So I stopped into Cabela's today on my way back from VT to pick up some reloading stuff and avoid hazmat fees. I've been so pleased with my 45 Colt and 454 reloading that I've decided to give 30-30 and 30-06 a go. Based on Hodgdon data, I decided to go with Varget as it will serve for both at mid level loads. But there's none in the powder cupboard, so I ask one of the salespeople whether they would have any Varget in stock. She doesn't know much about it so gets two other fellows over and I ask again whether they have any Varget in stock and can they look it up. There's much scratching of heads and they say that they don't know what I'm talking about, never heard of this powder. Finally, the Guns & Ammo Dept Manager comes over and I point to the poster of Hodgdon powders and ask again for the the Varget. He says ohhhhhh, you mean Varget. Sure, we have some out back. I'll get it right out. He pronounces it to rhyme with target. I have been pronouncing it in the effete French manner. The horror.
Handi content: After the embarrassment of the Varjay, I went over to look in the used gun section. I immediately spot a Handi stocked in dead plain black synthetic. Pick it up - 35 Whelen. Now, this caliber intrigues me. I feel like it's the red haired stepchild of large bore calibers and yet it should be an All American classic. So that, and creeping handiholism, lead me to look at the price tag. $249. Well, I walk into the gun room and, giddy with my recent reloading
faut pas on top of a screaming handi jones, offer a crazy $200. Nope. I guess they, like me, think 35 Whelen is misunderstood and underappreciated. Unlike me, they must have a crack habit...
