The Allure of the .308 Winchester and the Promise of Reloading
The .308 Winchester. The name itself whispers of power, precision, and a legacy woven into the fabric of both hunting and target shooting. This versatile cartridge, chambered in rifles across a wide spectrum, has earned its reputation for good reason. It’s a cartridge known for its balance of stopping power, accuracy potential, and manageable recoil, making it a favorite among shooters of all levels. Whether you’re aiming for a trophy buck, engaging targets at long ranges, or simply enjoying the satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition, the .308 offers a compelling experience.
Central to achieving optimal performance with this cartridge is the art of reloading. Reloading is the process of taking fired cartridge cases and transforming them into fresh ammunition. This allows you to tailor your loads to your specific rifle, your chosen bullet, and your shooting needs. One of the critical ingredients in this process is the propellant, the powder that provides the explosive force to propel the bullet down the barrel.
Today, we delve into the world of reloading the .308 Winchester with a specific focus: Varget powder. Manufactured by Hodgdon, Varget is a staple for many reloaders, lauded for its versatility, accuracy potential, and consistency across varying temperatures. This article serves as your guide, providing essential information on Varget .308 load data, emphasizing safety, and offering insights into achieving the best possible results. Before we proceed, however, it’s imperative to reiterate a crucial point: **Reloading is inherently dangerous. This information is for informational purposes only. Always consult reputable reloading manuals, follow all safety guidelines meticulously, and never exceed recommended maximum loads. I am not responsible for any errors or omissions.**
Understanding Varget’s Characteristics
To effectively utilize Varget, you must first understand its unique properties. This powder isn’t just another option; it’s a specifically designed propellant that delivers excellent performance in many popular cartridges. Understanding what makes it tick allows you to fine-tune your loads for optimal accuracy and performance.
Varget is classified as a medium-burn-rate powder. This means it falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum when compared to other reloading propellants. The burn rate is a critical factor because it determines the speed at which the powder combusts, influencing the pressure curve inside the cartridge and, consequently, the bullet’s velocity and accuracy. Its burn rate is well-suited to the .308 Winchester, allowing for efficient and effective use of the cartridge’s powder capacity. It’s fast enough to provide good velocities with heavier bullets yet slow enough to remain relatively efficient in the cartridge.
One of Varget’s standout qualities is its temperature stability. This is extremely important, as the performance of some powders can fluctuate significantly with changes in temperature. A temperature-stable powder maintains consistent pressures and velocities, regardless of whether you’re shooting in the heat of summer or the cold of winter. This translates to predictable shot placement and greater confidence in your load.
Varget is made with extruded powder grains. These grains are small, cylindrical rods. The shape and size of these grains contribute to Varget’s consistency in metering through a powder measure. This consistency is crucial for producing loads that are repeatable and predictable, a vital factor in achieving accuracy.
Using Varget offers several advantages. Its versatility allows it to be used effectively in a wide range of bullet weights commonly used in the .308 Winchester. Its ability to deliver excellent accuracy is well-documented, often resulting in tight groups at the range. This powder also allows for relatively high velocities with manageable pressures, contributing to its popularity.
Important Safety Considerations for Varget
Safety is paramount when working with any reloading propellant. Varget, while a high-quality powder, still requires meticulous handling. Always store Varget in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and any sources of ignition. Never store powder near flames, sparks, or heat.
When handling Varget, be careful to avoid spills. If powder is spilled, clean it up promptly. Never smoke while reloading, and always wash your hands thoroughly after handling powder.
Reloading should be performed in a well-ventilated area to prevent the inhalation of any powder dust or fumes. Consider using a dust mask while handling powder.
Never mix different types of powders. Always load a single type of propellant at a time, and be absolutely certain of the powder’s identity before loading.
Gathering the Right Components for Success
Selecting the right components is crucial for a successful and safe reloading experience. The quality of your components directly impacts the performance and safety of your loads.
Choosing the Right Brass
The foundation of any loaded cartridge is the brass case. The .308 Winchester has a vast selection of brass manufacturers available. You have to choose brass made by reputable companies. Consider the brass’s reputation for quality, consistency, and longevity. Many shooters swear by a particular brand based on their experiences.
Before reloading, it is vital to prepare the brass. The first step is cleaning the brass, which removes any dirt or debris. Brass must then be resized to bring it back to the correct dimensions, removing any irregularities caused by firing. The case must also be trimmed to the correct length and the primer pocket has to be prepped. Thorough preparation minimizes variables and leads to more consistent results.
Selecting Primers
Primers are the ignition source for your loaded cartridges. For the .308 Winchester, standard large rifle primers are the most common choice. However, specific primer recommendations may vary depending on the powder and bullet weight you choose. Always consult your reloading manual to ensure compatibility.
Primer seating is a critical step. The primer must be seated firmly and completely against the bottom of the primer pocket. Proper primer seating helps ensure reliable ignition.
Choosing Bullets
The bullet is the projectile, the part of the cartridge that travels downrange. The .308 Winchester is compatible with a wide range of bullet weights and types, providing flexibility for different shooting applications.
For hunting, you might choose bullets designed for expansion, such as a soft-point or a bonded bullet. Target shooters often prefer bullets like hollow-point boat-tail (HPBT) bullets. Consider the bullet’s ballistic coefficient (BC), a measure of its ability to resist wind drift and maintain velocity. Higher BC bullets generally perform better at longer ranges.
Essential Reloading Equipment
You’ll need a few essential tools. This includes a reloading press, which is used to perform many of the reloading steps. Dies, which are used for resizing, expanding, and seating the bullets. A scale is necessary for precisely measuring the powder charges. Calipers are crucial for measuring overall cartridge length (OAL) and other dimensions.
Varget .308 Load Data – Examples for Reference
Disclaimer: *ALWAYS* start with loads below the minimum listed in the manuals and work your way up, slowly increasing the charge while carefully monitoring for any signs of excessive pressure. Reloading data is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult current, reputable reloading manuals from manufacturers before beginning your reloading process.
The following data is provided as a starting point for developing loads using Varget powder. It is critical to consult reliable reloading manuals and/or manufacturer’s data for exact powder charges and other critical information. The data presented below is for educational purposes only and should NOT be substituted for consulting multiple reloading manuals. Remember that load data can vary depending on several factors, including rifle, brass, primers, and other components.
Example Load Data (This is not exhaustive and should not be followed without consulting loading manuals):
The following table provides approximate data for various bullet weights.
Bullet Weight | Bullet Type | Varget Powder Charge (Grains) | Primer Type | Case Type | Overall Length (inches) | Approximate Velocity (fps)
150 gr | FMJ-BT | 41.0 (Min) – 44.0 (Max) | Large Rifle | Standard | 2.780 | 2600 – 2800
168 gr | HPBT | 40.5 (Min) – 43.5 (Max) | Large Rifle | Standard | 2.800 | 2500 – 2700
175 gr | HPBT | 40.0 (Min) – 42.0 (Max) | Large Rifle | Standard | 2.810 | 2450 – 2600
Important Notes:
- Always consult multiple reloading manuals to verify this data.
- Start with the minimum recommended powder charge.
- Increase the powder charge gradually, checking the ammunition’s performance.
- Observe for any pressure signs.
- Do not exceed maximum powder charges.
- Chronograph your loads to measure actual velocities.
- Carefully note the overall length (OAL) listed for each bullet type. The overall length is critical for accuracy.
Reloading Procedures and Safe Practices
The reloading process involves several steps, each of which must be performed with precision and attention to detail.
Begin by preparing the brass, as described previously. Next, insert a primer into each case.
Next, add powder. Use a powder measure to accurately charge each case with the correct amount of Varget. After charging, inspect the case visually to ensure a proper powder charge.
Finally, seat the bullet into the case to the correct OAL. This requires precise seating, so make sure the bullet is seated at the correct depth.
Inspecting your finished rounds is very important. Check each loaded cartridge for correct seating depth, bullet runout, and any other visual defects.
Always look for pressure signs, which are indicators of excessive pressure. These signs can include flattened primers, cratered primers, ejector marks on the case head, and difficult bolt lift. If you see any of these signs, immediately stop loading and reevaluate your load.
Reloading should always be conducted in a safe and controlled environment. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Wash your hands thoroughly after reloading.
Testing and Optimizing Your Loads
Once you have loaded some rounds, it is time to go to the range and test them. Place targets at the desired distances and carefully check your loads.
Use a chronograph to measure the velocity of your loads. This will allow you to verify the consistency of your loads.
Assess the accuracy of your loads by measuring group size on your target. This allows you to make adjustments.
Keep careful records of all your testing. This is very important to note what loads are performing best and how to adjust your loads in the future.
Conclusion
Reloading for the .308 Winchester with Varget powder can be a rewarding experience, enabling you to tailor your ammunition to your rifle and shooting needs. By understanding Varget’s characteristics, gathering the right components, following safe reloading practices, and carefully testing your loads, you can achieve excellent results. Remember, safety is always the top priority. Always consult reputable reloading manuals, follow all safety guidelines, and never exceed recommended maximum loads.
Reloading takes practice and careful attention to detail. The goal is to craft ammunition that is safe, accurate, and consistent. Through responsible reloading practices, you can unlock the full potential of your .308 Winchester and enjoy the satisfaction of producing your own high-quality ammunition. Embrace the process and continually strive to refine your skills.
References and Resources
Hodgdon Reloading Data Center: (example link)
Speer Reloading Manuals
Sierra Bullets Reloading Manuals
Lyman Reloading Handbook
