Hodgdon Reloading Data

[hdbiker1]

Does anyone know what components they use to determine their data? I'm referring to the on line data.

[rscott5028]

I suspect they are reluctant to reveal details since it's only a guide and they don't want you to skip any safe hand loading procedures.

Do you have a specific question?

-- richard

[hdbiker1]

I've heard that Winchester brass is one of the components, and I think this is correct because most manuals (even as conservative as they are) list max loads far from Hodgdon's. I've found Win brass having thinner walls and more capacity will hold more than most other brass ie; Lapua, LC, Fed and RP as examples. At least I've found this true of .308 brass. Btw, I have emailed them and am patiently waiting for some kind of reply.

[rscott5028]

That's an interesting and perhaps a true hypothesis.

But, I also have first hand experience using identical Lapua brass in 2 different 6.5x284's and getting significantly different velocities.

There are a lot of variables at play and the only one that matters is what it'll safely do in your rifle.

-- richard

[hdbiker1]

Your different velocities could be from slightly different chambers, like in the leade and throat area.
I've loaded Lapua at 43.5gr of Varget and Win at 44.9gr of Varget to get velocities within 17 fps. The difference of 1.4 gr is just from the capacity difference. I'm basically saying that all load data should list components. I'm wondering how many have used data only to find that they've made an overcharged case because the type of brass wasn't mentioned.

[rscott5028]

Originally Posted by hdbiker1

Your different velocities could be from slightly different chambers, like in the leade and throat area.
I've loaded Lapua at 43.5gr of Varget and Win at 44.9gr of Varget to get velocities within 17 fps. The difference of 1.4 gr is just from the capacity difference. I'm basically saying that all load data should list components. I'm wondering how many have used data only to find that they've made an overcharged case because the type of brass wasn't mentioned.

Exactly.

The 26" Kreiger with 800+ rounds down the tube and a freshly set back Lapua Match chamber outruns the Savage 12F with a 29" barrel and factory chamber by 150fps with a half grain less powder. I forgot the twist on each. They're close, but not the identical. And, even if they were the same twist, the rifling is completely different.

My point is that all variables matter. So, it's not that helpful to the general public for Hodgdon to publish details.

If you follow safe practices and start at the minimum load, the brass should not get you into trouble.

-- richard

[hdbiker1]

Hodgdon emailed back. They said when you print the data it all shows up. Since I've never printed any of their data, I've never seen it.