7mm TCU load ?

[crashnrondo]

In the Nosler reloading book number 5 the H322 max load for a 120 BT is 28.5, Hodgen's max load for the same bullet is 26. 2.5 grain seems like an awfull lot of difference and if I use 10% less as a starting load from the Hodgen recomended max I will be below Noslers starting load. What to do? Thanks-Ron

 

[Guest]

The difference in data MAY be due to throating in different test barrels, also the bullets used were different allbeit 120 grains.
I would start at the starting load in the Nosler guide with the Nosler bullet.

 

[Richracer1]

I also noticed Hodgdon like to use Win primers a lot. Where as Nosler will post which primer worked the best for them given the specific test parameters. Check you specific data to see if primer usage is the same or different.

 

[LoneStar]

Guys, it is perfectly normal for data in different manuals to show different max loads. This is due to different lots of powder, different primers, different barrel throating, different bore diameters and finishes, different pressure equipment, and different overall loaded lengths. The manuals are guides, not absolutes.

Another consideration with this particular load is the difference in powder. Years ago H322 was a surplus powder, and it often sold pretty cheap. In recent years it is newly-manufactured, and in new batches it just don't burn exactly as it used to.

Also, read more carefully: the bullet is not the same, on Hodgeon's website they use a Speer 120 SP bullet. Different bullet construction, different length bearing surfaces, different diameters, different seating depths. Loading data is only good for the exact combinaiton listed, and then it is only a guide for what to expect.