inconsistent load data

[goose25]

I was planning on starting to reload for my newly aquired .243 today. This is what I have on hand:

winchester 80gr PSP
Hornady 87gr BTHP
Hornady 105gr A-max

Imr 4350
rl-15

I am going to start with the Win PSP's. My Speer 11th reloading manual lists the Speer 80gr spitzer to be loaded with a minimum load of Imr4350 @ 41.5gr (3008fps) and a max load of 45.5gr (3288fps).

My Lyman 48th edition lists the same bullet to be loaded (again w/ Imr 4350) at a minumum load of 39gr (3035fps) and a max @ 41.5 (3194fps).

can someone help me out here?

any load data for the 105 a-max and 87 bthp would also be appreciated.

thanks

 

[R Flowers]

I am afraid that these are the kinds of differences you are going to run into when comparing loading manuals. I am pretty confident that the data in most of them is accurate using the exact components and test firearm listed. That is, those are the numbers they got using THEIR set of components in their test barrels or guns. It does not mean that they are wrong, just different. (Although you should be carefull there is some bad data out there, the latest Barnes manual is full of mistakes.)

Looking at the latest Sierra manual reveals even different numbers for the .243 when loading 80 grain bullets. Sierra says their starting load for IMR 4350 is 37.4 grains (2800 fps) and their max load is 42.9 grains (3300 fps).

There is no one correct manual. You can minimize difference by using a manual published by your bullet manufacturer when possible. Using Nosler bullets, use a Nosler reloading manual if possible.)

In regard to the other bullets you have, here is the latest data from Hornady:

87 grain BTHP using RL -15 starts at 29.1 grains (2600 fps) and max is 37.5 grains (3100 fps). They do not list IMR 4350.

For the 105 grain A-Max Hornady does not list either RL-15 or IMR 4350 powders for use with that bullet, though I am sure they would both work fine.

Sorry, I know this is not much help.

You might look on the internet at sites for Hodgdon and Alliant powders for more data.

 

[30 whisper]

goose25

In the lyman 48th reloading hand book for 105 a max .243 and imr 4350 start with 35.2 min and 39.2 max with a 2.710 O.A.L and none of my books show aload for rl15 and a 105 bullet . use these loads with caution. I hope thise will help