Hodgdon Reloading Data Centre - loads seem light

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270 short mag

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Hello.

I just have a question about the Hodgdon Reloading Data Centre. I have been looking for loads for my 7x57 and in comparing data between the data centre and other sources (Nosler Data Centre) the Hodgdon site is constantly lower on the max loads by 3 to 4 grains. Here is an example for loading a 160 grain Nosler Partition:

Hodgdon Data Centre - H414 - Max load 42.5 grains
Nosler Data Centre - H414 - Max load 45

It is this way for other powders as well. Does the Hodgdon centre error on the side of caution? When I start loading, I will work up to max like I normally do watching for pressure signs, but if I can safely push it towards the Nosler max I will. I just wanted other thoughts of other experienced loaders.

Thanks for the help.
 
I was just comparing a load on their site vs one of their older manuals and the site was light by 3 grains compared to their manual. Lawyers try and control everything.
 
That is kinda what I am thinking, that if it is saying higher numbers in another reputable source and as I slowly work my way up there and there are no pressure problems, then it is safe "in all theory" to go over the max of the Hodgdon and continue to work my way towards the Nosler data.

Thanks for the quick replies.
 
Hodgdon is erring on the side of caution due to the age of the caliber and the firearms it my be used in. Hodgdon is keeping the 7x57 loads at or below 46,000 cup. If you look at the .303 British which is rated at 45,000 cup or 49,000 psi the loads are kept to 43,000 cup or below also.

"Due to the age and metallurgical characteristics of the rifles for which it was originally designed, many of which are still functioning, most U.S. commercially manufactured 7x57mm is loaded to lower pressures of around 49,000 psi. The original 1893 Mauser action for the 7x57mm was designed for a maximum cartridge pressure of no more than 45,000psi (310 MPa)."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7x57mm_Mauser
 
bigedp51 said:
Hodgdon is erring on the side of caution due to the age of the caliber

I have fired that aged calibre with loads so hot that I had to hammer the bolt open. Note that my mauser action was built in the 1980s, and the barrel in 2005.

I load for accuracy, and keep them below where the primer starts to crater.

U.S. manufacturers don't like the calbre because it makes their inferior copies look bad. (30-06, .308W, .270 etc.) IMO
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That's the max load they developed for THEIR particular rifle with THEIR particular lots of brass, powder, bullets and primers. Do YOUR load development for YOUR rifle. There is a chance, however remote, that you might not reach THEIR max load. 'Course, you would have known that from the reloading manual you read......
 
The load in my old hodgdon manual for a 223 rem with 55gr bullet was 27 gr H335 max with a start of 25 gr. Data center max 25gr. I lookd in a newer load book from Hodgdon and it also is 25 gr the only difference I can see is older manual says small rifle primer while the newer says win small rifle which I have heard is close to a small mag primer. I guess only 1 way to find out is to try.
 
The more manuals you consult, the more differences there'll be. If you're starting out you may find online manuals like AmmoGuide (**** +) or LoadData (** -) preferable to collecting paper manuals. If you like to experiment a bit, the cost of getting "Quickload" may well be worth your while.
 
Thanks a ton for the help guys. I am going to start to load on Monday once I get my bullets, so all the advise is appreciated.

As for Quickload, I have been eyeing it for a while. Does it give ballistic information as well? I am guessing that it does.

Thanks again.
 
270 short mag said:
As for Quickload, I have been eyeing it for a while. Does it give ballistic information as well? I am guessing that it does.

Thanks again.
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Ballistic information, most definately! The biggest downside with owning the QuickLoad / QuickTarget software is that everyone who knows you have it will be after you to run data for them ;).
 
I have been thinking about this program as I am always switching between different web pages - ballistic calculators, load data websites, bullet websites, with multiple tabs open comparing this load and bullet combo to that bullet and load combo. I was hoping Quickload would do this all for me, which it sounds like it will. Looks like I will have to start to price it out. Do you know if they have a version for a mac?

Thanks again for all the help.
 
270 short mag said:
I was hoping Quickload would do this all for me, which it sounds like it will. Looks like I will have to start to price it out. Do you know if they have a version for a mac?

Thanks again for all the help.
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It will. I think its around 150 bucks. Best to visit their site for details regarding $$ and the Mac OS. Mine is the PC version so I switch to Windoz from Linux to use it. I don't know for sure but I'd be pretty surprised if they didn't market a version for Mac.
 
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