The Accurate Reloading Forums
IMR 4064 or Varget
09 April 2010, 02:14
JD MillerIMR 4064 or Varget
IMR 4064 or Varget, Never used either, yet
Which do you like for 308, 9.3x62 etc
Is Varget a long cut?
Is IMR 4064 a short cut? For powder metering ease.
Whats your choice between the two powders ?
09 April 2010, 03:05
Hot CoreHey JD, IMR-4064 is Long Cut and Varget is Short Cut.
I'm using IMR-4064 in my 308Wins with 150gr Bullets and have for many years. However, when the supply eventually runs out, I plan to switch over to Varget.
For 165gr Bullets in the 308Win, I've found H380 works real well.
Best of luck to you.
09 April 2010, 03:38
30378I use Varget with my 155 grainers. Super accurate when seated to just touch.
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09 April 2010, 04:23
vinesJD, I have used both in the .308 and in my 7MM-08.. right now i have some flat base 140 sierra loaded in my 7-08 at 43.0 grains.. but really my powder of choice for the 308 and my 7-08 is RL-15.. it is what ever shoots the best in your rifle i do know 4064 is single base and RL-15 is double base. not sure about VARGET
09 April 2010, 04:48
JD MillerVines ive been useing R15. Want to try/use some single base powder.
09 April 2010, 04:48
Paul TunkisI've had good preformance with both 4064 and Varget in a couple of 308's. R-15 also will work well in both cases.
In the 9.3x62 Varget was much better velocity and accuracy wise than 4064, especially with lighter, 250gr and 232gr bullets in my rifle.
I have found that the optimum powder for both velocity (100fps+ more) and accuracy (consistant >2 inches with about any bullet) for the 9.3x62 in my rifle is Ram Shot Big Game. The little info paper I have from Ram Shot powders lists Big Game for the 308 also but I've never tired it since both 4064 and Varget were quite satisfactory.
09 April 2010, 05:37
NakihunterI have used Varget (AR 2208) in 308, 7mm08, 6.5X54MS, 9.3X62 and 9.5X57MS
It is part of the Hodgdon Extreme range & is less sensitive to temperature variation than IMR powders. it is also more clean burning. I get very good accuracy in 7mm08 & 9.3X62.
Good luck
"When the wind stops....start rowing. When the wind starts, get the sail up quick."
09 April 2010, 10:37
McFoxI am using Varget in both the .308 and 9.3x62 with very good results.
I've been through IMR 3031, IMR 4895 and N140, but I definetely like Varget the best.
09 April 2010, 11:43
Dans40XCI'd settle on a 1Lber of Dupont(steel can) IMR 4064 over a 20yd end dump of Varget any day of the week.
V-V N135 will run circles around Hodgdon also.
09 April 2010, 18:03
BECooleI usually find better deals on Varget, but I'd take either of them any day. I must say that 4064 seems to give me good accuracy even when I use it for loads on the light end of the manual. Like when I shoot 125s in 30/06 or .308.
10 April 2010, 05:47
SlamFireI have used kegs of IMR 4064 in the 308. It has been a great powder.
However I am able to push 190's faster with Varget. Varget also shoots extremely well and meters better than 4064.
I believe Varget is a more advanced powder and in time that is what I will use in 308.
I just have a lot of IMR 4895 to shoot up. May take till the next millennia, but I can wait.

12 April 2010, 01:13
Brazos JackVarget is both easier to meter and less temperature sensitive than IMR4064
12 April 2010, 20:28
WhatThequote:
Originally posted by Brazos Jack:
Varget is both easier to meter and less temperature sensitive than IMR4064
I'm wondering if it's fair to ask what the intended use would be. Hunting, tactical, BR etc.. I know lots of people love Varget but I have never been able to get it to cooperate in tight groups. Perhaps just me? However I think the intended use would help in giving an answer. I would use Varget for hunting any day over 4064 for its ease of use at the bench, but for accuracy I would definitely go for 4064 at least in my guns.
12 April 2010, 21:31
BECooleI find the "poor metering" criticism to be a little empty. If you get a bridge, you dump out a couple cases and start over on them. Only an issue in a progressive.
Most of these stick powders shoot so well that it doesn't matter at less than 500 yards if they are off a grain. When I am loading long range target ammo I always dump light and trickle up anyway, whether it's log sticks or sandy ball powder.
14 April 2010, 08:17
groundhog devastationDans 40XC, Send the dumptruck of VARGET on down here to VA!! We'll make use of it. From the 222 up thru and including the 30 caliber short mags it would be hard to find a more versatile powder that would deliver accuracy and acceptable velocities without a lot of fuss!! I used to feel the same way about IMR 3031........until the advent of VARGET!! When testing rifles for folks, if it's in the realm of the stuff I mentioned, I'll look to VARGET as a first choice for testing and usually have to look no further. GHD
Groundhog Devastation(GHD)