I just got some varget and I have only shot a few rounds with it that were just below a max load. 60g Hornady V-Max, 24.5g Varget, CCI 400 Primer, OAL 2.295 and it just shot OK no great grouping or anything like that. I was looking at the max load according to Hodgdon and this is what it said:
60 Hornady V-Max Hodgdon Varget 27.0 3159
Remarks: compressed load; COL: 2.250"; 51,900 cup
I talked to one other person who shot this load in the same gun as I have and said it shot excellent and another person who shot it in another gun with the same 1:9 twist rate but a longer barrel and he said he got his best groups from this load. Do you think it's safe to shoot or would you just continue to work up to it? I have not made compressed loads before. I made 4 of these loads and have not shot them yet. The powder filled the casing to about 99% full and I set the shell longer than the recomended COL of 2.250 to just below the lands at 2.305. What do you guys think?

Compressed loads are not uncommon. I would have to say that if the load is a published load from a known powder manufacturer/supplier, it's a safe load as long as it's used in the proper firearm in good condition. The load might be great in other rifles, but it might suck in yours. I'd work up and see what happens.

You should always work up to any load in your rifle. Do not jump ahead thinking it will or should be safe.

I tried using Varget in my .223 after using it very successfully in my 22-250 with poor results. For me it seemed to be just a little too slow burning for the capacity of the .223 case.

I am using RL-7 which is faster burning, and getting the velocity and accuracy that I desired in the cartridge. You might want to give it a try and see what you shooter likes. Good luck.

quote:

Originally posted by 308Sako:
You should always work up to any load in your rifle. Do not jump ahead thinking it will or should be safe.

+1

Save those 4 and Develop from below as always. There are no short-cuts in Reloading that get you to the best possible accuracy.

My Savage 16 does very well with Varget and the 52gr. Sierra HP and the 55 gr. V Max. working up to 26 gr. Maybe it would do better with a lighter bullet. I have loaded some 60gr. but have not shot them yet. Merg

H 335 BLC-2 has given me my VERY BEST GROUPS out of any powder suitable for that cartridge .

No where near the max loads either . When groups went sub. .375-.265 MOA consistently from an AR

I figured why beat up the weapon !.