Conflicting load data, which do I use?

[jonr]

Sat down last night to start the loading process.
The Nosler 5th edition book for .338 180 grn BT says
min 72 max 76. The Hodgden 2004 catalog/magazine
says 69 to 74.5 for the same bullet.
The Nosler book was ordered new for me this week but
is copy righted 2002.
I am leaning towards the Hodgden data but am holding up
until I get some feed back.
Please advise.

Thanks!

Jonr

[PA-Joe]

What I do is take an average of the various load data then start 10% less and work up. The powder maker's data is usually much less than the bullet maker's data.

[ricciardelli]

Reloading manuals are recipe books, not bibles.

What is written on those pages is there as ink on paper, not carved in stone.

There are many variables in reloading.  The make and type of components, and the particular batch number of the components you are using.

In addition there is the variables in the chambering of the firearm and the formation of the barrel.

Finally there are the lawyers...

I generally suggest that the new reloader start with the lowest minimum load listed in any manual he has (or found on my website).  Work up your load slowly and carefully, generally around 0.3 grains between loadings in large cases and 0.1 grains in small cases.

Each loading manual has a specific purpose, it is designed to show that their product outperforms all other similar products.

What I list on my pages as minimum loads are those loads which will place a bullet within a reasonable distance from the intended aiming point without any of the results of a too light load. (Gas leakage, backed-out primers, etc.)  The maximum loads are one step below the loading that showed the first signs of excessive pressure.

There are NO shorcuts in reloading, other than the possibility of a quick ride to the local hospital.

So, once again, start low and work up gradually in small steps until the cartridge/firearm combination gives you your desired results or until there are signs of excessive pressure, whichever comes first.

[The Shrink]

Jonr

Steve's right, and 1.5 gr isn't much difference in that round.  One set of tests fired at sea level and the other fired at 3000ft altitude would probably create that much difference.  

Your rifle and your shooting conditions determine what your load should be.  Loading manual data, Steve's data, data found in magazines, or any published data should be approached gradually 'cause you're not shooting the same chamber and barrel that they shot!  

Drop back at least three grains from any listed maximum load and work up in your rifle.  

Wayne

[Savage]

PAjoe has got it down! That is as good an approach as you can get to a starting load. As other posters said, the manuals are a guide, there are no universal absolutes.
Savage

[Jose Grande]

A middle load is as good a place as any to start. 73 gr. in this case is what I would try. 1/2 gr. more & maybe 1/2 gr. less too. And see which way the accuracy is going. Once I find a good accurate load, I stop there. Maximum horsepower is great in a Funny-car, but not needed in a rifle.