Hornady Handbook 9th edition

[ttocswob]

Just received the latest "Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading" from Midway, on sale.

 

I am very disappointed.

 

Looked up my favorite .357 Magnum load for 158g XTP and H110. The book shows a starting load of 12.7g and a maximum of 15.6g - 12.4g and 16.0g respectively for Win 296 which is the same powder per Hodgdon.

 

Hodgdon's Reloading Data Center calls for starting load of 15.0g to maximum 16.7g for either powder with the same bullet. I've used close to the max to get performance equivalent to Hornady factory ammo.

 

Now here's where it gets more than a little dangerous: Hodgdon includes this warning on the main menu page:

 

For those loads listed where a starting load is not shown, start 10% below the suggested maximum load and then approach maximums carefully, watching for any sign of pressure (difficult extraction, cratered and flattened or blown primers, and unusual recoil). H110 and Winchester 296 loads should not be reduced more than 3%.

Reduce H110 and Winchester 296 loads 3% and work up from there. H110 and Winchester 296 if reduced too much will cause inconsistent ignition. In some cases it will lodge a bullet in the barrel, causing a hazardous situation (Barrel Obstruction). This may cause severe personal injury or death to users or bystanders. DO NOT REDUCE H110 LOADS BY MORE THAN 3%.

 

It appears to me that Hornady's data has been revised downward by some ignorant lawyer. Hornady's starting load is almost 20% less than Hodgdon's starting load.

 

(I once experienced a couple of squibbs trying to work up a plinking load in .38 special cases, back before I knew better. IIRC, around 12 grains of H110. Don't do this!)

Edited March 6, 2013 by ttocswob