Picked up my first jug of Varget today.

[SnkBit]

I'm about to start reloading for my .308 so I picked up 8lbs of varget today. I'm shooting a 26" 1:12 twist Rem 700. Now I need to decide what projectile I will use for this rifle. I'm wanting to stay with just one projectile to be used in all situations. The gun is used a lot for hog hunting and is being used increasingly more for long range target as well. I am leaning toward the 185gr Berger VLD's at this point. Its my understanding that the heavier pills will be less affected by the wind, which we have plenty of here. The heavier pills should also be a benefit on the hogs at distance should they not? I am looking for recommendations on bullet choice and especially an explanation as to why that particular bullet would be chosen.

 

[patches]

Re: Picked up my first jug of Varget today.

My vote is for the 178gr A-Max. Should do everything that you are looking for.

 

[SnkBit]

Re: Picked up my first jug of Varget today.

I've noticed a lot of guys here shoot the A-Max. I expect I'll get quite a few recommendations for that pill. How do they work on critters at distance? Close range?

 

[Adician]

Re: Picked up my first jug of Varget today.

178 AMAX and 175 SMKS, don't waste your time with the 168s if you're going to shoot long distance. I prefer the SMKS for magloaded and the AMAX for single load due to tip fragility.

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Picked up my first jug of Varget today.

Hornady 178 grain A-Max G7 BC = .240

Berger 175 grain LRBT G7 BC = .264

Berger 185 grain LRBT G7 BC = .281

The A-max is a superb hunting projectile and is very reasonably priced, and delivers excellent accuracy.

But for long range work, the two Bergers will buck the wind and will show 7" to 10" less drift.

Your choice and they are all good ones,

Bob

 

[High Binder]

Re: Picked up my first jug of Varget today.

I like the 168 AMAX for hunting and 168 Custom Comp and 155 SMK Palmas for longer ranges. I get on paper all the time with the 155s at 1300 yrds.

 

[johndoe]

Re: Picked up my first jug of Varget today.

My vote would the Sierras in 175's but I here the Hornandy's
are a great bullet too.

 

[BCP]

Re: Picked up my first jug of Varget today.

185 scenar? 30 cents a bullet if you buy in bulk.

 

[Nortex]

Re: Picked up my first jug of Varget today.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shot In The Dark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like the 168 AMAX for hunting and 168 Custom Comp and 155 SMK Palmas for longer ranges. I get on paper all the time with the 155s at 1300 yrds. </div></div>

I haven't heard many other people talk much about the Nosler CC's but they shoot good through my FN but not as good as the Palma's.

 

[gcoulsey]

Re: Picked up my first jug of Varget today.

+1 178 amax, so far they have worked very well out to 750yrds (my maximum range at the moment),

and they sure make a mess of foxes too.
Not tried them on any Roe yet, but hunting trip in Scotland in couple of weeks will hopefully yield some results..

42.4grn varget,
neck sized lapua brass,
br-2 primers. 2630 fps.

 

[M855]

Re: Picked up my first jug of Varget today.

Nosler CCs shoot the same as a SMK in my rifle,they used to be alot cheaper,If you look around you can get a 500rd box of the 175 SMKs for $125 + shipping,YMMV I had trouble getting the Amaxs
to shoot in my rifles,once you find the oal your rifle likes your gtg

 

[SnkBit]

Re: Picked up my first jug of Varget today.

Are the Bergers as finicky on OAL as they are stated to be? I would like to be able to mag load whatever I end up loading. Are the A-Max's picky on OAL?

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Picked up my first jug of Varget today.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SnkBit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are the Bergers as finicky on OAL as they are stated to be? I would like to be able to mag load whatever I end up loading. Are the A-Max's picky on OAL? </div></div>

SnkBit,

The two Berger's I listed are non-VLD's, so they are not as picky about seating depth as the VLD offerings from Berger.

Berger Target Bullets

 

[Fuzzball]

Re: Picked up my first jug of Varget today.

"Picked up my first jug of Varget today."

What a relief, I had started to worry about that!

 

[BCP]

Re: Picked up my first jug of Varget today.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nortex</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shot In The Dark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like the 168 AMAX for hunting and 168 Custom Comp and 155 SMK Palmas for longer ranges. I get on paper all the time with the 155s at 1300 yrds. </div></div>

I haven't heard many other people talk much about the Nosler CC's but they shoot good through my FN but not as good as the Palma's. </div></div>

I shot a couple 250 boxes of the 168 CCs could never get them to shoot as well as I wanted though. Really consistent bullet for the price if you buy in bulk and your rifle likes 168's. I am using the remainder for my garand. I wanted to try the 175 CC but I'm in love with the amax now, figured out a good load and not going to mess with it anymore.

My best load for the 168's was win brass + 44 grains AA2520 (kinda like imr4895/win748). Shot well but was a little hot, so I stopped using them. I tried other powders but didn't have as much luck, for them to be accurate in my rifle they had to go fast. I'd rather shoot a larger bullet a little slower, easier on brass etc.

 

[Red Mule]

Re: Picked up my first jug of Varget today.

I have gotten very good results with the 175 SMK, 178 Amax and 175 Nosler CC over 45 grains of Varget. All three shoot to roughly the same point of impact for me. I think that the 178 Amax is slightly more accurate than the other two, but local availability has been spotty at times.

I have also used 190 SMK and 208 Amax but not with Varget. Both of these really beat the wind but are not as accurate for me as the 175-178 weights.

I've shot these in two rifles a Savage 110 HB and a Sako with a Pac-Nor barrel. Both are 24" 12T and velocity is between 2640 and 2660. I generally shoot at 200 yards and accuracy is consistently below .8 MOA.