What powder should I use?

[BULLITT1668]

Hello guys,

Let me start with saying that I'm new at reloading. I decided to go with Hornady 165g SST's because I want to both hunt (deer/hogs) and shot at paper and steel targets. But I will be at paper and steel targets a whole lot more than I will be hunting.

So far, I've been using IMR 4064 and the best group I've achieved is 0.950" at 100 yards (3 shot group) w/ 43.5g. I started loading from 39g to 44g in .5g increments.

After loading all ten recipes, 3 diff times, and doing some more reading, I've seen where other powders are more popular (eg Varget, R15, etc). So I've wondering if I should try a diff powder... I'm leaning for Varget, but I like to hear some expert input from some of you guys.

Let me know what you think.... Thanks in advance!!

Bullitt

P.S. Details of what I'm shooting are listed below in my signature. Thanks Again!

 

[desertHK]

Re: What powder should I use?

There is nothing wrong with IMR4064. In fact, I use that for my 175 SMK load and 168 SMK. Both are very accurate. In my case, I used 44.4 grains of IMR 4064 for the 168 SMK, and 44.2 grains for the 175 SMK. Certainly, you can try Varget, RL15, or any other powder, but if you can get sub MOA on a factory barrel, then the load is very decent. The other problem is Varget may be a bit to find these days. Good luck

 

[Arthur Wesley Williams]

Re: What powder should I use?

44.0 gr Varget to 45.5 gr Varget should do well wiht a 165 to 168 bullet provided we are talking .308 which was never really stated. I also load some 4350 in .308 pushing a 190 SMK 2600fps and have a friend who pushes the 190 SMK to 2650fps with Varget however those are 1000 yd loads. I really see no reason at all to shoot the 175 when you can push the 190 just as fast.

 

[5R Milspec]

Re: What powder should I use?

I like varget in my 308.but have found that 4064,R15,Benchmark will also shot good.I load 45g of varget with 165-168gers.and 44g of varget with a 175g bullet.my O.A.L. is 2.800-2.830.in a 5R MILSPEC I don't have to worry about loading at the lands.so fare everyone that I have seen and heard of like it at 2.800 or alittle longer but not to long.so if you can get some get varget and go shooting.John

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: What powder should I use?

All the loads & bullets you mentioned will shoot OK as you listed the length. Maybe not quiet as tight as custom length. But they will still shoot very good.

 

[BULLITT1668]

Re: What powder should I use?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DesertHK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There is nothing wrong with IMR4064. In fact, I use that for my 175 SMK load and 168 SMK. Both are very accurate. In my case, I used 44.4 grains of IMR 4064 for the 168 SMK, and 44.2 grains for the 175 SMK. Certainly, you can try Varget, RL15, or any other powder, but if you can get sub MOA on a factory barrel, then the load is very decent. The other problem is Varget may be a bit to find these days. Good luck </div></div>

The highest I've loaded mine as you can see are with 43.5g of 4064, with no pressure signs... but i just wasn't sure how much higher I should go. Hornady loading books says 43.4g as the max.

 

[BULLITT1668]

Re: What powder should I use?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">44.0 gr Varget to 45.5 gr Varget should do well wiht a 165 to 168 bullet provided we are talking .308 which was never really stated. I also load some 4350 in .308 pushing a 190 SMK 2600fps and have a friend who pushes the 190 SMK to 2650fps with Varget however those are 1000 yd loads. I really see no reason at all to shoot the 175 when you can push the 190 just as fast. </div></div>

Sorry if I didn't stated I'm using a .308. I thought it was on my signature. In fact, I'm using a Rem 700 SPS Tactical (20" barrel). I don't know if the barrel will make a diff on the loads that work for you.

You mentioned 44.0g to 45.5g of Varget should do job with these SST's, but should I start lower than 44g? like 5% less and then work my way up? or are you saying I should start at 44g and work my way up?

Thanks,

Bullitt

 

[BULLITT1668]

Re: What powder should I use?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 5R milspec</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like varget in my 308.but have found that 4064,R15,Benchmark will also shot good.I load 45g of varget with 165-168gers.and 44g of varget with a 175g bullet.my O.A.L. is 2.800-2.830.in a 5R MILSPEC I don't have to worry about loading at the lands.so fare everyone that I have seen and heard of like it at 2.800 or alittle longer but not to long.so if you can get some get varget and go shooting.John </div></div>

So far, I haven't tried loading anything longer than 2.800, but I do know what my magwell is too short to seat the bullet heads just off the lands. But I guess it would help if i reduce the distance to the lands even if it's just a bit.

Thanks!

Bullitt

 

[Casey Simpson]

Re: What powder should I use?

4064 is a proven 308 powder. Since its development, we now have Varget that might be more stable in changing ambient temperatures.

 

[BULLITT1668]

Re: What powder should I use?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Victor N TN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Maybe not quiet as tight as custom length.</div></div>

What do you mean by this? OAL?

 

[5R Milspec]

Re: What powder should I use?

oal over all length.for me 165-175 is all i am looking to shoot.and with a 11:250 twist in a 5r rem i might not get to shoot a heavier bullet.i have not tested anything heavier than a 175.also for me the rifel shoots to good to change.when i get through testing for my 223 in a 5r i will test some heavier bullets and let ya'll know.just need the grass to stop growing and leaves to stop falling.lawncare is in the way.but it pays the bills.John

 

[Country]

Re: What powder should I use?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BULLITT1668</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Victor N TN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Maybe not quiet as tight as custom length.</div></div>

What do you mean by this? OAL? </div></div>
OAL ( Over all length ) means the total length of the round after a bullet is seated.
If you load your ammo to fit your magazine and your chamber then the actual measurement of OAL is not that important to actually know. Your gun is a good gauge . The magazine and the chamber . You load your ammo to suit your gun.
Make up a dummy round with the bullet you are using. Polish up the bullet with fine steel wool and seat it a bit at a time and try it in the gun as you go until you get the bullet just off the lands. This can be used to set your seating die . Then you can experiment with another dummy round to find different seating depths into and out of the lands or just adjust the die out a small fraction at a time while loading and shooting just three shots. If you get lost you can just reset the die with the dummy round and start again. Redding micrometer dies take the hassel out of searching for good seating depths.
Safety note: When experimenting with bullets jammed into the lands you must make sure you don't extract an unfired round and leave the bullet lodged in the bore.
For new reloaders I feel they should seat bullets off the lands untill they are more experienced.

 

[1979Wolf]

Re: What powder should I use?

IMR4064 worked great for me while back. Varget shot just as good and it measures/trickles easier. N540 shot extremely accurate with 185gr Bergers, but velocity was low 2300+fps