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varmint grenades

5K views 14 replies 9 participants last post by  aaprocto 
#1 ·
Hey guys,

I was wondering if I can get some load data for the 36 grain Barnes Varmint Grenades.

I am using a 22-250. I have availability of W760 and W748 powder, and also the Alliant powder range. I am based in Australia and we have a wide but at the same time, limited option of powders.

I am using CCI large rifle bench rest primers.

I cant find any load data for the 36 Varmint Grenades.

Thanks
 
#3 ·
Can you get the Mulwex powders? I believe that Varget is Mulwex 2208, but check with them to be sure.

As Matt said I'd use the 40gr. loads and not worry too much about it.

www.hodgdon.com
 
#5 ·
Thanks fellas. I dont think I can get hold of mulwex powder. We have ADI powder here, I think it is equivalent to Hodgdon powder. I used load data for 40 grain pills a while ago, but I had an impressive sphere of flame come out the end of my barrel.

One of the guys at the gun shop said not too worry about it as it is just excess powder that doesnt have time to burn as the lighter projectile comes out much quicker.

I didnt experience any signs of excessive pressure or anything, but thought I would try find other loads before continuing.

Thanks
 
#10 ·
Per Motor31's comment, you can also get core stripping (the jacket spinning with the rifling, but the core lagging behind) due to excess rotational acceleration. That opens groups up a bit. The cure is the same as for blow-ups; cut the velocity until it stops.

I will also add the caution about very light bullets with slow powders either squibbing out or causing secondary pressure spikes. Try the fastest powder in your arsenal first. In this case H335 and Varget (ADI AR2208).
 
#11 ·
Varmint Grenades are good bullets but there is no magic in them. Like any other bullet, they work good in some rifles, not so good in others.

I get around 5/8" in my 22/250 at a bit over 4000 fps with Varget. A friend gets near 2" with any powder/charge combo he tries.

Don't think anyone will experience any "jacket" slip with them tho!
 
#12 ·
Powder choices

I have some Varget and that is what I was going to start with. I really like the way it meters through my Lyman powder drop. I had not planned on Max velocities. My 22-250 is a Savage w/a 1/12 twist.

I must admit that watching 3900 plus velocities on the chronograph is pretty neat. If I get near 4000 and accurate I would be very happy lad.
 
#13 · (Edited)
"...I had not planned on Max velocities."

Obviously I can't predict what your results might be. But, I can say the the merits of "loading down' for accuracty are greatly overrated. One eliment of good accuracy is a more consistant burn rate. Loading down very much from a normal max load can easily drop you out of the powder's designed operating pressure range. That can easily allow things to become less consistant; less consistancy is NOT a good thing!

I belive that reduced velocity loads should be done with slightly faster powders. A faster powder allow us to reach the higher but still normal pressures than a lighter charge of a normally better/slower powder. The faster powder can produce normal, and therefore more consistant, pressures while still generating less velocity.

At least push your Varget charges up until you find the actual max charge for your rifle. See what that does for accuracy before you start loading back down; you might be surprised. But DO allow your barrel to cool down between the hot shots!
 
#14 ·
What I was trying to say but didn't state it clearly

I'm not looking for the last FPS in this load. Unlike my whitetail loads where I might give up a little accuracy for a couple more FPS, on my varmint loads, I'm trying to find the most accurate. If it happens to be at 4300 with my 26 inch tube then that is what I will shoot. If I get 3900 or whatever and tiny little groups, then that is what I want to shoot.

For the record, I don't mess with published data. If the book says 36-40 grains of XYZ powder, that is what I will stay in.

I also have on hand BLC (2) and 748.

What I really need is more time at the bench. But then again, don't we all!
 
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