.223 68gr Hornady HPBT & Varget

sarge

sarge

New member
I am trying to work up a new load for 68gr Hornadys over 25gr Varget.This is a compressed load (starting is 23.3gr and max is 26.1). My problem is that when I seat the bullet there is a distinct circular indentation from the seating process. My dies are RCBS, brass is Fed and c.o.a.l. is 2.235 for mag fit. Has anyone one else had this problem and will the bullet distorton minor but evedent have a negative effect on accuracy. Also, I have read that 2800fps is about top end for speed to maintain accuracy for this bullet is this correct.I have had great accuracy but poor killing results (coyotes) with the 55gr poly tips and want to go to a heavier bullet for my AR's 1-8" and 1-9" twist 24"&20". Steve in AZ
 
I have sometimes had the circular ring marks also, never a problem, just there. Once it goes bang I never see the ring again on that bullet /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

You could try the 60 grain HP's or SP's for your AR's, I too have had poor luck with heavier match bullets like the 68's and 69's but the 60's put'em down pretty good.
 
Sarge,

FWIW, I've been loading this same combo. Sub MOA out to 500 yds w/ 24.7gr. I don't have a Chrono, but calc'd from Hornady's chart, I'm running 2700. The holdovers I've calc'd using this assumed vel have been pretty close. This is in a 1:8, 18".
 
Hey guys thanks for the info,Stormking that is great performance...I should be so lucky if you can do that with this combo I should have no excuses.I have had great results with Varget and 55grs and 168gr .308 rounds. I like to limit the # of powders I have on hand and would like to stick with Varget if I can. I don't think that I have ever loaded a compressed load before, I do have a chrono and will try it out this weekend if I get a chance. I was trying to load this bullet with a mil surp ball powder it was over 2900fps and I was getting flyers I hope that varget will work for me too....Thanks, Steve
 
Sarge, Are you using a powder drop tube when loading the powder??

I was having a problem getting all the powder in some of my smaller case loads and one of the guys on the forum suggested pouring the powder slowly down the side of the drop tube to get more in the case and it worked well..

Also, you might try the Winchester 64gr soft points if you get a chance.
 
Hi Sarge....I have used the exact same charge and bullet...although my COAL was 2.27"...it still produces the "crunching" sound when seating the bullet and I have also noticed the seating ring mark...but they are the most accurate bullet I have shot out of my Savage 1/9 twist, 26" barrel at the 100 yard mark. I haven't had the opportunity to shoot them at targets at greater ranges, so I can't vouch for their performance downrange. I have had such great success with the 60 grain V-max on the woodchucks at good distances and have been reluctant to try the hollow points. I guess I'll have to do some further testing.

Muskrat
 
Hi sarge,
I have already been through what your trying. Varget is great for low pressure or at least a slower pressure curve, but it does take up more space than the ball powders. The long drop tube does help some. I use a cartridge OAL of 2.260 that get a bit more powder room and works fine in my RRA AR-15 magazines. The Hornady 68gr is a little weaker on the hollow point than the ballistic tip, V-max, etc. but it still shoots great for me in loads from 24.9-25.6 grains of Varget. The higher charge is doing a little better than 3000 fps from my 24 in. Wilson barrel. I can't say that I am very impressed with this bullet for varmints. I have had better results on coyotes and large jackrabbits with 60gr Hornady V-Max, 25.6 grains Varget, Fed 205M primers, Win Brass, and cartridge OAL 2.260. Varget is a good hot climate powder for down there in AridZona.
 
I can get 25.8-25.9 of Varget into most cases without 'crunching' using 68gr SMK set at 2.27. Very slight crunch at 2.26 but never any damage. I haven't seen or used a drop tube but I do use an electric toothbrush (don't tell the wife) as a 'tamper'. I put my finger over the mouth of the case and run the vibrating shaft of the toothbrush up and down the sides of the cartridge. It lines the grains up and packs them a little tighter giving you more capacity. Takes maybe 5 seconds per cartridge.

Sometimes compressed loads will work the bullet out a little bit after reloading if neck tension is not adequate so I try to avoid it in magazine-fed rifles. Could cause a problem in the field.

Does anybody have a pic of a drop tube or a link? Sounds like it might work a little easier than my 'tamper'.
 
A drop tube is easy to make.

Go to a model aircraft hobby shop and buy about a foot of 3/16" aluminum tubing. Flare one end of it and use that end on the case. Place your powder funnel on the other end. Pour powder into funnel slowly.

Jack
 
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