Starting Loads Question .308 H-Varget

I am new to Hand-Loading for Rifles. I have been doing lots, Lots, Lots of Reading. No matter how much one reads there are always questions

I have a New Savage FCP-K .308, I purchased some H-Varget, New Brass, SMK 175/JHBT & CCI LG-BR Primers.

I see that the Published (Hodgdon) Load Data for this Combination is 42 Grains Start - 45 Grains Never Exceed.

When I begin my Load Workups for this setup should I be starting at the 42 Grains, or at the 42 Grains - 10%?

I have Beam Scale, Digital Scale, Dippers and plan to cross check everything as I proceed.

If you kind folks have any other words of wisdom to impart I am all ears. Thanks much for your response and help.

HL

The book says, 42 minus 10%.

Me, I would load one at 41, 41.5, 42.0, 42.3, 42.6, 42.9, 43.1, etc, etc.

Google ladder load test........your results will tell you what your barrel likes.

Once you find the powder node, start varying your COAL...and run the ladder again.

Hi you can start at 42gr and not have to worry hogdon site is very conservative, even a full casing at 45gr is way under max so go for it.

Thanks for the reply/info. I'll follow your suggestions.

I agree with scope eye, that should work well.

Reloading is very rewarding, you'll find you can make bullets that are much, much more accurate than factory loads.

I use both IMR 4064 and IMR 4895 with good results in .308 at the 110, 123, 165, and 168 grain bullet weight.

Have fun!

I have a 10FP that I load 175SMK's in also for my 1,000 yard range.
I use LC brass, and have Switched between WLR, and CCI BR2 primers. Never saw a pressure or velocity difference, only SD went down with the BR2's.
With your Savage you will find that it is VERY long throated, so if you are after accuracy, find out what your Max OAL is, and seat something like 1/32" deeper. Personally, I had a hard time reaching 2600fps with Varget without running into pressures. I switched to Win 748 and MY max load is 46.5 gr. with a velocity of 2685fps.
YMMV..

I have never heard to reduce starting loads by 10% (or any %)
The only time you should reduce a load by 10% is when there is no starting or minimum load listed, for example, your buddy has a pet load thats 44 grains of varget and you want to try it, always reduce it by 10% to start.... normaly when you have a min and max load you should NOT go below the minimum load listed....

at least, thats how I understand it.... I dont claim to be an expert.....

go to hodgdons .com its on there sit ;D

Hi I read somewhere I think on Hogdon's site that you can reduce H4895 up to 60% from max load.
Thanks Dean

Thanks Guys! Much Appreciated!

I did have the H-Varget Data from the Hodgdon Site but I was not sure if Start Loads needed the 10% reduction. I did not think so, but wanted to ask here, make sure and not assume.

Thanks!

no thats 10% below max if you want the max load ;D