175 to test, but I have to minus one full grain off all load data as my LC brass has a lower case volume. I was wondering why everyone else was getting consistently lower FPS than me, given the same charge of Varget.
(I was getting 2880 from 42.5 varget with 175's) Then a buddy said to check the case volume. Filled a Win case, tapped it down and leveled it off with a razor blade. Did the same to the LC. The LC was 1.2gr less.

Anyone using 4064 under 155's????

**lal357** · 02-02-2014, 08:58 AM

never thought of using 4064 i have a lb of it in the storage locker and i think i can get it locally .

**Jetpig** · 02-02-2014, 10:29 AM

I have had the best results in ALL the -08 size cases with 4064. Great powder. Lots of complaints about metering from others. I recently went the opposite and started using it in 5.56/223 because of non-availability of other better powders.

**bythebook** · 02-02-2014, 10:31 AM

I have used IMR4064 for 40+ years in 22-250 308 243 even some 30-06 and 270. It is my favorite in several cal.

**yobuck** · 02-02-2014, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by bythebook

I have used IMR4064 for 40+ years in 22-250 308 243 even some 30-06 and 270. It is my favorite in several cal.

it is indeed a very old and popular powder. 4320 will give very similar results and due to its size is much easier to meter.
the late jack occonner used 4320 in his 270 and for many years i used it in my 06.

**Texas Solo** · 02-02-2014, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by Texas Solo

Anyone using 4064 under 155's????

Little help here ???

**LoneWolf** · 02-02-2014, 11:38 AM

http://www.imrpowder.com/data/rifle/...-2005apr03.php

155 GR. SIE HPBT	IMR 4320	.308"	2.775"	44.0	2622	44,800 PSI	48.5C	2875	58,400 PSI
155 GR. SIE HPBT	IMR 4064	.308"	2.775"	43.0	2602	42,900 PSI	47.5C	2871	56,500 PSI
155 GR. SIE HPBT	IMR 4895	.308"	2.775"	43.5	2664	45,100 PSI	47.5C	2897	58,200 PSI

**Texas Solo** · 02-02-2014, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by LoneWolf

http://www.imrpowder.com/data/rifle/...-2005apr03.php

155 GR. SIE HPBT	IMR 4320	.308"	2.775"	44.0	2622	44,800 PSI	48.5C	2875	58,400 PSI
155 GR. SIE HPBT	IMR 4064	.308"	2.775"	43.0	2602	42,900 PSI	47.5C	2871	56,500 PSI
155 GR. SIE HPBT	IMR 4895	.308"	2.775"	43.5	2664	45,100 PSI	47.5C	2897	58,200 PSI

Thanks, but I already got this. I'm looking for shooters results with 4064 & 155's.

**lal357** · 02-02-2014, 12:14 PM

looking at this chart it looks like it doesnt have the velocity i want i know with my 1-10 30" barrel the fps will be higher but i'm getting 2925fps out it now using varget (46.0 gr.) i would not recommend anyone using my load data please start low and work up it took me alot of round to get load . that being said i think i will load some up to shoot in the next week or 2 just see what the diference is in fps

**missed** · 02-02-2014, 01:09 PM

I have switched to 4064 since it has been available. Powder distributors seem like they have been getting it once a month and my LGS has had it too. VARGET has started showing up again but I think there making mostly #1. #8 have been few and far between.

**stomp442** · 02-02-2014, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by Texas Solo

Thanks guys, I feel better about spending the $150 now.

Looks like 42.5 +/- is popular. I have 155,168, + 175 to test, but I have to minus one full grain off all load data as my LC brass has a lower case volume. I was wondering why everyone else was getting consistently lower FPS than me, given the same charge of Varget.
(I was getting 2880 from 42.5 varget with 175's) Then a buddy said to check the case volume. Filled a Win case, tapped it down and leveled it off with a razor blade. Did the same to the LC. The LC was 1.2gr less.

Anyone using 4064 under 155's????

My load is using lake city match brass as well but as always start low and work up.

**LoneWolf** · 02-02-2014, 08:52 PM

Ran my first reloads today. Need to get a better measuring system as I had some definite variations in FPS.

Base load was using once fired Federal brass, CCI #200 Primers, 175gr Nosler Custom Competition, over 42gr of IMR 4064. I measured every 5th round after setting up the Lee "Perfect Powder Measure". I had FPS variations between 2580 and 2690. Pretty 2690 requires close to 44grs, so the powder measure unit isn't very accurate. The loads all shot well most fairing right around 2600fps.

Will start working full load development down the road once I return.

**missed** · 02-02-2014, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by LoneWolf

Ran my first reloads today. Need to get a better measuring system as I had some definite variations in FPS.

Base load was using once fired Federal brass, CCI #200 Primers, 175gr Nosler Custom Competition, over 42gr of IMR 4064. I measured every 5th round after setting up the Lee "Perfect Powder Measure". I had FPS variations between 2580 and 2690. Pretty 2690 requires close to 44grs, so the powder measure unit isn't very accurate. The loads all shot well most fairing right around 2600fps.

Will start working full load development down the road once I return.

4064/VARGET doesn't drop real well. I drop a bit light and trickle up.

**lal357** · 02-02-2014, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by missed

4064/VARGET doesn't drop real well. I drop a bit light and trickle up.

same here

**rotts4u** · 02-02-2014, 10:44 PM

Originally Posted by lal357

same here

Once you use the RCBS charge master you will be spoiled. It is perhaps the best thing since reloading began for me which was 1986

**eddiesindian** · 02-02-2014, 11:58 PM

I was in the same boat tx solo. I have about 3.5 lbs of Varget left but am using it on all my 223,s. I couldnt find it either and went the way of an 8lb jug of 4064.
I was given a box of FGMM in 168gr SMK and used it to break in my new model K and I was very impressed.
So much so I pulled a couple apart to have a look and 42.8grs of what looks EXACTLY like 4064 was what I found. I also found a dam heavy crimp mark on the pill as well.
Ive got Federal 210M primers/ Fed cases/ 4064 and decided to have a go at "trying" to copy there load.(crimp and all)
I clocked there rds going 2715 4 rd average.
I clocked mine going 2744 4 rd average @ 3800ft elev....45-55dg weather
I got about a .75 pattern compared to there .50. The day wasnt exactly perfect due to slight wind but none the less they did fairly well. Im sure if I keep after it, Ill hit closer groups with more load dev.
The load that work,s for my model k with a 24" 1:10 usng 4064 ended up being 45.0 grs of 4064 with 175SMK going 2865. at the time of that load dev. I was @ 60-70dg weather.
I think you,ll be pleased with the 4064. Im not crazy with the way it meters but it is what it is.

**eddiesindian** · 02-03-2014, 12:00 AM

Originally Posted by lal357

same here

+1..........

**ghostwriter247** · 02-03-2014, 01:01 AM

I have a copy I the government build sheet for 118lr and I believe it's the lake city brass version 41.7 grains over 175 smk. I still loaded a full ladder today to shoot. I just got done with my first ladder of Hornady spire points 150 in federal and found nodes at 41.5 to 42.5 and also 45.5 to 44.5. I loaded up rounds every .2 grains within those nodes to get my exact load. The 45.5 ran 2959 fps out of a 10 ba.

**LoneWolf** · 02-03-2014, 01:02 AM

Originally Posted by ghostwriter247

I have a copy I the government build sheet for 118lr and I believe it's the lake city brass version 41.7 grains over 175 smk. I still loaded a full ladder today to shoot. I just got done with my first ladder of Hornady spire points 150 in federal and found nodes at 41.5 to 42.5 and also 45.5 to 44.5. I loaded up rounds every .2 grains within those nodes to get my exact load. The 45.5 ran 2959 fps out of a 10 ba.

You mean this

**ghostwriter247** · 02-03-2014, 01:25 AM

Yep notice how it has everything but cartridge. Seems kind of important but some are saying a grain more so I'm thinking that's the lc load. We will find out as soon as it gets warm enough to shoot.