Too bad IMR 4166 got discontinued. I have 2-3 lbs of it and wont bother doing load work ups on it…
- Thread starter Dildobaggins
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As for the OP, give Winchester Staball Match a shot. It’s a good powder that matches velocities with the same charge weights and can get higher velocities when desired. Accuracy may or may not be at the same powder charge as Varget. I’ve done a fair amount of testing on the two powders head to head.
not EXACTLY. or yes EXACTLY.
I am saying that Laurie Holland is getting those velocities:https://www.targetshooter.co.uk/?p=3856 with 223REM and 77gr bullet.
you MUST understand AND REMEMBER, that powder burn rate or velocity is VERY CARTRIDGE and maybe BULLET dependent. you cant say if you have Varget faster than N150 in 223REM, that it will be the same in 308WIN. it can be that Varget will be slower.
the same is for temperature sensitivity. it is HEAVILY CARTRIDGE dependent. in some cartridge Varget is very temperature insensitive, in others is more sensitive.
remember this, because people give wrong answers about those topics!
I use(d) N140 from 223, to 8x57, 243, 6.5x47L and 308 with great success - either for target shooting (F Class) or hunting. Quite temperature stable powder, minimal differences in speed depending on the weather (nothing extreme though). And my V3 auto trickler seems to like it.
I’ve found N140 is pretty similar to Varget. In speeds and temperature tolerance.
What’s dissimilar is the price. VV is the better value up here in Canada. Even though distributors are stuck with only one source.
What’s dissimilar is the price. VV is the better value up here in Canada. Even though distributors are stuck with only one source.
What are the details on your rifle, and what were your velocities for these powders ?
I tried a little N570 and while I like the speed and the low sd, that #2 pencil lead kernel and the extreme heat just make me want to avoid it.
If N170 works just as good I might have to try it.
24" 2950s
Wow, that's pretty good from a 24"
My 26" was comfortably running 2930 with the N570. Could have got more but I'm happy if I make 2900. I'll give N170 a try.
Has anyone tried N140 or N555 in a 6GT?
Specifically with heavier bullets
Specifically with heavier bullets
I'm also looking to switch to N140 or N150 for 308 155 to 175. Not sure which to buy 8lbs of.
Both
Looks like I can run 100fps faster than either with varget. Are the CIP loads on the soft side vs Hodgdon manual?
ETA- sierra manual shows n140 and varget nearly identical with 175s but 150fps slower with 155smk. Doesn't even show N150.
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I'm looking into N140 and 150 as well at the moment. VV data shows more velocity with 175's with N150. 140 seems to be better with 155's. I'll probably shoot more 168's than anything, probably an eldm, or maybe tmk's depending on availability. I'm kind of torn on which one I want to try.
Currently shooting 178's with varget at around 2660 from a 20" barrel. I just don't feel like a 20" 308 has the horsepower for a 178 so I'll probably drop back to 168's.
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