.45ACP 185 gr XTP OAL Discrepancy

[rfwobbly]

I think you are reading WAY too much into the notes on the listed OAL.

Load Data is a lab report on cartridge testing. The report is 100% totally focused on Chamber Pressure, so that the user of the report doesn't get hurt. The 2 components of chamber pressure are 1) amount of powder, and 2) OAL. So any lab report on cartridge testing must include OAL in order to be complete and useful.

You will not find a statement in any manual saying that the listed OAL is a "recommendation" or that it will always work in every chamber. That would be a truly silly statement considering 110 years of 45ACP production ! No, the user's best OAL is to be found through experimentation with his/her chamber and his/her feed ramp.
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[mdi]

Reread the OP. I don't care for the "One book, One caliber" pamphlets. First I couldn't find out when the testing was made, and the ones I've seen were so-so xerox copies of someone's published data. Personally, I like books and it's no big deal to get a decent reloading manual with up to date data, done with up to date equipment. I bought one for 44 Magnum many years ago and it is the one book I looked at once and put away. I believe there is no excuse for not getting reliable, current data today, either from published manuals or powder/bullet manufacturers' web sites.

BTW, I just bought a copy of Hodgdon's 2022 annual manual ($9.99). A whole bunch of new bullets and up to date calibers. Lots of good articles/info in the front half and costs just $.04 more than the "One..." books...