I just started back into reloading and I bought a pound of HS-6 to reload .40 cal. In my Speer manual the range for a 180gr bullet was between 7.3 and 8.1 I think it was. (I'm at work now). I loaded up 10 rounds each of 7.3, 7.5, 7.8 and 8.1. the 8.1 which was the top charge grouped much better. My problem is that I now see on the Hodgdon web site the load range is from 6.1 to a max of 6.9. Why such a difference and are the 8.1 loads too hot? The fired casings showed no sign of excessive pressure.

check out stevespages link below..it shows 8.2 max goodluck hope this helps!

http://stevespages.com/400p_2_180.html

Different bullets often give different results and are the bigger variable in most loads. Hodgdon used a Hornady bullet, and Speer used theirs. Interestingly Hornady with the same bullet Hodgdon used lists 7.6gr as max in their manual..
I always try to stay with data for the exact bullet I`m using if at all possible, if not I check as many sources as possible and "average" a max load that I then don`t exceed.

Did you chronograph the loads? if not, do you have a chrono? It might give you some good insights into the load you want to use.
Peter.

Thanks for the replies. I don't have a chronograph but want to add one when possible. Thanks Joe I was wondering what was listed in the Hornady manual. There is such a large swing in the Max load I was very concerned.