Hodgdon Varget loads better???????

[WpSniper71]

I have searched and read so many threads looking for updated data. The last post I found was around 2011.

Here is my issue, I asked the Hornady techs which powder and primers would be the best to reload Hornady brass and AMAX or SST 123 gr. The answer I got was "we cannot tell you what we use, but equipment you can purchase, recommend....":

Best Powder is Hodgdon Varget, then Benchmark, then 8208 XBR (stated Benchmark and 8208 are pretty much the same). Said must would use Varget but it is too hard to find.

Best Primer is Federal 205m, then Federal 205, then CCI 450.

So I searched the web high and low, all Varget sold out.....so I called mom and pop stores in 4 states and found some Varget. Bought 1 lb............havent started loading yet, but after reading so many posts about 8208 xbr, I question my choice.

I bought some federal 205 primers, but can pick up some others if need be.

SO MUCH INFORMATION and its making this new loader so fricking confused. I am getting into reloading for fun and eventually hoping to get that perfect load for my gun.

bullet that will be used 123gr AMAX and SST.......24" barrel......

accuracy is extremely important......

Thanks for any posts....

[SG4247]

Here is one of my favotites.

Berger 120 and Varget using #41 CCI primer.

Shot this in several barrels with great accuracy results.

[JASmith]

Some of us would like to have groups like that at 100 yards!

This may be one of those times where accuracy truumps the last 50 fps of muzzle velocity.

[1911man]

Here is one of my favotites.

Berger 120 and Varget using #41 CCI primer.

Shot this in several barrels with great accuracy results.

Do you have any chronograph numbers for that load?

[Joseph5]

My suggestion would be to look at the Grendel preferred load thread, use the Google Custom Search Engine on this sight, or get the 6.5 Grendel reloading manuals fro AR15 Build Box. CFE223, LeverRevolution, XBR8208, AA2520, H335 are the powders people have reported the best results with depending on bullet weight. Consensus on Varget was you could not get enough in the case for good velocities. Most popular primers were CCI450 and Rem 7.5. I have used CCI450 and CCI 41 interchangeably with no change in results.

[FW Conch]

When the question "what is best" is asked-do we mean best accuracy or best muzzle velocity? People have reported excellent accuracy with Varget, but, as mentioned above, at the expense of muzzle velocity.

[Fredman]

For me 8208 is my Grendel go to powder. Meters better and very low S.D.

[WpSniper71]

Thank you all. Guess I need to find a pound of 8208 and 223 to do some tests and then I can report back between the three.

[LRRPF52]

The Grendel Reloading Handbooks will have more powder and pill combinations than you could load for in a lifetime.

Best accuracy is usually reported wit AR Comp and 8208XBR, but you have to be careful not to exceed 28.5gr with 8208 and 123gr pills.

[SG4247]

27.3 27.4 27.5 Ave SD ES
2438 2503 2483 2461 32 79
2421 2461 2487 2478 19 46
2484 2486 2481 2479 10 23
2461 2457 2464
2500 2484

Looks like the average for the 27.4 load of Varget was 2478 ft/sec.

Also looks like 27.5 was nearly identical speed with a SD of 10.

This was from a Broughton 5C barrel 22" long.

Gave this load to a fellow AR steel competitor, and he promptly spanked me with it at a match later on.

I personally saw him shoot a 3.0" (5) shot group at 547 yards. I was bummed!

[1911man]

27.3 27.4 27.5 Ave SD ES
2438 2503 2483 2461 32 79
2421 2461 2487 2478 19 46
2484 2486 2481 2479 10 23
2461 2457 2464
2500 2484

Looks like the average for the 27.4 load of Varget was 2478 ft/sec.

Also looks like 27.5 was nearly identical speed with a SD of 10.

This was from a Broughton 5C barrel 22" long.

Gave this load to a fellow AR steel competitor, and he promptly spanked me with it at a match later on.

I personally saw him shoot a 3.0" (5) shot group at 547 yards. I was bummed!

Nice! those velocities are better than what I would have expected.

[lwminton]

Who cares how fast it flies, if it shoots 1/2 minute? My sense is there is way too much emphasis here about velocity. Why does that matter if slower is more accurate. And that applies to hunting too. No deer knows the difference except for placement.

[1911man]

Who cares how fast it flies, if it shoots 1/2 minute? My sense is there is way too much emphasis here about velocity. Why does that matter if slower is more accurate. And that applies to hunting too. No deer knows the difference except for placement.

It depends on what you are wanting to do with the round and what bullet you are using. For hunting different bullets get the best expansion at a certain velocity so if you cannot achieve that velocity out to your desired distance you have a problem. For long range target shooting if you want to go out past 800 yards that load is going to be challenged compared to one moving 100fps-150fps faster. For the most part the average shooter is not going to need that extra velocity but again it depends on what you want to do with your gun. I have a 120 SMK/TAC load that flies in the low 2400 fps range and I have shot Steel silhoutes at 600 yards with ease with that load. When I go out farther I like to use one of my faster loads with the 123 AMAX because the extra speed and extra BC help.

[WpSniper71]

3" group at 547 is Badass!
I am going to build some loads, and post my results.

[SG4247]

3" group at 547 is Badass!
I am going to build some loads, and post my results.

Good luck, hope to see similar results.