Conflicting Load Data.

[Nushif]

I just recently ordered myself a complete press kit with all the stuff needed to start reloading. That's on the way via UPS and all is well.

Then I went to the local Bi-Mart and bought myself some powder, primers and bullets.

Here's where my problem comes in:
The Hornady 7th Edition Reloading Handbook says that I need ...
With CCI No. 500 Primers (Check) and 124 grain HP-XTP bullets (Check) I need anywhere up to 5.9 grains of powder (Hogdon HS-6 Pistol/Shotgun Powder, Check).
The powder label says I need 6.8 grains though.... for the identical powder.

Who do I listen to in this case? And generally, to be honest. I am such a noob.

 

[Publius1688]

I'd start with the lower & work your way up. The Hornady manual is usually pretty conservative (but not as much as Lee), but you won't run into trouble that way.

 

[Nushif]

How do I know when it's too much?
Because I don't wanna break my gun. >.<

 

[rcmodel]

Well, the people that sell the powder have more in store then the people that makes the bullets.

Hornady is known for being a little light on thier published loads.

Assuming you are talking about a 9mm??
The data on the can is probably not for an XTP 124.
All Hodgdon show's in the manual is a Sierra 125 grain FMJ using 6.4 Start - 6.8 MAX.

See, the devel is in the details.
You gots to read the details!

Still in all, I would say Hodgdon data is not going to blow you up with a 1 grain lighter XTP bullet if you do everything else right, and work up the load from 6.4 grains.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

I would follow the Hornady data since they worked it up with their XTP bullet.

The Hodgdon online data used a "125 GR. SIE FMJ"

 

[Walkalong]

Typing at the same time again.

rc is right, the Hodgdon data is unlikely to get you in trouble, but the Hornady data is easy to follow and even gives you the right O.A.L.

 

[Nushif]

Alright, I'll just stick to the Hornady data, then. This reloading bit is very technical. I kinda like it.

 

[Walkalong]

6.8 Grs of HS-6 and a Master Match JSP @ 1.122 O.A.L. gave me an Avg 1087 FPS in a 3" EMP, 1172 FPS in a 4 1/2" TZ75, & 1336 in a 16" AR. No signs of any problems.

Start low and work up, but as you can see, those velocities are not over what one would expect with a powder in that burn rate with that bullet weight. Some powders do less, and some can do more.

HS-6 is a good choice for medium to full load 9MM loads.

 

[NCsmitty]

Nushif, reloading is like most things, the more you do it, the easier it gets, as you learn the little nuances associated with it. The more data that you have at your disposal, the more prepared you are to make informed decisions on your load direction. Buying extra used load manuals on ebay or other places is always a good idea. Manufacturer's online data is usually the most current and is my first choice when choosing data.

My recommendation is to always be focused when reloading, and minimize distractions, because an accidental double charge in a case, or the wrong selection of powder, can really ruin your day.

Good common sense goes a long way. The information that rcmodel and Walkalong give you, you can take to the bank, as they have many years of experience in the shooting field.

Good shooting.



NCsmitty

 

[rfwobbly]

I just recently ordered myself a complete press kit with all the stuff needed to start reloading.

Nushif -
Welcome!

That last part of the sentence told us you were a "noob". Everyone here knows that you can count on 1 hand the total number of people in the world that "have all the stuff needed for reloading".

The higher powder weight may have been for a slightly longer OAL. So you have to look at the OAL AND the powder load to make an apples-to-apples comparison.

All things being equal, you are always safer to go with the lower load of the Hornady book. Especially since it's their bullet.

How do I know when it's too much?

Reloading is kind of like cooking. It's sort of technical with the measurements, but the finishing touches are all "art". Your lowest loads probably won't cycle the gun's action. 0.2gr higher might load 4 out of 5 OK. Then 0.2gr higher yet, things will start to be reliable. Another 0.1gr higher and the groups start to shrink. Another 0.1gr higher and the color inside the cartridge case may start to lighten up. For general target shooting that's where you want to stop until you can get a chronograph. You should end up well below the Hornady max load.

 

[Hondo 60]

The differences in the data reflect what tests each did with that particular powder & bullet. Neither is wrong. One just pushed a little further than the other. As long as you stay within published loads you'll do just fine.

By the way, welcome to the addiction!

 

[BigBob3006]

Nushif,

Sometime it seems as if the manuals are trying to contradict each other, just to start a fight. That's when you have to determine how they made their test.
One manual states max load for a .30-06 with a 150gr bullet is 62gr of H-4350
and another says something else. Who is to be believed? One load was developed in a universal receiver with a 26" barrel, while the other used a Remington M-700 ADL with a 22" barrel. You can bet the egg money on it. On top of that maybe the barrel of the Rem M700 has had 13,000 rounds through its barrel and the bore is a little over sized. The universal receiver has a barrel has only 857 rounds through it and is as tight as a misers purse strings. I think that's the reason good hand loaders own several manuals and reads all he has when starting work on a brand new rifle

 

[918v]

The reason Hornady's data shows a lower max charge is because they seat the XTP bullet deeper in the case. The deeper you seat the bullet, the higher the pressure will be. Since we are working with a max of 35000 PSI, the farther out you seat the bullet, the more powder you can stuff in the case before you reach that maximum.

 

[temmi]

When in doubt I always go with the Bullet manufacturer’s book.

BUT do check their website (or call) to insure that they have not had a misprint.
It is rare but it happens.

Most powder manufactures will produce loads for either “generic” bullets or will name the manufacturer but they will not have loads for every bullet manufacturer.