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TR 140 as a Varget replacement
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2014 5:01 pm
by toffe wrapper
With varget being in short supply I am thinking of using TR140 for 308 & 223
Will it be suitable for 308 & 223
Will I be able to work the load up to get a 2156 matchking bullet traveling 2950 fps out of a 26inch barreled 308 as I do with Varget.
Not going to short cut safe load development but do not want to waste money on the powder if it will not do what I want.
TW
Re: TR 140 as a Varget replacement
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2014 5:09 pm
by John MH
Can be used in .223 and .308, don't know about the velocity you are after though.
I use 23.8 grains behind a 77 grain SMK in .223.
Re: TR 140 as a Varget replacement
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2014 5:11 pm
by Swamp Donkey
I'm using 46gr of vhit N140 under a 155gr smk, at 2850fps and not much scope for more pressure to be honest, in a 26" TRG with lap brass. Tr140 is a very similair burn to n140 so you might, but, you might not. Though I have heard you can get a few more (50ish) by using RWS brass with no pressure issues, worth a try
Re: TR 140 as a Varget replacement
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2014 5:16 pm
by Steve E
TR140 has become the go to powder in Target Rifle using 155 grain Bullets.
It's more cost effective than N140. You will probably not find any Varget coming to the UK for the foreseeable future.
I know that it has become quite popular for heavy bullets in .223 as well as it's popularity with TR shooters. It's also very good in .303.
I don't know about a 26" barrel, but it is very easy to get a 2156 to go 3000fps with TR140 out of a 30" barrel. Ambient air temperature will have a large effect on your velocities. A load that is sub 3000fps (around the 2950 mark) on a moderately warm day of 16c will soar to 3100fps as the temp goes over 20c. It is very easy to get within the realms of HME without any signs of undue pressure using RWS brass, 2156s and a TR140. It is not quite so temperature tolerant as Varget but it is all you need to build really accurate .308 target ammunition.
Re: TR 140 as a Varget replacement
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2014 5:40 pm
by Swamp Donkey
Steve E, I'm guessing by your post, that there is truth behind the RWS brass story then. I think I'll start looking for some then :)
Re: TR 140 as a Varget replacement
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2014 6:00 pm
by Steve E
Bdiac wrote:Steve E, I'm guessing by your post, that there is truth behind the RWS brass story then. I think I'll start looking for some then :)
What RWS brass story are you talking about?
It is all based on good reloading technique and testing in varied temperatures. The same could equally be said about Lapua Brass which has the same weight and capacity as RWS. I only mentioned RWS as that is the brass that most of my ammunition is loaded with.
Re: TR 140 as a Varget replacement
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2014 6:47 pm
by IainWR
Bdiac wrote:Steve E, I'm guessing by your post, that there is truth behind the RWS brass story then. I think I'll start looking for some then :)
Look no further than the NRA Armoury; I have about 80 000 at the moment, rising to over 300 000 by the end of July.
Re: TR 140 as a Varget replacement
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2014 7:15 pm
by Mr_Logic
How much do you want for some of it?
Re: TR 140 as a Varget replacement
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2014 7:18 pm
by IainWR
20p each.
Re: TR 140 as a Varget replacement
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2014 7:47 pm
by Mr_Logic
Might have to try some...