TESTED: Hodgdon Varget Smokeless Powder
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
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There are some powders that are noteworthy for both their performance, and their versatility. When it comes to rifle powders, the first one that comes to my mind to fit these criteria is Hodgdon Varget. In this video, we'll go "in-depth" with Varget, including a look under the microscope!
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- Hodgdon Powder
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Thanks Gavin, not like Varget wasn’t already hard to come by lol.
You will be seeing Varget and H4350 on the shelf in your gun shop soon . The manufacturer of these powders is starting to ramp up production here in Australia.
could try Accurate 2520,IMR 4166 for .308
@@conservativesniperhunter7439 I shoot more H4895 so hopefully that’s coming too
@@ke5clr H4895 is AR2206H , this powder is also starting to show up in gun shops in Australia. It’s a great powder for accurate loads in the 308 Winchester with 168 bullets grains . My pet load in my stock standard Remington Police model 26 inch barrel length is 42.6 grains of AR2206H and Hornady 168gr ELD-Ms , it’ shoots .5 inch 5 shot groups @ 100 yards. Cheers 🍻
Good thing I’m a hoarder...
I've been using Varget for 223 and 308 for years and love it.
@John Beige I gotta say I’m a certified Varget hater 😂
Much rather use H4895.
(substitution of course is not applicable to all calibers)
Varget, back in stock 2024
Those 5 minutes of availability in 2024 will be magical.
I’ve gotten two 1lb jugs in the last 6 months, let’s just say the price is higher then Willie Nelson but damn worth it
$60 at my local store….September 2023
just spent 380 for 8 pounds 2023
$55 in middle Georgia December 2023 finally found large rifle primers also $7.99 per 100ct life is good!
Hogdon Varget is manufactured in Australia by ADI and is branded as AR2208. I now use this powder almost exclusively in my 223 and 308, with great results. In my 223 I don't get quite the same velocities compared to other powders, however I do find my ES and SD numbers are much lower.
Have you experimented much with bullet weights? I don't own a .308, but find Varget works well in my 1:8 twist barrels for 62 and 70 grain bullet weights. Not so well in my 1:7 twist 45-55 grain reloads. Even at 100 yards, the groups open up enough (nearly an inch), it's easy to predict group size further out.
I need to get new screens for my old chronograph. The darned replacements cost nearly the price of a whole new system anymore.
This is a great story. One day, I too hope that smokeless powder exists. Until then, we'll just have to stick with our dreams.
Gavin has more Varget sitting on his bench than I have all my powders put together.
not quite
These days, I use what I have on hand( R-15, H4895, H4350) and others, since the powder market is dry at the moment.
You need to pump those number up @silver biker!
@@halfdollar86
For sure. Looks like he has 16# of varget sitting there. Up until last year, I didn’t want to have to store that much powder.
@@PS-rr2jt I hear that man. 2020 changed everything for everyone somewhere or another
Had 8lbs of Varget from the “before times” and I’ve been reloading a lot of 308. Also found a stash of Hornady .308 A-Max 208 grain bullets from an old 300 blackout project. Great combo in a 1:8 twist AR. Getting 1/2 groups all day at 100 yards. I love Varget. Thanks for highlighting such versatile powder.
Dude!!!! Why are you telling more people about this!!! Lol whenever I ask vendors if they have it they just laugh.
Because they didn't laugh hard enough when I asked for primers!
If somebody doesn’t know about Varget... they don’t reload.
w seriously, no joke. I swear by the stuff
Hi Gavin, I love your reloading video's in Australia. Just a little bit of trivia, I believe both Varget and Benchmark are both made in Australia by ADI Powders and re-badged as Hodgon Varget and Benchmark for sale in the U.S.A. In Australia Varget is sold as ADI AR2208 and Benchmark is called ADI Benchmark. My Lithgow LA105 in 308 likes both of them, but particularly loves "Varget" or 2208. Benchmark uses slightly less powder for roughly the same velocities but the groups aren't quite as tight as the groups using the Varget. All in all both powders are excellent though....
Think it is ADI "Benchmark 2" is Hodgdon Benchmark
Hodgdon don't make any powders and I believe they never have, they simply rebadge and distribute other manufacturers under their own brand. ADI produce 12 powders that are sold as Hodgdon in the U.S. Trail Boss, H4198, H322,Benchmark, 8208 XBR, H4895, Varget, H4350, H4831 / H4831SC, H1000, Retumbo & H50BMG are all Australian made :)
ADI makes the very best Powders in the world!
Varget gives the best performance in 45-70 using cast bullets!
It's still hard to find in my area.
I use 2208 in my 223 and 308. Great all rounder.
Gavin, Varget was what I used most of the time for my 308 Win in competition and for hunting loads as well. Superb results as you mentioned. Amazingly, it's actually very good in my big ol' 45-70 Marlin rifle!
A few years ago, I bought several boxes of commercially-produced match ammo for my Springfield M14A in .308 Win. I opened up a few rounds and decided it looks exactly like Varget. (Never judge a powder by its appearance!) I weighed each charge and found that it was well within the safe range in three reloading manuals. With that recipe, my handloads are as accurate as that factory ammo. This load is now my favorite for .308 for targets and game. I like Varget.
Wow Gavin this is awesome! No one else is even close on providing info like this. Looking forward to more!
Thanks Logan!!
Why dont you take a NRA cert Course in reloading ??
Forgot to mention, the only problem I have with Varget is that its "stick" style of kernel doesn't meter very well through my hornady lock n load progressive powder dropper. It frequently "chops" the kernels (you can feel the crunch very clearly) and will then throw a 1/2 grain off either high or low. I end up having to set the meter low, then use a trickle feeder to get it to the right grain weight. No matter how carefully I clean the powder dropper and graphite coat the inner surfaces, it still crunches the stick-style powders. It does make loading Varget laborious, but I make the effort because it's a great powder.
I have been impressed with Varget in 308 for almost 2 decades. It was hard for me to accept a powder better than 4064 & BL-C (2). But my brother put me onto Varget back then with 168 Hornady BTHP. When I understood the "Extreme" properties I was sold for good. When I decided to get an AR a few years ago, I was surprised to find out how well Varget worked in 5.56/223.
Great overview. Thanks.
Varget is the unicorn of rifle powders. I hear wonderful stories. I’ve never seen it in the wild.
I love Varget for lighter bullets in my 7x57 and for every bullet weight in my 8x57. Thanks for the breakdown on this powder. Your in depth review is very well thought out and presented
Im glad you have powder you should share. You guys say slow down slow down it will be ok id like to see your supply closet
When you get into the 308/7.62x51 don't forget us NM shooters and our M1a's. My outstanding and favorite load is for my Garands. Commercial Hornady brass, Win LR primer, regular old Hornady 150gr. FMJ lightly crimped with a Lee FCD in the cannelure and 46gr. of Varget. Being a Service Rifle load it's light for a 30/06, 2720 fps. mv but it shoots very sub MOA out of my '42 Garand with a 1955 barrel. I load all my 308 and '06 with Varget and that Hornady FMJ for all my gas guns out to 300 yards, the only problem I have is I'm down to the bottom 3" of my last 8 lb. jug. Varget and H4895 are my favorites.
Varget is the best. Only have 1 can left. I hope more comes in stock soon
Oh, I don’t know. I just bought 3 pounds from Hodgdon last week, and it is in stock at Scheel’s in Omaha. This is absolutely sensational powder! Shooting an inexpensive Ruger American in 223 mounted in a Magpul stock and using a Timney trigger, I routinely get 1/3 MOA. So I easily understand why people are frustrated that it is so hard to find. It really is that good and in high demand. Powders and primers are making their way back into the supply chain. Be patient.
While I was shopping, I saw an ad in a window. It said, “Television for $1, volume stuck on full.”
There’s no way I can turn that down.
AR2208 made in Australia and exported and relabeled Varget.
44.5 grains under a 175smk, lapua brass did wonders in my old rifle about to test it in my new .308. powder is probably 5 years old now from why I have left.
results?
@@beefcakes27 not yet. Within the next month. Old rifle was a Sako trg22 , new old stick is a Ai ae mk3.
the same here, 175SMK and 44.5 gr Varget with 20 inch barrel 2560 fps accurate
Oh, great review. I'll just run right out and grab some, should be easy to find.
Varget is probably the most versatile powder on the market. In addition to .223 and 08 family it does great in my 270 and -06 family. I've even loaded 300 winmag with 165 grainers with good results.
Yes sir! Varget is a very capable propellant that I've used for years in .223 and .308 in particular for me. Good stuff!
I've used it in garand loads for years
This video got me thinking about temp stability and stable/unstable powders. I think it might be a good test to do on some rifle and handgun powders, H-110 comes to mind. Seems like it’d make great content and I’d like to see/hear you put the data together.
I bought my first jug of Varget because you ALWAYS showed it. Its way better for bigger bullets than 55gr 223 I loaded, but I learned that the hard way.
Hey Gavin, I appreciate all of your videos. Touching on the 6.5 Creedmoor and the powders. My 6.5 Creedmoor in a Savage 110 Tactical. It loves the 130 grain Berger VLD Hunting bullet with a max load of Varget. It averaged 2704 with ES of 14fps. This is my do all load from Antelope to Elk. Happy New Year sir. Stay blessed.
How about a video on reloading 30 cal for hunting?
Thanks Gavin. I just purchased Hodgdon Varget and really appreciate the info.😀
My current favorite load with Varget, is for .223 rem. Loading a Sierra Matchking HPBT 77gr with 23.3 grains of Varget. It has performed well in my AR that I use in CMP matches.
I can’t tell if those .2 tenths will make any differences. But, I use 23.5 of varget behind 77smk’s in my NM AR as well and it’s a great combo!
My experience with Varget echos yours in 223 and 308. Excellent and stable at temperatures over 100 F and below freezing.
I love varget! That and 4064 give me the best results for my 176g A-tips. 44.8-45.0 grains of either one gets me that sweet spot i want of around 2680-2700 fps out of my 24" 1:10 criterion barrel
Everyone loves varget
Man I live the great info that you put out even for guys like me that haven’t gotten into reloading but will one day
A great Aussie powder ! 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
22/250 and 260 rem...awesome performance..my favorite
One powder I never used. I'm mainly an IMR (4064, 4895, 4350) user, and only powders outside of that realm I use is W748.
I just picked up 2 pounds last week. I thought I was never going to see this stuff again. My .308 loves this stuff.
good old Aussie powder called 2208 over here made by ADI ,was even hard to get for a while but back in stock now
Best powder in my 6.5 JDJ. I just shed a tear seeing 2 jugs on bench. I have tons of primers and bullets but have not seen Varget in Iowa for many months.
Absolutely love Varget. It pairs nice in a 308 with a 168gr ELD 43gr to 43.6gr at listed OAL
I’ll have to try that Kenny!
.243, .270 win, .308, 3006, 7.5 Swiss and 7.62x54r are the cartridges I've loaded with Varget and amazing results. 303 brit was the only one I was able to get better accuarcy with another powder (4350).
Varget is really, really good. So versatile.
Varget is great. I jumped on some VHIT. N140 when I saw it. And it does equally well with .223/69grn match king.
Amazing powder for 7.62x54R as well. Turned my Mosin Negant into a sub MOA shooter
Uh.. try hornady’s 168match hpbt .0308 vs. the .0311 174gr. Use the 168 match in my
91/30 sniper “bring back from 1968..its a keeper!!! Everyone wants to buy it when I bring it to my club.recoil..a “teensie weensie stiff”..but manageable!💪💪👍😝😝🇺🇸😝😎❗️✌️
One of the biggest mistakes a Reloader can make, is not exploring Powder options. It was a mistake I made for many of the nearly 50 years I've been reloading. Performance Evaluation should be a constant process. Some times, older powders do offer the best performance goals, some times they do not. I'm not nay saying Varget's performance. It is one of the options a Reloader should try. Accurate record keeping is a must as well, as I've developed a perfect load for one gun, that is less than perfect in other guns chambered in the same caliber. A load I worked up functioned and performed well in my P365 and PPQ M2, but failed to cycle properly in my M9. The M9 has more slide mass and uses a different lockup action, than the other two 9mms I own. So relying upon that load as a general purpose would have been a mistake.
I am glad to see Varget back on the menu again. It's a good powder choice in several applications, and it's a powder that if you reload a cartridge that uses it, it's one that's worth the time and effort spent working up the perfect load with.
Works for 35 Remington also. In fact, it works for just about anything.
Last point nailed it! Im going to reload some 6.5Creedmoor for PRS and all I have been able to find is Varget.
I’m using it for 22-250 rem and .243 win and getting very tight groups
What weight bullets are you using Terry? I am considering 257 roberts, varget, 115 grain.
@@chrisboynton1211 for 22-250 I’m using 55gn v-max and in 243 I’m using 75gn v-max. Needless to say I’m a big fan of Hornady bullets
Gavin, nice video as always. When I purchased my Bugara 6.5 Creedmore, the only powders I could find were Vihtavuori. I have N133 for 223, N530 then N555 and N540. It looks as though N540 has one of the widest ranges of use. Vihtavuori lists 37 different cartridges that they have load data for. I would love to see a head to head comparison between Varget and a powder like N540
I like N140 in 308. Also use N133 and N135 in 223. All great powders.
N135 works great for me with 150 gr bullet. with 308 win. Varget with bullets 165,168, 175, and 180 gr,. Barrel lenght 20 inches
I was working up a load for my 308 years ago, my father contacted Walt Berger and Walt said "get some Varget, some 155 VLDs, come a couple grains off max and you'll be right there" and well.....he was right. Recently shot the rifle for the first time in many years and that load gave a .7" 3shot group. Plenty good enough for my use. Wish we could find some more Varget
Im sure you can find some on gunbroker 😂 right next to those 40c each primers!
Id consider selling if the price is right.lol
Varget is my go to for varmint loads in my 6.5 Creedmoor along with Hornady V-Max bullets, drops them instantly out to 800 meters.
Gavin, Varget is my Go To powder. From .223 .308, 375 HH and my .460 Weatherby Magnum. My 308 loves it with a 168gn bullet giving 1MOA at 300 meters. My .375 w/270gn and .460 w/350gn wreck watermelons and anything else as long as my should holds up. Great Video, still waiting for the progressive press shootout!
just built a 338-06 on a savage action varget and 210 nosler partition bullets 2850 fps 3/4 inch group .lights out!
Varget in the UK - unobtainium! thanks for rubbing our noses in it Gavin!
I guess we all know ware all the gunpowder went , Gavin has it all !!!
I’m glad someone has got some Varget. We can all just watch him using it as our surrogate.
My Tikka T3x TACT A1 in 6.5 Creedmoor loves H4350 and Varget, with a 140gr A-Max, and so do I !
I've always looked at VARGET as a compromise for temperature stability because it's burn rate always seems to be a tad slow compared to alternatives.
Varget works fantastic is my sons 223WSSM
Go on chuck barrel length in the mix too, a big muzzle flashis caused by the combustion products of the gunpowder and any remaining mixing with the ambient air, so to get consistency we need it all to burn in the barrel, to fast gets you higher pressure and than to slow and we get a flash, in all this reloading is bloody hard work.
Had a really picky 6.5 creedmoor that shot superb once I tried varget. Consistently shoots .2 inch groups.
Love Varget in my 22-250, great video btw!
Gav.... my favorite also for shooting competition in my AR10 and also fantastic in 223/5.56. Proper pronunciation is: "Var...zhaey" as said with a French Canadian accent. Great video, thanks.
Works great in .223, 22-250, 243 and 308. As mentioned it is an Australian powder AR2208 and was developed for sporting shooters by ADI originally Mulwala Explosives. We struggle to get it in Australia like you do in the US and pay more for in Australia than you do for Varget.
Works awesome in the 260 Remington with Sierra 107 Match Kings.
Works great in my 22-250 pushing a 53 grain hornady v-max.
If i could only get my hands on some Varget. Been substituting with 4064 for now for my .308 for now.
My favorite powder. Thankfully I was able to acquire quite a bit a few years ago, because you just can't find it today at any price.
I use varget exclusively in my 6.5 creedmore and my 308 that jim Borden built me.They are tack drivers.I like it so much I was forced to spend $1300 for 2-8# jugs.I am glad I have 8000 federal 210 M primers on the shelf.Can't wait for things to get back to normal.
Varget produces my very best load in an early Browning A-Bolt in 7mm-08 using a Barnes 110 grain TTSX.
after watching many videos of many presses i have settled on the hornaday lock and load ap press and in the process of getting it set up to start reloading i was very impressed with all the info you have shared it was really helpfull in making a choice thanks for the info will let you know how i make out once i get started thanks
This powder is a versatile powder made in AUS not temp sensitive at all love it
Cool video. Microscopes powder is brilliant
Varget, when you can find it, so a great starting point for any 308/ 7mm Mauser based/ short action cartridge. BUT, as you work into varying/ higher bullet weights, often you will find a powder that works better. Any (appropriate) bullet and any powder, can be made to work in a cartridge, just find a consistent (speed) powder charge, then play with seating depth...
One of my best 308 Palma loads is 46.5gr of Varget, 155gr Sierra MK, Winchester cases, CCI BR primers. This charge is way to hot if used other brass is used like Nosler brass.
I like the powder showcase. You can do volumes on this kind of topic. I love Varget in 7mm08. Consistently under 10 in ES and SD. Awesome. My only criticism is in metering. I think I it’s a bit difficult to meter. I wish they made a SC variety. I wish they had a plant that solely made Varget.
I'm looking for a more offensive power. I have a 7mm-08 aswell with a 20" barrel and a little silencer on top. What powder would you use in this setup ? :)
Another great video Love the indept review of my favorite benchrest powder Varget !! I shoot A 6BR Norma In competition Using custom made 80 grain and 105 grain bullets We shoot Winter league and summer league With extreme temperature variations While other guys have to raise and lower their loads to match temperature I rarely have to change mine ! I've consistently been achieving single digit extreme spread and very low SD With groups in the 0 to .100 range out to 200yards Also love it for my 243 custom and my 270 win. For hunting With its extreme temperature range Stability
6.5x47 lapua varget is a great powder!
You should do a review of non existant primers next!!! 😂🤣😂
It all depends where you live and shoot. In Hawaii the number one powder is Varget and reloader 15. Most people in Hawaii use reloader 15 instead of Varget.
The main reason is all of the people in the mainland buy up all of the Varget. So a lot of reloader 15 is available. Because we don't have temperature swings in Hawaii reloader 15 actually makes more sense. Through our testing using multiple calibers. Reloader 15 gives a higher FPS for the same charge weight. Which makes reloader 15 extremely popular here.
Oh man, Gavin I thought we were going to keep the magical powers of Varget a secret.... now everybody is going to want it too..!
I’ve seen it for $100 a lb and more on gunbroker! I think you can use Varget for 30.06 and .270 also. Probably almost any rifle cartridge really.
Your right varget is the stuff 6br. Wish I could find some
Works really well in my Tikka 308 with 1:11 twist with nosler 165 and 168 grain bullets. Best accuracy at the lower end of the recommended powder weights. Velocity of 2660 fps and a SD of 8 fps.
Fav 223 = Varget 23.5 / SMK HPBT 77 / CCI 41 - Sub-MOA out to 600 Yards thur my WOA A4 Service Upper! Cheers!
Works good in 22-250 as well
When available, 😆. We like varget for the 243 and creed sized brass when pushing 60-80 gr projectiles in 18-24” barrels . Always been a good combo for us. Great vid !
Varget and Benchmark are 2 powders I have used the hell out of. I am not nearly as technical as you so I guess I was just lucky, and lucky enough to have a jug of each!!
I like the Varget for 6GT
Excellent vid & series mate! I'd love to see you get into one of my old favorites, IMR3031. Hard to beat in 303!
375 Ruger with lighter bullets and compressed Varget gives outstanding accuracy and numbers.
I have used it with 303 British (No4MK1) , 7.72x54r (M39) and 7.65x53 Mauser (1891 and 1909 Argentine Mausers) with good results.
Excellent video
Oh yes Varget is My go-to powder when loading .308 Win or .223 Rem
Great Aussie-made powder.