How do you resolve conflicting load data?

[MarikinaMan]

Ive got a bunch of Hornady 125gr HAP bullets.

The Hodgdon website says 3.3gr of W231 is the max load.

My 2017 Hodgdon Reloading Manual says 4.4gr.

What would you do?

[highpower790]

Go with current data!

[MarikinaMan]

Go with current data!

Arent both pretty current?

[CSACANNONEER]

I suggest referencing a couple other sources and using them to help figure out which one was a typo.

[Revoman]

^^^^
This, that is why one always checks multiple data sources.

[bubbala]

And,,, starts with 10% below minimum.

[boyguan]

Start low and go up

[russ69]

Start low and go up

This and check velocities with a chrony.

[ironhorse1]

Wow 3.3 grains is not even listed as a starting load in my manuals.

I would start at 4 grains and work up to 4.5. I found even higher loads listed but I would definitely not start at 3.3 grains.

irh

[mrbigsteel]

Since both sources are Hodgdon, I would call them. They have tech support people who can advise you.

[ironhorse1]

Hodgdon start load is 2.8 grains. This powder is not Bullseye but is closer to Unique in burn rate. I run 4.5 grains of BE and they still are not full power loads. While I have always considered Hodgdon load data to be on the conservative side this is the lowest 9mm start load that I have come across.


2.8 753 25,300 PSI 3.3 876 33,600 PSI

[trackcage]

Normally I would say start at the lowest load you can find and work up. But that is stupid low. I'd start ar 3.5 and work up. You will likely land around 4 grains when all said and done. I'd look at a burn rate chart and use that as a sanity check for similar burn rate powders and what their load data says. Not gospel, but helps

[J-cat]

Is the oal the same for both sets of data?

[trackcage]

Is the oal the same for both sets of data?

OAL should be determined by plunk testing your barrel and making sure the rounds fit in your magazine. If you pass both of these, why load any shorter?

[hambam105]

I often find myself in the same situation, it occurs from time to time with half dozen different reloading manuals at the ready.
It takes me a few minutes, and probably longer than it should, but I usually find the answer under the heading, Common Sense.