Different Load Data Which one to use?

[casey b]

I have 2 reloading manuals one is the Hornady Handbook 7th edition. The other is Moderning Reloading Second Edition by Richard Lee. The 2 books differ on there recipies. My question is which one should I go by? In the Hornady Handbook the data for 45 ACP 230 grain jacketed bullet using w231 powder is start at 5.1 grains and never exceed 5.7 grains. The modern reloading book for the same powder and bullet is start at 4.8 grains and never exceed 5.1 grains. I loaded some at 5.5 grains and they seemed ok. I just do not know which one to trust.

 

[Walkalong]

5.5 Grs of W-231 and a 230 Gr FMJ in .45 ACP is a load several of us here came up with independently. It is a good one. It is very close to GI spec.

 

[edelbrock]

If you have already loaded some at 5.5 grains, then you have already decided on which one to trust.

 

[Ol` Joe]

The Lee manual is a compilation of old data from various sources, Hodgdon, Speer, IMR, ect. The Hornady #7 is their newest edition and developed for and with their product. I try to use data from the bullet source 1st and the powder source 2nd, and always strive for the latest if possible.
None of the manuals are cut in stone however and are only meant as guides to developing your loads

I`m sure that`s going to raise hackles...

 

[Randy1911]

I have the same question. In Alliants manual it says for 45 acp and 230 gr. FMJ with Power Pistol to use a load of 7.4 to start and a max of 8.1. In my Lyman manual it says that 7.5 is max. Who do you believe. I loaded up some at 7.2 and they were what I would consider max. I loaded up some 357 mag. with a 125 JHP and H110. One book said that 21.0 was a start load and a load of 22.0 was max. I loaded up some that were 21.5 and they were so hot that I thought I was shooting rifle cartridges in my pistol. I then found in my Speer book that 18.5 was max. I guess that you should start lowest you can find and work up slowly. Trust no one.

 

[loadedround]

Very interesting variances in loading data for 230gr/231 powder. My current Speer Manual #14 shows the following data for the 230 gr FMJ bullet using 231 powder:
starting load: 5.6 gr
maximum load: 6.2 gr

The Hodgdon website shows the following data for the following bullet/powder combination:
starting load: 4.2 gr
maximum load: 5.3 gr

As the others have stated, stick with the 5.5 gr and you should be ok.

 

[Randy1911]

It seems like the more books I buy, the more confused I get.

 

[tactikel]

Welcome to handloading! I use 6 different loading manuals, all the powder Co. websites, and sites like THR and several others. Many manuals have gone conservative (afraid of lawsuits)- this is good. I consult several sources and start at a consensus target/accuracy load and work up until I get perfect functioning, then look for accuracy, and lastly economy. Great enjoyment can be had working up loads, sharing data, and trying new powder/bullet combos! Each gun has a unique pressure tolerance, and accuracy preference,
have fun finding yours, and above all, be SAFE!

 

[Redneck with a 40]

My Lee 2nd Edition book max's the 165 grain .308 at 42.5 grains with IMR 4064, the Hodgdon data max's it at 46.3 grains. Pretty big spread there, lol. I loaded some at 44 grains, they were accurate as all get out and clocked about 2650, perfect.

 

[jim147]

Some of the old info was easier. Like use 5 grains. That is all some of my old stuff says.
The Lee stuff is good but not as up to date as the powder companies or the bullet makers. If you start with the low from your low one and work up to that max. You may be able to then work towards the max of the high one.
I hope that was as confusing to you as I tried to make it. There are too many new reloaders to answer like I would of a year ago.
I always try to start with the bullet makers info. If I can't find an accurate load then I look elsewhere.

jim