looking to compare data

riverratt

New member
When making a new load I like to have 2 sources to start with. I have a speer and a hornady manual as well as hodgen on line resource downloaded. Of the three my speer is the only one that has the load I'm looking for.

Can someone give me another starting load for HS-6 under a 165 gr bullet in a 40 s&w so that I could verify my starting load with. I currently have 8 gr starting to 8.5 gr max with a c.o.l. of 1.120"

Thanks
 
It's nice to have a couple sources, but sometimes you'll only have one.

Speer #14 is my first stop when looking for load data. It's never failed me.

I wouldn't hesitate starting at 8.0gns of HS-6. Speer is a reliable source so it's time to get loading :).
 
Just to add info: Modern Reloading 2nd Edition by Richard Lee
40 S&W (no info as to case and primer used or exact bullet)
HS-6 powder with 165 gr. jacketed bullets oal 1.125"
Start 7.3 -1013 fps Maximum 8.0--1098 fps
________________________
Lyman 48th manual (my 49th not available) Universal 4" receiver tested
165 gr. Speer TMJ bullet oal 1.120" case Winchester----primer Win SP
HS6 Start 7.6--833 fps--------Maximum 8.5---979 fps
___________________________
Sierra 5th Edition 5" Para Ordinance p 16 tested pistol
Sierra 165 JHP oal 1.125" case Starline Win SP primer
HS6 Start 6.4--850 fps-------6.7-900----7.0-950------7.3-1000----7.6-1050 and maximum at 7.9 grains--1100 fps
Exact bullets tested or primer make makes a difference in results. Some have more or less bearing surface for one. Just for info as I've tested none of these loads. Just my 2 cents! In 40 S&W, 9MM, and 45 ACP, Speers maximum load data is hotter than I care to load especially in multi-fired or mixed brass and especially substituting another brand bullet. Start low and work up.
 
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You need one of these. I have one for every cartridge I load. It is no substitute for a good manual, or several, but it does put all published data in one easy to cross check volume. They're available from Midway too here.
 
Thanks, that's why I like 2 sources. My starting load is near or over max from other sources.

I loaded up some rounds for a ladder test, 3 each starting at 6.5 gr and going up to 8.4. In the morning I'll break out the chronograph and see what I got.:)
 
One of the aspects of "references" that I've learned over the years is that there is reference contradictions between the handloading manuals and the online powder reloading databases. I'll reference a 200gr sierra bullet in .300 win mag using RL22 and I will get 3 different suggested charge ranges. I'm beginning to understand that my go to Lyman's 49th seems to present some "conservative" powder charge data vs the speer and Hornady. COAL and casing trim lengths also seem to be some contradicting data as well. I generally don't load to max as I have yet to see any solid accuracy gains from my rifles so my opinion is why waste powder, load mild, load accurate and prolong your barrel life ;) . So again it's all about keeping an eye out for those pressure signs as you near your max charges.
 
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