Metering Varget
- Thread starter savage440
- Start date
When loading Varget in .308, I always set the measure slightly light, and then use a trickler on the scale to bring the charge up to the desired load. I weigh all my loads.
What range of weights were you observing?
Were you using the identical routine every time?
I use a Lee measure when loading .223 with WC735 and RL15, and find the thrown weights to be very consistant.
What range of weights were you observing?
Were you using the identical routine every time?
I use a Lee measure when loading .223 with WC735 and RL15, and find the thrown weights to be very consistant.
If I tap with my finger twice I would be just a bit under, put it on the scale and got the desired 42 grains with a trickler. If I turned the dial ever so slightly it would be a whole grain over. There has got to be a better way. $300 for the lock and load auto charger sounds pretty good right now, if it would work.
I meter Varget with the Lee Perfect Powder measure, and find it generally is within +/- 0.1 grains, and some +/- 0.2 grains. I set my measure to weigh 0.2 grains light and trickle the last bit into the scale pan. I shoot for accuracy and would never consider using a powder measure straight into the case. I do a final weigh with a balance beam scale on every load.
There is an adjustment for tension on the measure. You may want to try it a little looser or tighter. Also, not sure if you can use H322, but it meters better. I would say pretty consistently to +/- 0.1 grains.
There is an adjustment for tension on the measure. You may want to try it a little looser or tighter. Also, not sure if you can use H322, but it meters better. I would say pretty consistently to +/- 0.1 grains.
I have a RCBS chargemaster, and a Dillon 550b. Both meter varget extremely well. They are about equal in thier measurement of the veight of a charge if I let the CM weigh only once. This is even though the 550B is measuring volume. If I let the CM weigh the charge the second time, it is a little more accurate, but takes much longer then the 550B.
The 550b is +- .1 grain, and that is only about 1 in 10 that is that far off. The charegemaster is either exact, or +.1 grain. never low.
The 550b is +- .1 grain, and that is only about 1 in 10 that is that far off. The charegemaster is either exact, or +.1 grain. never low.
Do that for sure. . . I have put two or three hoppers through mine now, and it is still getting better. Varget has done all right with mine, and Reloder 7 as well.
PerversPépère
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Shawinigan (Quebec)
I go up one step from Lee's recommendations: I use a small amount of salvaged powder (scrap) that I have mixed with powdered graphite.
From time to time, I run this mix through the measure then save it for the next time.
It coats the insides very evenly and I have no static or powder hangup problems.
As for loads with Varget or any stick powder such as 4831, I always trickle them up to the mark. I never trust measures with stick powder.
PP.
- Location
- Regina, SK
Same results with my 550b consistently accurate time and time again!
I don't intend to sabotage this thread, as my question is slightly defferent but somewhat the same. I have read before that some believe in measuring by volume and some by weight and therefore some believe that in just throwing the powder it will be more accurate even though the weights on the scale vary from charge to charge. I always thought that weighing was the accurate way to go, however this summer I plan on loading 50 either way and seeing if I will notice a difference in one of my more accurate rifles. If not than I will proceed to just throwing and save myself an hour every evening of reloading. Anyone else experiment on this issue?
550b and RCBS rangemaster for spot-checks. I'm sure it's not exact each time +/- 0.1gr, maybe a spherical powder would be more consistent, but I do like the way Varget behaves (and the big pieces are easier to pick up if I spill a couple granules 
The amount of powder charge is related to the weight, yes. Volumetric is fairly consistent from charge to charge, but not exact, due to the way the granules stack, etc. Not normally enough to worry about, but if you wanted to be exact, follow the poster above who suggests a light volumetric dispense, then a trickle to the desired weight. The flip-side is that when you dump it into the shell, it's going to fall slightly different each time as well. smaller size granules, or tapping the case (if filling it to a compressible amount) before seating the bullet, can help make more consistent rounds, but that's splitting hairs (along with variances in bullet weight, temperature)...
I used to be very careful with my weights - with the Lee 50 press, I'd make up 100 rounds of 9mm a night, all of them almost exactly the same. These days, I'll do 400-500 rounds in an evening, not exact, but can punch paper the same.
The amount of powder charge is related to the weight, yes. Volumetric is fairly consistent from charge to charge, but not exact, due to the way the granules stack, etc. Not normally enough to worry about, but if you wanted to be exact, follow the poster above who suggests a light volumetric dispense, then a trickle to the desired weight. The flip-side is that when you dump it into the shell, it's going to fall slightly different each time as well. smaller size granules, or tapping the case (if filling it to a compressible amount) before seating the bullet, can help make more consistent rounds, but that's splitting hairs (along with variances in bullet weight, temperature)...
I used to be very careful with my weights - with the Lee 50 press, I'd make up 100 rounds of 9mm a night, all of them almost exactly the same. These days, I'll do 400-500 rounds in an evening, not exact, but can punch paper the same.
