Blazerbowe
Member
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.
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.