So I reload 9mm, 45 ACP, 223, and 308 to cut my range costs down. I don't try and load ultra hot rounds or push any envelopes. I actually got into reloading thanks to CJ's posts and DFM.net. So I bought the ABCs book and read it and got the RCBS rock crusher kit. I've added a lyman vibratory cleaner and lyman case prep station to it (trimmer etc.). I've also picked up a 2nd kit the Hornady single stage kit. I love Hornady ammo and components so I thought their kit might be a good deal. It has a digital scale too, which I've never used.
So anyway I now have a Speer, Lyman and Hornady manual. My first 9mm batches were loaded per the Speer manual with 7.1 gr of Blue Dot for 124 gr RN FMJ bullets. The bullets are actually Berry's, but they are 124 gr RN FMJ. So my Hornady manual says load these at 5.2 gr never to exceed 5.9!!! The velocities listed are quite a bit lower. Now my Lyman manual says to load them from 6.3 to 6.9 gr, never to exceed 6.9!!! The Speer manual says I can take them up to 7.8 gr!!!!
Anyone ever see this kind of variance in the load data from one manual to another? The OAL won't be that much different, although it's one thing I didn't check. The primer used shouldn't make much difference, or does it?
I didn't have any issues at 7.1 gr in any of my 9mm guns (Sigs, Springers, and a CZ), but I did have some impressive muzzle flash. I'm sure backing off to the Hornady specs won't hurt and it cuts my cost per round a bit too. I'm just shocked at the range in data.
Any input or suggestions?
So anyway I now have a Speer, Lyman and Hornady manual. My first 9mm batches were loaded per the Speer manual with 7.1 gr of Blue Dot for 124 gr RN FMJ bullets. The bullets are actually Berry's, but they are 124 gr RN FMJ. So my Hornady manual says load these at 5.2 gr never to exceed 5.9!!! The velocities listed are quite a bit lower. Now my Lyman manual says to load them from 6.3 to 6.9 gr, never to exceed 6.9!!! The Speer manual says I can take them up to 7.8 gr!!!!
Anyone ever see this kind of variance in the load data from one manual to another? The OAL won't be that much different, although it's one thing I didn't check. The primer used shouldn't make much difference, or does it?
I didn't have any issues at 7.1 gr in any of my 9mm guns (Sigs, Springers, and a CZ), but I did have some impressive muzzle flash. I'm sure backing off to the Hornady specs won't hurt and it cuts my cost per round a bit too. I'm just shocked at the range in data.
Any input or suggestions?
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