I have looked and looked, called and called with no luck. What would your alternative powder choices be? VIhtavuori powder is as hard to find as trying to spell it (not to mention its cost). The 4064 and 4895's aren't easy to get a consistent throw or trickle charge. The RL15 does throw and meter well but I recall people being concerned about compressed charges for 1000 yard loads. I'll keep looking for Varget but I need an alternative, "Plan B" if you wish.
4064 is the powder in Federal GMM ammo, so it is a known excellent performer. What brand powder thrower are you using? Based on this issue and hearing advice, I purchased a Lee Perfect Powder Measure for $29 and it works great with these powders. It is also more consistent than the other name brand I was using so it saves a bit of time too.
RL 15 is great if you can find it.
I've used this load copied from Rifleman's Journal and it worked for me.
Jensen .308 Although he is constantly trying load variations, Bob is particularly proud of that famous 1992 Palma load and it is still a fine shooting load used by many competitors.
Brass: Winchester .308
Powder: IMR 4895, 44.8 gr.
Primer: Federal 210M
Bullet: Sierra 155 (2155) 2.80" OAL
Average Muzzle Velocity: 2980 fps
4064 gets my vote. I haven't found it to be any more troublesome than Varget when loading through the charge master.
Thanks for the replies. You guys have helped lower my frustration level already. I have not used 4064 for many years since I sold my M1A and went to an AR15 for NM. IMR4064 was my powder of choice back then. I've fallen into the hype of seeing people shooting Varget and getting frustrated that I could no longer find it. My RCBS Charge Master should be able to put out some consistent weight charges. Now the search broadens beyond Varget.
4064 is right next to Varget on the burn chart... I've enjoyed the results I get from Varget but since I can't find any I have switched to 4064.. I still haven't loaded any with the 4064 though...
I am just starting some load development but so far am doing well with Benchmark and don't have the scope I want on it to proceed any further.
Ditto here. What Varget I have is being used sparingly in my .223. The 308 went to IMR4064, and so far it's been great. My ES is 17 and it's available in 8 lb jugs.Originally Posted by cowtownup
[COLOR=#ff0000]Hello to all you nice folks at NSA :)[/COLOR]
Ive also been using Varget in the 223 with good results, and this week I started load development with 4064 and it looks even better. Doing a OCW test at 200 yd the node is much wider than I had with Varget with Horn 75 Match, and now I will check out with 69SMK. So long Varget!
IMR 4320 has been used in 308 as a reasonable sub for varget. Check the Riflemans journal for info on this.
RL15 and H335... sigh*** we just keep on dreamin' and hoping someday it'll come true... (showing up online and on the local gun store shelves)
Just started loading for 308 with imr 8208 xbr. Got .4 inch 5 shot group with first time out and using 168 gr hornady match bullets. Been accurate in 223 as well
8208xbr is great-very good MV's, meters well, one hole at 125yrds, I buy it whenever I can. SD's low as well.
I'm frantically looking for a varget alt for my 223 hog hunter. Mind sharing what you found out with the IMR4064 please!? Ive even got the horn 75 hpbts I wanna make a load with. Thanks!!
SK in a 22" barrel I have a nice node at 24.0 gr 4064 with all the 69,70, and 75gr bullets I have looked at. Using LC brass which has higher capacity than commercial brass so you may need to back off of that a little.
Thanks! That powder is way easier to find for me. First stop today had some for a good price. Time to start developing. :)
Savage 10 FCP-HS.....IMR 4064 and 168g SMK do 1/2 moa for me all day long. Going up to 175 SMK's and will try the same powder.
Integrity is easier to keep than to regain.
wow cant beleive ya'll are having trouble still finding varget my local sporting good store seems to always have 6-18 one pounders on hand and got a email from them this week they are starting to get federal 210m primers in. now if they could only get rl-15 i'd be set.
lal357 what shop you go to?
Another good powder for 308 is 2000MR. A guy around here swears by it and I've read some good reviews about it online. I'm going to pick up a pound this weekend to try.
Walter Craig's in Montgomery and bass pro in Prattville, al. . I have also gotten varget from powder valley when it is in and my bullet heads
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