Anyone else a big fan of Hodgons online reloading data center

[R.W.Dale]

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

To me this is one of the very best reloading sources ever published, in print or online. I find myself more and more using hodgon products simply and a big part of the reason why is the ease of finding load data.

I've come to rely on this resource a great deal, to the point of selling off most of my printed reloading manuals.

 

[ar10]

I use it but don't rely on it alone.

 

[Remo-99]

yep, their extensive online data makes things alot easier when comparing data from other sources(my own loads and other published data).
If all powder manufacturers/distributors had similar details/information, it sure would make choosing loads a lot easier. IMO

 

[bakert]

Thanks for posting that. I had forgotten about it.

 

[Sunray]

Good source for data, but the site is slow.
"...find myself more and more using Hodgon products..." It's hard not to. They're making or selling the more common powders.

 

[GP100man]

I like hodgdons support of there products

weither there hodgdon or others they will answer ?? called in!!!
i called em 2 times when i was developin loads with lilgun & they acted happy to talk to me & listen to my endeavors& certainly would make suggestions , but tactfully always.
i never give up on the old manuals though& never sold one , really hate to lend em.


GP100man

 

[TheGrimReaper]

I really like it myself. I can find a lot of data I can't find in my manuals...

 

[Steve C]

The one thing that annoys me is that Hodgdon has reduced all the lead bullet loads to "cowboy" level. For most all handgun loads their listed velocity is based on longer barrels, likely un-vented test barrels which makes their predicted velocities meaningless as a piratical matter for most revolvers.

Example: Winchester data in 2002 list was:
.38 spl max 4.5grs of W231 at 830 fps (15,800 psi)
.38 spl +P load at 4.7grs of W231 at 860fps (17,100 psi)
.38 spl cowboy load at 4.1gr at 900 fps from a 6.5" barrel

The first 2 loads match the Winchester factory balistic chart very closely from a 4" test barrel and my chrono results are statistically the same from my 4" revolvers.

Hodgdon never listed anything but "cowboy" loads using HP-38 for lead bullets prior to their takeover of Winchester powders marketing and distribution. Their current data hasn't changed for HP-38 but they have neutered the W231 data to their HP-38 levels with fantasy velocities that you MIGHT get from a rifle length barrel.

Current Hodgdon .38 spl data says use a max of 3.7grs of W231 or HP38 with a 158gr lead bulet for 830 fps and a pressure of 14,800 CUP (note change in units). A .38 spl +P loading with 158gr lead bullets isn't even listed.

Now when SAAMI used CUP as their units of pressure a standard pressure load in the .38 spl was 18,900 CUP so Hodgdon's 14,900 CUP is certainly on the light side.

Current SAAMI pressure in the .38 spl is 17,000 psi max and for the +P its 18,500 psi. The Winchester data is a lot more believable and real world even though their +P load is just barely beyond standard pressure.

 

[jhansman]

I've used the Hodgdon site to copy and paste data into Word tables and Excel spreadsheets that I then format to my own liking. All of that goes into a binder that sits on my reloading bench. Since I only reload two calibers (and both with Hodgdon powders), manuals are just overkill for me, and the only one I own is the Lee manual that came with my kit. I wish the bullet companies would follow Hodgdon's example.

 

[pinkymingeo]

Keep in mind that Hodgdon's fps data, at least for handgun cartridges, is wildly optimistic. Apparently they use a 10" pressure barrel. Then they smoke some dope, shoot some ammo, and record what sounds good. Subtract 200fps if you have a 6" barrel, 400fps for a 2" barrel, and you'll be in the ballpark.

 

[NCsmitty]

Yes, Hodgden is the manufacturer/distributor site I most often reference. My main reference is Ammoguide.com, of which I'm a member. That has a lot of real world data and is worth the money. As much as I like Alliant products, their on line data layout sucks.

NCsmitty

 

[R.W.Dale]

Keep in mind that Hodgdon's fps data, at least for handgun cartridges, is wildly optimistic. Apparently they use a 10" pressure barrel. Then they smoke some dope, shoot some ammo, and record what sounds good. Subtract 200fps if you have a 6" barrel, 400fps for a 2" barrel, and you'll be in the ballpark.

FYI

It doesn't display bbl length in the pulldown tables but if you select a load and click "print" It comes up in a different window with all the relevant data, bbl length, primer, case ect ect.

and yes 158grn bullets using H110 in 357 magnum is tested from a 10"bbl

 

[Remo-99]

Keep in mind that Hodgdon's fps data, at least for handgun cartridges, is wildly optimistic.

yeah, I'm a little suspect as to who done the testing for their data, as one of their powder manufacturers has the exact same data, right down to the very same fps reading.

That said, their max load data has worked out to be completely safe in all my rifles/pistols/shotguns and even a little on a conservative side, but in this day and age of litigation, who can blame, them I guess.

I remember a while back looking up how they got the data for their rifle loads, and most of it was from a test barrel length longer than was standardly used in most fireams.

 

[Walkalong]

While not as bad as it was, it still sucks, but it is useful.

 

[frogomatic]

I was unaware that Hodge had a site with load data, that's awesome. I'm a big fan of hodge, love their 4895 and Varget. Always gives me really good performance. Thanks for the link, just bookmarked it.

 

[jfh]

Steve C has it right.

The Hodgdon site is probably the best manufacturer online site for reloading data presentation.

The data itself is limited--badly.

IMO, it should be contrasted with other recipes.

Jim H.

 

[pilot teacher]

I think most of the loads from the reloading center can be found in the various reloading manuals out there. Just follow basic reloading 101 and start with a reduced load then work your way up.

Even then, I've seen loads in different manuals that are over conservative.
Reloading data is pretty much subjective in nature and is mitigated by test barrel length, temperature, atmospheric pressure and all the rest of intangible variations.

 

[buck460XVR]

I find the Hodgdon site useful as another cross reference resource for loading data. I too have been suspect to the speeds they post as the same loads on other manuals are quite a bit slower. Like all reloading data I always check at least two other resources before trying something new. For instance, Hodgdons starting load recipe for a 300 grain XTPmag over Lil' Gun outta my .460 is 2 grains over max in any other manual I have found. 3 grains under the same starting load produces sticky extraction in my X-frame. Again, it is a good reference source, but not a bible.

 

[Win52D]

While it is not a free mfg page I like http://www.loaddata.com/home/members.cfm

This site has load data derived from mfg reloading books plus if you have a special request the mag tries to find data on it.

 

[moooose102]

i use it all the time. even if i do not use their exact load, it is a great reference place. one of the most valuable reloading resources i have.

 

[SSN Vet]

use it all the time...

for both Hodgdon and Winchester powders....

I try to always add other sources, but find the Hodgdon data reliable.

+1 for their efforts

 

[ilike223s]

yes I used that a lot. but i use Noslers too.and along with all my othr reloading books, and data,I like lymans for the cast bullets great stuff in his books of cast,