Hornady XTP Load Data

[Blazerbowe]

So, I'm working through all 500 of the free Hornady XTP 185gr bullets that were included with my press. So far, I'm 100 in. I've been a bit confused, however, in regards to load data. I have two data books: Lyman Handbook 49th ed., and the Hornady Manual 8th ed. And I'm using Winchester 231 powder.

Since they are Hornady bullets, I assumed the Hornady book would be the best place to start. Here's what it shows:

Starting load - 6.4 gr, Max load - 7.2 gr.

Cross referencing in the Lyman book with the same grain bullet (185 jhp):

Starting load - 4.4 gr, Max load - 6.1 gr.

Internet sources and others are anywhere in between. Being new to reloading still, I'm uber-uber safe when it comes to load amts and I've always started at the bottom. But since the Hornady starting number is .3 gr. more than the Lyman maximum number.... I was a bit tentative.

I decided to start at 5.5 gr. I made 25 rounds at 5.5 gr. and 25 rounds at 5.8 gr. To me, the 5.5 gr. rounds were just what I was looking for. The rounds at 5.8 felt a little too hot for just target shooting.... so I think I'll probably stick in the 5.5 range.

My question is why the large discrepancy? According to Hornady's book, I didn't even sniff their starting load amt. After shooting them, I'm not sure I'd wanna make them up that hot. Lots of experience in here. Just wondering if I'm on the right track around 5.5 gr? Thx everyone.

 

[rsrocket1]

Caliber of bullet?

Edit:
Thanks for the clarification.
Sorry I couldn't get back sooner, but Hodgdon's website shows 5.0g to 5.9g for a 185g JSWC which is not the XTP but close. So if you are shooting 5.5g, that's right in the middle of the range and should be fine, especially if it feels comfortable to you.

 

[rcmodel]

Well, since W-231 and HP-38 are exactly the same power since 2006?

I'd assume the Lyman data was tested prior to that date when it wasn't.
Because they show different data for W-231 and HP-38.

Hornadys data is probably with the "new" W-231 and Lymans with the "old" W-231.
See this about that:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=692547&highlight=forbes+air+base


Also, Lymans test data was also shot in a Bond Universal Test Receiver with a minimum tolerance SAAMI test barrel.

Hornadys was shot in a sloppy old Colt 1911 pistol barrel.

rc

 

[Blazerbowe]

.45 acp

 

[Blazerbowe]

Thx for the link RC.....

As usual, you are a wealth of info. Didn't realize W-231 and HP-38 were the same. I'm still a little leery of the Hornady numbers. I think I'm gonna stick in the 5.5 - 5.8 range for my .45 loads. At least for those I use to kill paper and steel with.

Appreciate the help.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Start with the Lyman manual and work up. You will find that the 6.1 grains of W-231 under a 185 grain XTP to be a snappy load. fps will run around 850 to 900.

A good target load is 5.0 grains of W-231. You might have a look at WSF also.

 

[helotaxi]

Also, Lymans test data was also shot in a Bond Universal Test Receiver with a minimum tolerance SAAMI test barrel.

Hornadys was shot in a sloppy old Colt 1911 pistol barrel.

Not sure if this was meant to be a joke or not. My understanding is that Hornady does their pressure testing in a test barrel with pressure transducers and then fires for velocity from the listed firearm.