Understanding the Powerhouse: Varget Powder
Advantages of Varget
Varget, manufactured by Hodgdon, is a temperature-stable, extruded powder famend for its constant efficiency. Its comparatively gradual burn fee makes it ideally suited to the .308 Winchester, particularly when paired with heavier bullets. Varget gives spectacular versatility, permitting you to tailor your hundreds for every thing from short-range precision to long-range searching.
Security Warnings
Keep in mind: by no means exceed really useful powder costs. At all times begin with the minimal load, work your manner up progressively, and punctiliously monitor for any indicators of extreme strain. At all times seek the advice of a good loading handbook for probably the most present information particular to your bullets, circumstances, and primers.
Prioritizing Security: Important Handloading Practices
The Cornerstones of Secure Handloading
At the beginning, defend your eyes. Put on acceptable eye safety always whereas handloading. Subsequent, guarantee sufficient air flow. Handloading includes dealing with powders and primers, which might launch probably dangerous fumes. At all times handload in a well-ventilated space. Often examine your handloading gear. Lastly, at all times double-check your work.
Instruments of the Commerce: Handloading Tools
Important Tools
Right here’s an inventory of important objects: Reloading Press, Dies, Powder Scale, Powder Dispenser, Case Trimmer, Case Preparation Instruments, Primer Seater, Calipers, Loading Block, Loading Handbook.
Brass Preparation and Primer Choice
Steps for Getting ready Brass
Begin by inspecting the brass. Clear the circumstances completely to take away any filth or particles. Subsequent, measurement the brass. Trim the circumstances to the right size. Deburr and chamfer the case mouths. Make sure the primer pocket is cleaned and the flash gap is unobstructed.
Selecting Your Projectiles: Bullet Weight and Efficiency
The Influence of Bullet Weight
The bullet weight considerably impacts efficiency. Heavier bullets are likely to retain velocity higher at longer ranges and are much less prone to wind drift. When loading the .308 Winchester with Varget, you will discover the powder works nicely with a variety of bullet weights.
Load Information: A Beginning Level for the .308 Winchester with Varget
Load Information Desk Instance
It’s essential to keep in mind that the load information introduced right here is for informational functions solely. At all times seek the advice of a number of dependable loading manuals and/or the powder producer’s web site earlier than handloading. By no means substitute parts or fluctuate the loading process with out consulting a trusted supply. At all times begin with the minimal really useful load and progressively improve the powder cost whereas rigorously expecting indicators of strain. By no means exceed the utmost load.
| Bullet Weight (Grains) | Bullet Sort | Varget Beginning Load (Grains) | Velocity (fps) (Approx.) | Varget Max Load (Grains) | Velocity (fps) (Approx.) | Primer Sort | Case Size | COAL (inches) (Approx.) | Notes |
| ———————- | ———————– | —————————— | ————————— | —————————- | ————————— | —————– | ———– | ————————- | ———————————————————————— |
| 168 | Sierra MatchKing | 40.0 | 2550 | 43.0 | 2700 | Giant Rifle | 2.015″ | 2.800″ | Optimum for goal taking pictures. Take a look at on your particular rifle. |
| 175 | Hornady ELD-X | 39.0 | 2500 | 42.0 | 2650 | Giant Rifle | 2.015″ | 2.810″ | Glorious for searching. Modify COAL to suit your rifle’s journal size. |
| 150 | Speer SPBT | 42.0 | 2700 | 45.0 | 2850 | Giant Rifle | 2.015″ | 2.800″ | Good all-around load for searching and goal apply. |
*These load are supplied as examples solely and should be verified by a number of sources.*
Constructing Your Masses: Handloading Procedures
Steps for Handloading
Start by getting ready the brass. Examine, clear, measurement, trim, deburr, and prime the casings. Measure the powder cost precisely. Fastidiously pour the powder into the ready case. Seat the bullet. Modify the seating die to make sure the right cartridge total size (COAL). Use a caliper to measure and confirm the COAL. Visually examine the spherical.
Placing it to the Take a look at: Vary Day & Efficiency
Vary Day Process
Select a secure taking pictures location. Arrange targets at numerous distances. Begin by firing a number of rounds to examine for any indicators of strain. Observe the teams measurement, consistency, and velocity for every load. Document your information.
Last Concerns
Key Takeaways
With cautious consideration to element and a dedication to security, you possibly can produce ammunition tailor-made to your particular wants, whether or not searching, goal taking pictures, or just having fun with the satisfaction of making your individual hundreds. At all times comply with the ideas of secure handloading, and seek the advice of a number of dependable sources for load information. It’s your duty to train warning and take all obligatory precautions when handloading. At all times seek the advice of a number of load manuals. Secure taking pictures!
