Introduction
Reloading ammunition is a rewarding endeavor that can drastically improve the accuracy and performance of your .308 Winchester rifle. For many reloaders, the choice of powder is paramount, and one of the most popular and effective options for the .308 is Varget. This article dives deep into Varget reloading data for .308 Winchester, offering a detailed guide to help you create safe, accurate, and consistent ammunition.
The .308 Winchester cartridge is a versatile round, known for its accuracy, long-range capabilities, and effectiveness in both hunting and target shooting. It’s a favorite among hunters for its knockdown power and excellent ballistics, and it’s equally popular with target shooters for its inherent accuracy potential. This combination of qualities has made it a staple in the shooting community for decades.
When it comes to reloading for the .308 Winchester, choosing the right components is essential. Powders, in particular, play a crucial role in achieving optimal performance. Varget, manufactured by Hodgdon, is a ball powder that has earned a strong reputation in the reloading community for its exceptional accuracy and temperature stability. Varget is a great choice for a wide range of .308 bullet weights.
Understanding Varget Powder
Varget is a single-base, extruded powder, known for its temperature stability and consistency. This means the burn rate of the powder remains relatively constant, even when exposed to significant temperature fluctuations. This characteristic is highly desirable in reloading, as it contributes to more predictable and consistent ballistics, minimizing shifts in point of impact as temperatures change. Hodgdon Varget is manufactured in the United States and is widely available at most gun stores and online reloading retailers.
Beyond its temperature stability, Varget offers excellent accuracy potential. Many reloaders have reported achieving sub-MOA groups (groups that are smaller than one inch at a hundred yards) with Varget in their .308 Winchester rifles. This accuracy potential, combined with its ease of metering in reloading equipment, makes it a very user-friendly powder.
Another key feature of Varget is its relatively slow burn rate. The burn rate of a powder determines the speed at which it combusts. Varget falls into the medium burn rate category, which is ideally suited for the .308 Winchester cartridge. This burn rate allows for efficient combustion within the .308’s case, resulting in excellent velocities and accuracy. Varget is also known to be a clean-burning powder, which helps to reduce fouling in your barrel.
Why choose Varget for your .308 Winchester? Varget offers an exceptional balance of features. It’s accurate, temperature-stable, relatively easy to work with, and readily available. Whether you’re a competitive target shooter, a hunter, or simply enjoy the precision of handloading, Varget is an excellent choice for achieving outstanding results in your .308 Winchester rifle.
Safety First: Precautions in Reloading
Reloading ammunition, by its nature, involves potentially hazardous materials and processes. It is absolutely crucial to prioritize safety at all times. Always wear safety glasses during every step of the reloading process to protect your eyes from flying debris or potential primer explosions. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes from primers and powders. Never exceed the maximum load data specified in your reloading manual or the manufacturer’s recommendations. Doing so can result in catastrophic firearm failure and serious injury.
Properly store all reloading components, including powder and primers. Store powders and primers separately, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Ensure that powders and primers are stored out of reach of children and pets.
Before you start, make sure you have all the required equipment, including a reloading press, dies for .308 Winchester, a precision scale, calipers for measuring cartridge overall length, a case trimmer, and a primer seating tool.
Reloading Data: Load Information for .308 Winchester with Varget
Disclaimer: Reloading ammunition is inherently dangerous and should only be undertaken by individuals who are thoroughly familiar with the process. This information is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as a substitute for consulting reputable reloading manuals and following safe reloading practices. Always start with the minimum recommended load and work up slowly, observing pressure signs. Pressure signs can be subtle and vary depending on your firearm and components. Always exercise caution when working near gunpowder and primers. I am not responsible for any damages that may occur as a result of using the information provided. Reloading is an activity that should be taken seriously.
The following tables provide load data for various bullet weights commonly used in the .308 Winchester cartridge when paired with Varget powder. Remember to consult at least one reputable reloading manual, preferably more, before starting any reloading project. Always cross-reference data. The values are a starting point and are NOT absolute. You must reduce loads according to your own individual firearms.
Important Notes:
- Always start with the minimum powder charge indicated and gradually increase the charge in small increments (0.5 grain or less), while carefully observing for pressure signs. Never exceed the maximum recommended load.
- Pressure signs can vary but can include flattened primers, cratered primers, ejector marks on the case head, difficult bolt lift, or excessive case expansion. If any of these signs are present, stop immediately and reduce your powder charge. If you do not have experience reading these signs it is a good idea to have someone with reloading experience assist you.
- The listed Overall Length (OAL) or Cartridge Overall Length (COL) is provided, but it’s essential to confirm that the ammunition properly chambers in your rifle. Each firearm has unique dimensions.
150-grain Bullets
| Bullet Type | Powder Charge (Grains) (Start – Max) | Primer | Case | OAL (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FMJ | 42.0 – 45.0 | CCI BR2 | Winchester | 2.800 |
| Hornady SST | 41.5 – 44.5 | Federal 210 | Winchester | 2.800 |
168-grain Bullets
| Bullet Type | Powder Charge (Grains) (Start – Max) | Primer | Case | OAL (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPBT | 40.0 – 43.0 | CCI BR2 | Lapua | 2.820 |
| Sierra MatchKing | 40.0 – 43.0 | Federal 210 | Winchester | 2.820 |
175-grain Bullets
| Bullet Type | Powder Charge (Grains) (Start – Max) | Primer | Case | OAL (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPBT | 39.0 – 42.0 | CCI BR2 | Winchester | 2.820 |
| Sierra MatchKing | 39.0 – 42.0 | Federal 210 | Lapua | 2.820 |
178-grain Bullets
| Bullet Type | Powder Charge (Grains) (Start – Max) | Primer | Case | OAL (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELD-X | 39.0 – 41.5 | CCI BR2 | Winchester | 2.800 |
| ELD-Match | 39.0 – 41.5 | Federal 210 | Lapua | 2.820 |
*The data above should be considered a starting point and you should always reduce charges for your firearms. Consult reloading manuals from reputable sources before loading.*
*Remember to never mix primer types or powder brands. The above data reflects the proper primer, powder, case, and bullet combination. Make sure you follow these parameters exactly.*
*Velocity and other variables will vary between the different rifles. Keep your firearm in safe working condition and do not shoot or handle your firearm if there are any safety concerns.*
Step-by-Step Reloading and Helpful Insights
To achieve the best results, follow a systematic approach to reloading. Begin by carefully inspecting your brass cases. Look for any damage, dents, or cracks. Discard any cases that show signs of wear or damage.
Next, clean the cases. This can be done using a tumbler with media or an ultrasonic cleaner. Clean cases are easier to resize and ensure the consistent performance of your ammunition.
When cases are clean, you will need to resize them using a full-length sizing die or a neck-sizing die, depending on your specific needs and the type of rifle. Full-length sizing is generally recommended for autoloaders or when using brass from multiple sources, while neck-sizing is often suitable for bolt-action rifles where the cases are fired from the same chamber.
Once the cases have been resized, trim them to the specified length according to your reloading manual. This ensures consistent chambering and proper bullet seating. Deburr and chamfer the case mouths to remove any sharp edges that might damage the bullet or affect bullet seating.
Clean the primer pockets to ensure they are free of any residue. A consistent primer pocket will provide consistent primer seating depth, which is essential for accurate and reliable ignition.
Prime the cases. Select the appropriate primer for your load and rifle. Seat the primer to the proper depth using a priming tool or press. A good primer seating depth can be between .003” and .005” below the case head.
Carefully measure and pour the correct amount of Varget powder into each case. The weight should be accurate within the range of your reloading manual. Double-check the powder charge with the scale.
Seat the bullet to the correct Cartridge Overall Length (COL) or Overall Length (OAL) as specified in your reloading manual. Make sure your bullet is seated evenly and securely.
If you have chosen to include a crimp, apply it at this stage. A light crimp is often beneficial for ammunition used in semi-automatic rifles, helping to ensure that the bullet stays in place under recoil.
Optimizing .308 Winchester Loads with Varget: Tips for Success
Achieving optimal accuracy with Varget and your .308 Winchester rifle is an iterative process. Start by finding your rifle’s “sweet spot.” This often involves load development, where you test different powder charges and bullet seating depths to determine which combination yields the best grouping at a given distance. Start at the low end of the powder charge range, in increments of .5 grains. Be sure to document each load.
The correct Cartridge Overall Length (COL) is extremely important for accuracy. Experiment with seating the bullet slightly shorter or longer than the specified COL, and observe the effect on group size.
Choosing the right bullet can have a significant impact on accuracy and performance. Consider the intended use of your ammunition. If you are shooting at long range, you may want to favor bullets with high ballistic coefficients (BCs). If you are hunting, the bullet’s terminal performance will be more important.
Environmental factors, such as temperature and altitude, can affect the ballistics of your ammunition. Varget powder is known to be relatively temperature-stable, but changes in temperature can still slightly affect the velocity and point of impact. Altitude changes also have an effect on ballistics.
Using a chronograph to measure the velocity of your loads is highly recommended. A chronograph allows you to verify the consistency of your loads and assess the effect of different powder charges or components on velocity. This tool will tell you if your load is under pressure or over pressure.
Conclusion
Reloading for your .308 Winchester rifle using Varget can unlock remarkable accuracy and performance. By following the guidance provided in this article, and always prioritizing safety, you can successfully reload consistent, accurate ammunition that meets your shooting needs. The process of reloading is both a science and an art, one that requires patience, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety.
Always remember that reloading is a lifelong learning process. Continue to research, experiment, and refine your techniques to achieve the best possible results. With Varget and the .308 Winchester, the possibilities are vast.
Resources
- Hodgdon Website: (Official source for Varget powder data and information)
- Sierra Bullets Reloading Manual: (Excellent source for load data, bullet information, and reloading techniques.)
- Hornady Reloading Handbook: (Another reputable source for load data and reloading information)
- Lyman Reloading Handbook: (A comprehensive reloading manual with a wide range of load data.)
- Reloading Forums: (Online forums where reloaders share tips, advice, and experiences) Note: Use this with caution and verify any data.
- Local Gun Stores (Seek professional reloading assistance.)
With careful attention to detail, and the responsible use of this information and the information from reloading manuals, you will find the pursuit of accuracy to be well worth the effort.
