I know this is a grilling question, but hoping some might know the
answer.

I have a Weber Performer, which I can get blast furnace hot for normal
grilling in minutes. Setting it up for indirect cooking is dead
simple, too.

But there are a few occasions when I want to start the grill at medium
direct. That's when I envy my bretheren on their gassers. They just
turn the knob half-way.

I know that I have vents and ways of arranging/lighting charcoal
briquets at my disposal--I just don't know the technique.

Is there a tried and true method--"If you want to start your charcoal
grill at 300 or so degrees and keep it in that range, do this and
this"--that someone can recommend?

Thanks!