Any reason I can't use Varget for gas checked cast bullets?

[Just Duke]

Looking at loading 416 Remington with Varget and a gas checked bullet if within the scope of the safety zone.
How much do you back down from the jacketed powder weight formula listed on the reloading data?
TIA,
Duke

[docone31]

I use start load data.

[44man]

I use start load data.

Yes, number 1.

[Larry Gibson]

If you are using a medium to heavy weight cast bullet for the cartridge then I have found Varget to work reasonably well. It seems to require a certain pressure level before it burns efficiently and gives consistent ignition which translates into accuracy. Many times, with lighter weight for cartridge cast bullets, by the time the pressure is high enough for consistent ignition the velocity is too high for good accuracy. While it is a good powder for heavy weight bullets it is not as versatile as 4895 other powders that are easier to ignite at lower pressures.

With all that said, assuming a 400 gr cast bullet(?), Lyman lists 77 gr as a compressed load with 400 gr j bullets. Lyman lists 70 gr as a starting load at 2130 fps and 39,000 CUP. To me that is a bit much for a starting load as 2100 -2200 fps is where i would want to end up for a "practice" load. I would start at 50 gr and use a 1 - 1 1/2 gr dacron filler. I would then work up or down from there in 1 gr increments untill I got a satisfactory load or determined that varget wasn't going to work. Just what I would do.

Larry Gibson

[MtGun44]

I use W748 with excellent results in that caliber and it is fairly similar in burning
rate.

Bill

[jimmeyjack]

Varget is my #1 for 38-55. Funny as its also my go to for .223

[Uncle Grinch]

I used Varget with my 416 Taylor and RCBS 350-FN with good results.

[Just Duke]

Very cool!!!