Why Is Hodgdon Varget So Hard to Find in 2025?
Hodgdon Varget has earned its cult status for good reason. This temperature-stable, extruded rifle powder delivers unmatched consistency in cartridges like:
- .223 Remington
- 6mm Creedmoor
- 6.5 Creedmoor
- .308 Winchester
- .30-06 Springfield
Its fine-grain structure meters flawlessly through powder measures, and its Extreme Series formulation resists velocity shifts in extreme heat or cold—perfect for PRS, F-Class, and tactical competitions.
But since 2020, Varget has been in chronic shortage. Here’s why:
1. Nitrocellulose Shortages & Military Diversion
The war in Ukraine has consumed millions of pounds of nitrocellulose—the base ingredient in smokeless powder—for artillery shells (21–24 lbs per 155mm round). Civilian production, including Hodgdon’s Australian-sourced Varget, has been deprioritized.1
2. Import Delays from Australia (ADI Powders)
Varget is manufactured by Australian Defence Industries (ADI) and rebranded by Hodgdon. Shipping bottlenecks, export restrictions, and hazmat compliance have slashed import volumes into the U.S. and Canada.2
3. Panic Buying & Hoarding
Election years and civil unrest fears trigger mass stockpiling. Forum posts show reloaders buying 8-lb jugs the moment they appear—often within hours.3
4. Production Lot Variations
Rushed manufacturing has led to velocity inconsistencies between lots. Serious shooters are now testing every new jug, further tightening demand for “known good” batches.
Result? Retail prices have jumped from $28–$32/lb (pre-2020) to $55–$70/lb in 2025, with 8-lb jugs pushing $450+ when available.4
Varget Alternatives: Good, But Not the Same
Stuck without Varget? Some reloaders turn to:
| Powder | Similar To Varget? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IMR 4166 Enduron | Close burn rate | Less temp-stable |
| Reloder 15 | Decent substitute | Harder to meter |
| Accurate 2520 | Budget option | Lower velocity ceiling |
None match Varget’s metering + temp stability combo. That’s why demand remains sky-high.
Where to Buy Hodgdon Varget Smokeless Gun Powder RIGHT NOW
Good news: Varget IS available—but only from a few trusted retailers with active stock and proper hazmat handling.
Buy Hodgdon Varget Smokeless Gun Powder here – Currently in stock in 1-lb and 8-lb containers with fast shipping to Canada and the U.S.
- ✅ Authentic Hodgdon product (sealed cans)
- ✅ Competitive pricing (no gouging)
- ✅ Hazmat fee included in transparent checkout
- ✅ In-stock alert: Limited quantity – sells out in <48 hours
Pro Tip: Add primers or bullets to your order to split hazmat fees and save big.
How to Stay Ahead of the Next Varget Restock
- Sign up for in-stock alerts on Powder Valley, MidwayUSA, and Graf & Sons.
- Join reloading forums (SnipersHide, AccurateShooter) for real-time drop alerts.
- Buy in 8-lb jugs when possible—better value and fewer hazmat charges.
- Avoid third-party resellers on eBay or Facebook—risk of counterfeit or old stock.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for the Next Shortage Wave
The Hodgdon Varget shortage isn’t ending in 2025. With military demand locked in and civilian imports throttled, every restock is a race.
Secure your supply today before the next wave of panic buying hits.
Get Hodgdon Varget Smokeless Gun Powder Now →
Have you found Varget recently? Drop your tips in the comments below!