Published load quandry

Roger T

Roger T

Member
I was in the mood to make up some Test loads today so I found the bullet I wanted to try then looked in some of the manuals I have that have loads for the 6-284 in them (Hornaday 7th ED,Hodgdon 26th and new online Hodgdon + Sierra's newest). I was going to use the Horn.75 v-max and H4350. While looking though the data I noticed that Hornaday's 7th ED. was a WHOPPING 8grs. less than Hodgdons online data for a max load and 10.7 grs. less on starting load:eek::confused:. Hornaday uses a ref Win. 284 case and so does Hodgdon, both use Win LR primers and are used in 10 twist barrels. Hornadays starting load is 38.3grs H4350 max is 45.0grs, Hodgdons starting load for H4350 is 49grs. max is 53.0grs (listed @52,300 CUP). Normally the difference I've seen with different loads/powders has only been a couple grs. not this HUGE. With Hodgdons STARTING load 4 grs. over Hornadays MAX. Well I ended up loading 5 rounds each of 44 grs. 45 grs. 46grs. I'll see what the cases tell me tommorrow.
 
Roger,
I do a lot of reloading for both handgun and rifle. What you have observed with the Hornady Manual is true across the board for almost any caliber cartridge. Unfortunately, Hornady does not list measured pressures, so a comparison with othe loading manuals is not possible. I will say this though, I have loaded to the max from Hodgen, Accurate and VV manuals, and I have never had a problem. One thing the Hornady manual is good for is it gives you a little history on the cartridge and has a good diagram of the dimensions and SAAMI specs for length, etc. In my opinion, that is all it is good for. A good example is for my 30-06 shooting 185 grain Berger VLD's using H4350. Hornady gives a max of 55 grains at a velocity of 2700 fps. Hodgen gives 57.5 grains max and shows 2800 fps. Both use 24" barrels. I routinely shoot 57 grains from my 22" Rem 700 ADL and chrono 2830 fps. I have experienced this type of difference with my .223, .260, .270 and 30-06. Same goes for 38 spl, 357 magnum, and 44 magnum. Who knows why Hornady does what they do. One would suspect being conservative to keep the insurance company happy. I for one am confident with the Hodgen data.
M14
 
I understand the( normal ) variences of 1-3 grs or so. I guess this particular load with a 10.7gr lighter start load (Hornady)had me thinking that it was bordering on EXCESSIVELY LIGHT with the effects that that brings with it. I too have been loading for many a year/cal just never seen one this out of whack. There's over 17% difference on the max side and roughley 27% on the start. A 27% reduction with some powders will make things go BOOM in a BAD way.
 
If you are going to compare apples to apples (powder load to powder load) in loading manuals you must first look at the test gun, barrel, barrel length, bullet design, etc. They are not all going to get the same results unless they used the same gun and same components that is not going to happen.

Further, variations in brass volume, primers used, powder lot, etc., are going to influence outcome.

The safest thing to do is read extensively on how to read pressure signs on fired cartridges, then start your loads about 10% under their mean and build up watching for pressure signs, if you are going for maximum velocity. If you are going for maximum accuracy, your 10% reduced load will probably be surprisingly close.
 
Powder charge

The points are well taken. However... such a large difference does make you wonder who/what/when and where such tests are done and which is the best to follow. Roger has some very valid points.
 
Jerry,

Your points are well taken. However, there is a clear conservatism on the part of Hornady compared to other manuals, at least for the calibers I have worked with. The fact that they don't publish pressures also speaks for their desire to avoid legal problems. Just my opinion, not a big deal. I always check for signs of overpressure as I work up my loads and I also chrono new loads to ensure my velocities are within reason.
M14
 
Jerry

Cases both reformed Win., Primers both WLR, Barrels both 10 twist, bullets both 75gr v-max, although 1 barrel was a 26" the other was 24" . But a 14.7gr DIFFERENCE from low start 38.3 (Hornaday) to a 53gr max (Hodgdon) seems a BIT unusual doesn't it ? And yes I've checked upteen times to make sure 1 wasn't IMR 4350 their both H-4350. Sierra uses a 8 twist and ofcourse their own 70-75gr bullets but their data although lower, is about in the middle. Jerry this is my point, IF I reduced the Hodgdon 10% (5.3grs) Hornaday says I'm 4 + grains over max . I did load 5ea @ 44gr,45gr, and 46gr and will go from there. I'll get them tested as soon as the CLAY DUSTERS are done at the range today.
 
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Range results

All 3 loads looked like the cases had been CANDLED, Soot starting 3/8 in. before shoulder .Groups looked more like a shotgun pattern . I'm glad I didn't start any lighter
 
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