Hornady vs Hodgdon load data differences

[dscoduc]

It's been awhile since I had something worth reloading and am now trying to get back into the swing of things. I opened up my Hornady reloading book for 155 gr 308 Winchester and found the data numbers for CFE 223 showing min 42.4 gr and max of 49.6 gr load. Looking at the Hodgdon load data on their website I see min of 49.5 gr and a max of 51.0 gr.

Given that I used to do loads using a .5 gr spread this seems like a big disparity between these two different load data sources... Can someone tell me what I am missing that might explain why there is such a difference of load data?

[Bumslie]

Different guns/recievers tested will cause different results.

Not to mention different lots of powder, bullets used..etc.

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[JackEllis]

You're comparing data for Hornady bullets in the Hornady book with data for Sierra bullets on the Hodgdon web site. No surprise that the two sources provide different load data.

Probably best to either pick a bullet and then find a powder for which there's data, or pick a powder and then choose a bullet. I just did a little searching on your behalf and Sierra doesn't appear to have load data for it's 155 grain bullet using CFE 223.

[LynnJr]

You didn't mention which editions of there reloading manuals you are using but it usually comes down to the brass used the primer used or the over all length.

[pennstater]

Yes, as mentioned, many variables from different sources at play. Always good to have at least a couple different manuals on hand, newer the better, and cross reference data.

[J-cat]

Hornady data is based on Hornady cases. Hodgdon data is based on Winchester cases. The latter have more capacity and allow you to use more powder at the same max pressure.

[popeye4]

Many variables. This is why you start low and work up, looking for indications of high pressure (the manuals discuss this). NEVER assume what is in a manual will always work in your gun. That information is a guide for you to develop your own loads.

[LynnJr]

Hornady data is based on Hornady cases. Hodgdon data is based on Winchester cases. The latter have more capacity and allow you to use more powder at the same max pressure.

If this is accurate and I have no reason to doubt it this is your answer.

[elk hunter]

Reloading books/data are only a guide. Do your normal work up with components that are as similar as what the books used.

[JagerDog]

It's been awhile since I had something worth reloading and am now trying to get back into the swing of things. I opened up my Hornady reloading book for 155 gr 308 Winchester and found the data numbers for CFE 223 showing min 42.4 gr and max of 49.6 gr load. Looking at the Hodgdon load data on their website I see min of 49.5 gr and a max of 51.0 gr.

Given that I used to do loads using a .5 gr spread this seems like a big disparity between these two different load data sources... Can someone tell me what I am missing that might explain why there is such a difference of load data?

I'm surprised the starting load is so close to the max load. Looks like an error. Doesn't follow their convention and 10kpsi increase with 1.5gr powder? Looking at the 165 gr data follows their convention. But their 150gr data looks a lot like the 155 (though e-tip). Hmmmm.

Regardless, I'd follow convention of start 5-10% off max and work up. The difference in max between data can be attributed to a lot of variables (powder lot, case lot, primer lot, temp, chamber dimensions, barrel dimensions, etc. you don't have control over or info on.

[RestrictedColt]

Look at all the details of both source's data; primers, cases, bullets will probably vary between the two. The next consideration is them probably having different lawyers. If you use the complete data set from either you should be fine. Most likely you can mix & match some components and still be safe, but sometimes not. Hornady has some 'special' bullets that get completely different loadings from other's bullets of the same weight.

[tonyjr]

Read the book .
It will tell you which primer , case , bullet and maybe temperature when the
results were taken .
Start lowest and work up with their info .

[dscoduc]

One question I have is why there never seems to be any load data published with CCI primers - I mainly only ever see Federal primers. I've always read that CCI is an excellent primer and have never even seen Federal primers for sale at any of the local reloading shops - mainly CCI and Winchester... What gives?