Hodgdon's Varget with cast bullets

[Frank V]

I have been trying to work up a load for Elk using a .45-70. I've been trying Varget which gives very good results in my .243. I am using the Rem. 405gr SP & Varget, but am not getting the velocitys I really want. What I am getting are loads in the mid 1400fps range, with very low Exteme spreads. Spreads in the single digit #s. Has anyone used Varget with cast bullets?

I have a nice NEI mould that casts a .460 bullet 450grs with a gas check. I'm wanting to work up a good accurate load using it after Elk season, & I'd like velocitys in the 1400fps area. Has anyone used Varget?
Thanks.
Frank

[runfiverun]

so you are getting exactly what you want right now....
varget likes the pressure on the high side to truly be happy [burn clean]
i'd try what you got first.
a switch to a slightly faster powder might clean tthings up when you get to the cast boolits.

[gunseller]

How fast do you want to go? I think Varget is too slow for want you are trying to do. If you go to IMR3031 you can range from1200 to 2000 with a 400 grain cast boolit and it will be as accurate as you can shoot.
Steve

[44man]

I got Varget to work in the 7BR and 7R pistols after Hodgdon said it would not work.
I love the powder, it seems to have a large span of use. I would try it. It is gentle on cast.

[paul h]

Varget is a great powder for appropriate applications, but it's a medium speed rifle powder that is at it's best with high pressure bottle necked cartridges from 223 on the small end up to the 375 H&H on the other extreme. For a straight wall case such as the 45-70 it's at it's best with faster powders.

[FergusonTO35]

I have found Varget is very inconsistent with charges below 45 grains in the .45-70. Sometimes it won't even ignite at all.

[Frank V]

Thanks everyone.
The load I have now with Varget is a good one. It's using the Rem. 405gr jacketed bullet & I've already got one that's just above 1700fps with RL7 & the 405 Remington JSP.

I'm wanting a good everyday load that I can cast myself since the Rem. Bullet seems almost impossible to get now. I want to hoard them & not use them for light everyday loads. Sooooo I'm going to explore the NEI mould & maybe IMR3031. Might just try Varget for kicks & giggles. I'm going to get started right after Elk season.
Frank

[Larry Gibson]

As mentioned Varget may have ignition and inconsistent burn problems with cast bullets. There is a difference jacketed and cast many times as to what works best. Suggest you switch to H4895, RL7 or 3031 for use with 400 gr cast, they will work better than Varget most often in your application.

Larry Gibson

[cajun shooter]

The best powder load for that 45-70 is 68-70 grains of Swiss 1 1/2 or Kik 2F powder for all of your cast bullets. Save that other stuff for them bullets they make with that copper stuff around that wonderful lead alloy. No fillers needed

[44man]

I have found Varget is very inconsistent with charges below 45 grains in the .45-70. Sometimes it won't even ignite at all.
That is true, no powder should be reduced. Did you know that even 4759 can fail to ignite when reduced.

[Bluehawk]

VARGET is my #1 choice for cast in the 30/30 NOT in my 45/70s! I can get that velocity in my 45/70s using AA5744 and nice pressures , with good accuracy . I also have had some good results with plain old 3031 .

[Frank V]

The best powder load for that 45-70 is 68-70 grains of Swiss 1 1/2 or Kik 2F powder for all of your cast bullets. Save that other stuff for them bullets they make with that copper stuff around that wonderful lead alloy. No fillers needed


[smilie=w:[smilie=w:[smilie=w:

That may be something to try. I'm using SPG on my cast six-gun bullets & it was designed for Black!
Frank