Varget Kernel weight
- Thread starter Westside
- Start date
Holy Smokes!! What is happening here when we are starting to worry about the weight of one kernel of any given powder?? There are several factors that have a lot more influence on the consistency of a load than a kernel or two either way. Regards, Eagleye.
I shoot 6br at 1000 and have seen no reason to get so anal about charge weights as that! I use a Chargemaster Combo, and just return any charge to the hopper that is not exactly the weight I am throwing. Eagleye.
Thanks guys, i was just using the info to confirm that my digital scale is reading correctly.
I have loaded up 200 rounds of .223 with 25.80gr of Varget
but to be honest i find the time spent in the reloading room "soothing".
I also took the time to sort my brass down to .10 of a grain.
Now when i get some shooting time i will see if it gets my groups any tighter.
I have loaded up 200 rounds of .223 with 25.80gr of Varget
but to be honest i find the time spent in the reloading room "soothing".I also took the time to sort my brass down to .10 of a grain.
Now when i get some shooting time i will see if it gets my groups any tighter.
I wouldn't want anyone to misread my statements. There is nothing wrong with being exact when you are reloading. However, in my 50 or so years of reloading experience, I have learned that there is a point at which all the "pickiness" does not give returns that are worthwhile. The idea is to enjoy your hobby as much as I have over the years. Regards, Eagleye.
Nothing taken in the wrong way Eagleye, My main reason for being so picky about this last reload is to see what sort of difference it will achieve in the following:
-muzzel velocity variation
-my groups at 1100 yards
I have everything all set now, so once i get the weather window along with some time off i hope to have some results that mean something to me.
When shooting under 300 yards at steel targets i just load the powder that is thrown from my "Lee Perfect powder measure" which generally varies by a full grain.
-muzzel velocity variation
-my groups at 1100 yards
I have everything all set now, so once i get the weather window along with some time off i hope to have some results that mean something to me.
When shooting under 300 yards at steel targets i just load the powder that is thrown from my "Lee Perfect powder measure" which generally varies by a full grain.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
Eagleye, I have seen dramatic improvements in my LR groups once I started to use a scale that could hold ERROR under 0.1gr. For the 223, it is critical. Not as bad in a 308 volume case but it does help.
Varget is roughly 0.02gr per kernel but kernels vary in size - close enough
H4831SC is approx 0.04gr per kernel so if trying to keep your loads to the same 0.1gr, varying by 3 kernels can put you in the next tenth.
As little as 6 kernels can spread your loads by 0.2gr which is way too much.
Although convenient, another shooter measured the results from their Chargemaster and got weights varying as much as 0.3gr despite the readout saying all was the same.
Some set ups don't show much difference in accuracy with 0.2gr but I am finding more and more of my precision rifles showing slight differences on paper especially in the amount of vertical dispersion.
At 200yds, my vertical is almost zero and my groups are shrinking into the high 1's and 2's. Just shot my best 5rds group at this distance with my 6.5 Mystic - .145".
This with F class rifles based on Savage and Stevens.
My next task is to learn how to anneal the necks. I have seen some surprising gains and want to get a method that is consistent and fast.
It is fussy loading but the results on paper or out to a mile are very rewarding.
Jerry
Varget is roughly 0.02gr per kernel but kernels vary in size - close enough
H4831SC is approx 0.04gr per kernel so if trying to keep your loads to the same 0.1gr, varying by 3 kernels can put you in the next tenth.
As little as 6 kernels can spread your loads by 0.2gr which is way too much.
Although convenient, another shooter measured the results from their Chargemaster and got weights varying as much as 0.3gr despite the readout saying all was the same.
Some set ups don't show much difference in accuracy with 0.2gr but I am finding more and more of my precision rifles showing slight differences on paper especially in the amount of vertical dispersion.
At 200yds, my vertical is almost zero and my groups are shrinking into the high 1's and 2's. Just shot my best 5rds group at this distance with my 6.5 Mystic - .145".
This with F class rifles based on Savage and Stevens.
My next task is to learn how to anneal the necks. I have seen some surprising gains and want to get a method that is consistent and fast.
It is fussy loading but the results on paper or out to a mile are very rewarding.
Jerry
Last edited:
Jerry, I agree that case capacity has a bearing on powder variation sensitivity. Smaller cases require better consistency to rule out vertical. However, even at 1000 yards, I have yet to see .1 grain make an iota of difference in vertical in a case of 35 grains+ capacity. Neck tension, which you mention in your post, is a far greater factor in consistency. Regards, Eagleye.
- Location
- south western ontario
I've just recently for the first time,done a ladder test on 40 gr V-max out of a stevens 223 rem with h335,,,the results are amazing,,and definitely find's an optimal charge weight of + or - 0.1 grains,,,wich most digital scales tolerances are + or - .1gr,,,,there for an optimal charge weight doesn't really matter if your + or - 0.1 grains..I plan on doing a ladder test this long weekend on a savage 204 and 40gr V-max,looking for a optimal charge weight,,not an exact weight
