SmallCaliberCentral

Wasn't sure how to title this thread. What numbers do you guys look at for starting a load? I've always used a bullet manufacturer reloading book, but have noticed the powder manufacturer numbers being significantly different. I always start low anyways, but was just curious as to what everyone else does. Also, why do you think there is so much of a difference?

One heck of a vague question there …..
"Bullet manufacturers" were notorious for reprinting data past down from powder distributors. If/when a cartridge was re-shot, it wasn't frequent. Testing equipment was typically copper crushers. Most data is now being rolled into piezoelectric/strain systems.

They do differ, now we actually know what pressures are actually doing.
I follow powder blender data closer than bullet folks.
If you really want to know, call RSI and buy a Pressure trace.

I think a good example is Berger says 8208 XBR max load for 35gr is 26.3. Hodgdon says starting load for 8208 35gr Berger is 27. That to me that is a large discrepancy. I'm just thinking out loud here.

And as a percentage, that falls well within the nominal allowable burning rate variance. So if you don't call and ask some questions, is a manual by a bullet maker, or the powder distributor going to be more current?

EVERYONE'S "drop 10% and start-over" warnings are for a very real reason.

_RJ_ wrote:I think a good example is Berger says 8208 XBR max load for 35gr is 26.3. Hodgdon says starting load for 8208 35gr Berger is 27. That to me that is a large discrepancy. I'm just thinking out loud here.

That is a large discrepancy. Go with Hodgen.
IME some of Bergers data is low enough to be dangerous.