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5/2/2014 2:06:16 PM EDT

Loading some precision/high velocity .223 rounds for my 18" suppressed AR. Barrel is 1-7 SS WOA.

Brass is once fired IVI wet tumbled. Bullet is a 77gr Nosler with cannelure. I plan on a light crimp with Lee FCD. Primer is Remington Benchrest.

I bought a pound of Varget to try out, but the guy at my local reloading store said that I should consider Benchmark also, since I'd like to use my Lee powder dump. I went ahead and bought a pound.

Any thoughts on my load or which powder to start with?
5/2/2014 2:17:22 PM EDT
[#1]
I've had really good results with Varget with my WOA 18" SPRish AR using 77g SMKs.  I use a RCBS charge master to drop each charge though.
 



25g of Varget gets me 2750fps with LC brass and federal 205 primers.  
5/2/2014 2:46:28 PM EDT
[#2]
Benchmark is great for lighter bullets, varget is better for heavy ones
5/2/2014 3:41:30 PM EDT
[#3]
I am getting better accuracy and velocity with benchmark with the sierra 77 grain pills.  

I'm getting a average of 2780 fps with a stag 24in bull barrel.  It is a hot load tho.
5/2/2014 4:09:32 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:

Loading some precision/high velocity .223 rounds for my 18" suppressed AR. Barrel is 1-7 SS WOA.

Brass is once fired IVI wet tumbled. Bullet is a 77gr Nosler with cannelure. I plan on a light crimp with Lee FCD. Primer is Remington Benchrest.

I bought a pound of Varget to try out, but the guy at my local reloading store said that I should consider Benchmark also, since I'd like to use my Lee powder dump. I went ahead and bought a pound.

Any thoughts on my load or which powder to start with?
View Quote



I was thinking Benchmark was way too slow for the 77 grain bullet but Hodgdon gives load data for both at about the same max velocity.
Can't copy and paste with out much hassle.
Link

5/2/2014 6:07:21 PM EDT
[#5]


After reading up on it a bit, I'm kinda nervous about compressing the load for Varget.

5/2/2014 6:13:13 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:


After reading up on it a bit, I'm kinda nervous about compressing the load for Varget.

View Quote

A lil bit of crunch works great with Varget!
Worry not, SOP with Varget.
5/2/2014 7:38:29 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:


After reading up on it a bit, I'm kinda nervous about compressing the load for Varget.

View Quote


From my experience, compressed loads with Varget is typical when used with 77gr bullets.
5/2/2014 8:09:48 PM EDT
[#8]


I'm thinking about trying the Benchmark and seeing what kind of results I get. If it works well, then I'll be able to meter the powder and not have to mess with the compressing.

If I don't get satisfactory results, I'll try Varget.

5/2/2014 8:28:53 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:
I am getting better accuracy and velocity with benchmark with the sierra 77 grain pills.  

I'm getting a average of 2780 fps with a stag 24in bull barrel.  It is a hot load tho.
View Quote



I'm going to start at the bottom and work my way up, but what charge have you found that works well?

5/3/2014 2:59:48 AM EDT
[#10]
I have not used the other , but varget and 69 smk's have shot very good for me over 25.1 grains of varget at 2.250 in LC  brass.  Got some noxler 77;s coming to try out with some varget and TAC.

Also get a little crunch when loading 24.8'ish loads and above with varget and 69 smk's. No problem and using a federal 205m as that is what i could get my hands on last year during the panic and have worked with. Shoots under 1 MOA out tp 200 yards using a 3-9 scope. off a bipod/benchrest.
5/3/2014 10:01:15 AM EDT
[#11]
I'm not sure you get high velocity with Varget. I've compressed powder with 77's and don't remember is really screaming. Now RL15 and 77's I've had going a little too fast. (with great accuracy I might add)
5/3/2014 11:34:09 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Quoted:
Benchmark is great for lighter bullets, varget is better for heavy ones
View Quote


Ditto for me, Above 60 grain pills I use Varget, otherwise its Benchmark.  Just what my toy likes mind you.
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