It seems to me that some of the load data I encounter can vary quite a bit. For instance I am now starting to load .45ACP. I have 3 basic sources for data. The Hornady book that came with my press. Lyman 49th Edition. And I use the Hodgdon website. My first loads were done using once fired brass, CCI large pistol primers, 230 gr. FMJ round nose bullets and Win 231.
Here's the load data from the 3 sources...
Hornady book: starts at 5.0 gr. and lists 700fps., 5.3gr. at 750fps and max load of 5.7gr. for 800fps. Of course they list their 230gr. FMJ at C.O.L of 1.230"
Lyman book: starts at 5.2gr for 758fps. 5.8gr. max load at 849fps. That's with a unnamed 230gr TMJ at 1.275 OAL.
Hodgdon web site: 4.2gr for 751fps. Max load 5.3gr for 832fps. For a Hornady 230gr. FMJ FP, not sure what the FP stands for. 1.200" OAL
Last night I started loading my first test rounds before I looked at the Hodgdon site. So I made 10 rounds each at 5.0gr, 5.2gr, 5.4gr, and 5.6gr. And my OAL is 1.256+/- a thousandth. I checked the OAL on 2 factory rounds and they were both right at 1.264
To me the diferences in data can be a little confusing especially if you look at the max grains from Lyman at 5.8 compared to Hodgdons at 5.3. If I go by Hodgdon my last to test groups are over charged! Heck the Lyman book starts at just .1 of a grain lower than Hodgdons max.
I have a thought please edjamacate me....Hodgdon is seating the bullet deeper in the case causing more pressure with less powder?
I'm open for your help folks!
Here's the load data from the 3 sources...
Hornady book: starts at 5.0 gr. and lists 700fps., 5.3gr. at 750fps and max load of 5.7gr. for 800fps. Of course they list their 230gr. FMJ at C.O.L of 1.230"
Lyman book: starts at 5.2gr for 758fps. 5.8gr. max load at 849fps. That's with a unnamed 230gr TMJ at 1.275 OAL.
Hodgdon web site: 4.2gr for 751fps. Max load 5.3gr for 832fps. For a Hornady 230gr. FMJ FP, not sure what the FP stands for. 1.200" OAL
Last night I started loading my first test rounds before I looked at the Hodgdon site. So I made 10 rounds each at 5.0gr, 5.2gr, 5.4gr, and 5.6gr. And my OAL is 1.256+/- a thousandth. I checked the OAL on 2 factory rounds and they were both right at 1.264
To me the diferences in data can be a little confusing especially if you look at the max grains from Lyman at 5.8 compared to Hodgdons at 5.3. If I go by Hodgdon my last to test groups are over charged! Heck the Lyman book starts at just .1 of a grain lower than Hodgdons max.
I have a thought please edjamacate me....Hodgdon is seating the bullet deeper in the case causing more pressure with less powder?
I'm open for your help folks!