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 sluggish 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 masses for the whole lot from short-range precision to long-range looking.
Security Warnings
Bear in mind: by no means exceed advisable powder fees. At all times begin with the minimal load, work your means up progressively, and punctiliously monitor for any indicators of extreme stress. At all times seek the advice of a good loading guide for probably the most present information particular to your bullets, instances, and primers.
Prioritizing Security: Important Handloading Practices
The Cornerstones of Protected Handloading
In the beginning, shield 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, all the time double-check your work.
Instruments of the Commerce: Handloading Tools
Important Tools
Right here’s an inventory of important gadgets: 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 Making ready Brass
Begin by inspecting the brass. Clear the instances totally to take away any dust or particles. Subsequent, measurement the brass. Trim the instances 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 Affect 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 may discover the powder works effectively with a variety of bullet weights.
Load Knowledge: A Beginning Level for the .308 Winchester with Varget
Load Knowledge Desk Instance
It’s essential to do not forget that the load information offered 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 elements or differ the loading process with out consulting a trusted supply. At all times begin with the minimal advisable load and progressively improve the powder cost whereas rigorously waiting for indicators of stress. 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 | Massive Rifle | 2.015″ | 2.800″ | Optimum for goal capturing. Check on your particular rifle. |
| 175 | Hornady ELD-X | 39.0 | 2500 | 42.0 | 2650 | Massive Rifle | 2.015″ | 2.810″ | Wonderful for looking. Alter COAL to suit your rifle’s journal size. |
| 150 | Speer SPBT | 42.0 | 2700 | 45.0 | 2850 | Massive Rifle | 2.015″ | 2.800″ | Good all-around load for looking and goal follow. |
*These load are offered as examples solely and have to be verified by a number of sources.*
Constructing Your Hundreds: Handloading Procedures
Steps for Handloading
Start by making ready the brass. Examine, clear, measurement, trim, deburr, and prime the casings. Measure the powder cost precisely. Rigorously pour the powder into the ready case. Seat the bullet. Alter the seating die to make sure the right cartridge general size (COAL). Use a caliper to measure and confirm the COAL. Visually examine the spherical.
Placing it to the Check: Vary Day & Efficiency
Vary Day Process
Select a protected capturing location. Arrange targets at varied distances. Begin by firing a number of rounds to examine for any indicators of stress. Observe the teams measurement, consistency, and velocity for every load. Report your information.
Remaining 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 looking, goal capturing, or just having fun with the satisfaction of making your personal masses. At all times observe the ideas of protected handloading, and seek the advice of a number of dependable sources for load information. It’s your accountability to train warning and take all obligatory precautions when handloading. At all times seek the advice of a number of load manuals. Protected capturing!
