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Posted: 2/6/2009 6:52:38 AM EDT
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Well, It seems that right now, varget cannot be found available anywhere right now. This is the only powder I have ever used.
I am now looking for alternatives that work well with .223 on an AR platform. My local shop has some H322, and he said that works ok for .223, but he didn't seemed to thrilled about it. Can people out there suggest some other powders for me to try? |
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For heavy bullets (75 &77 gr.), I get similar accuracy to Varget with other powders in the same burn rate range, ie., RE15, IMR4320, TAC, etc.
Varget does produce the tightest groups for me, but the others are not far off. Experiment to find out what shoots best in your rifle. |
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Quoted:
H322 is an outstanding gunpowder for bullets of the weight range it suits. You might not go back to Varget. No, you didn't! It sucks, especially 24 grains with a 52 of 53 grain bullet. It will cause erosion of the X ring on targets. Rapid erosion. Think of the expensive targets! 
And with lighter bullets, it causes varmits to explode! Think of the bunnies! 
Really, it is a good propellent for .223 Rem. Most data is on the light side but it is also accurate. I also use it in light .308 Win loads. Think .30-30 class loads. 35 grains with a 170 is fine, close-up load for deer in the .308. |
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I"m thinking about getting some H322 for accuracy work with 40 to 55 grain bullets. Wasn't it one of the old benchrest shooters favorites back in the day? There are plenty of good powders you can use, so step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Experimenting is half the fun of reloading.
Maybe look through this Sierra pdf. for some ideas. |
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With all the talk about, "not finding powder."
ME.........I'd just go to the store and see what they had available in 1 lb containers. YES, I said 1 lb. Because, you said that you've only used Varget in the past. IF you don't like a "new powder," well going back to your old powder won't be such an "expensive mistake." There have been many suggestions as to a "good" powder (see above). Double check the BOOK and powder mfns suggestion as to suitability with your caliber and wt. of bullet you plan on using it with. OK. Now, get to the store. Course, IF you're RICH and don't mind making purchases in 8 lb. cans...........so be it. Aloha, Mark |
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If H-322 is available you should be just fine, it's a very good powder for the .223, also meters nicely..
Others that you can try if you can find them have been mnetioned my Faves are H-335 & W-748.. I also use IMR-4198 but it's a STICK powder and it's not as nice to use as a Ball powder.. With a measure like a UNI-Flow, Redding or other good Bench Top measures it's not that bad.. The .223 is easy to load for and there are a number of powders that will work.. |
| Most rifle powders are becoming scarce these days. I like Ramshot TAC as well and it seems to be in stock in more places than Hogdgon and IMR. I also like IMR 4320 if you can still get it. My all time favorites are Varget, IMR 4895 and BLC-2, but all of the above are extremely rare these days. I sure hope the supply catches up to demand. Even getting your hands on bulk amounts of primers are getting tough. |
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