I'm trying to get a good load developed for my 308 Win using 168gr SMK's and IMR 4064. Sierra's reloading manual starting and max loads are 2.5 grains less than what Hodgdon's web site recommends. Why is there a difference and what source would be more reliable for load data? I want to maximize my reloading efficiency and do not want to start too low (per the Sierra reloading manual) and waste bullets, powder, and primers. I ladder test my reloads using 0.5 grain increments for each five shot group. That's a 25 shot difference just for testing at starting loads. Hodgdon lists a compressed 45.9gr compressed max load and Sierra max load recommendation is not compressed. I've also noted big differences in other calibers. Any feedback is appreciated.
Recommended Load Differences Between Sierra and Hodgdon
- Thread starter steinmaster
- Start date
There are lots of ways to develop an accurate load. Two of the most common are the Ladder Test: Long-Range Load Development and Dan Newberry's OCW Method:OCW Overview - Dan Newberry's OCW Load Development System
Either of those two methods work and if followed will minimize the # of shots required. I favor the OCW method, but others with easy access to extended ranges find the ladder test equally if not more effective.
What you're planning is generally a waste of good bullets and powder.. As to which data is better, I always found that the powder makers that list pressure for their loads to be more effective and useful than the bullet makers who do not publish pressure data. And if you have access to a chronograph to test your reloads you may find a closer correlation to reality with Hodgdon's data than Sierra's.
IMHO and YMMV
Either of those two methods work and if followed will minimize the # of shots required. I favor the OCW method, but others with easy access to extended ranges find the ladder test equally if not more effective.
What you're planning is generally a waste of good bullets and powder.. As to which data is better, I always found that the powder makers that list pressure for their loads to be more effective and useful than the bullet makers who do not publish pressure data. And if you have access to a chronograph to test your reloads you may find a closer correlation to reality with Hodgdon's data than Sierra's.
IMHO and YMMV
The bullet companies are always on the conservative side compared to powder manuals.A ladder test will provide you some good info and is very useful.The load you are trying to develop IMO is a fairly easy load to develop at least it was for me.I don't know what kind of rifle,brass,etc,you are working with.These are my load's.
42.5 GRS 4064
168 SMK's
Fed Brass
Fed210 primer
With lapua brass it is 43.3 GR's
42.5 GRS 4064
168 SMK's
Fed Brass
Fed210 primer
With lapua brass it is 43.3 GR's
