So I FINALLY exhausted my supply of 115-gr FMJ slugs that I had been using in 9x19mm. Placed an order with X-Treme Bullets for their 124-gr CPRN 0.355" diameter slugs and they are slated to arrive next week.
Looking through the loading manuals I see a lot of uncertainty:
Lee 2nd Edition:
124-gr Copper plated Accurate #5 min 5.0, max 5.8
124-gr XTP Accurate #5 min 5.2, max 5.9
125-gr Jacketed Accurate #5 min 4.6, max 5.3
125-gr Jacketed W231 min 4.4, max 4.8
Speer #14:
124-gr TMJ/Jacketed Accurate #5 min 5.7, max 6.4
124-gr TMJ/Jacketed W231 min 4.0, max 4.5
Western Powders edition 6.0:
124-gr CPRN Accurate #5 min 5.4, max 6.4
Lyman 49th edition:
125-gr Jacketed HP Accurate #5 min 5.4, max 6.1
125-gr Jacketed HP W231 min 3.9, max 4.4
Hodgdon Website:
124-gr CPHBRNTP W231 min 3.9, max 4.4
124-gr Jacketed WSF min 4.7, max 5.3
So...what is a cat to do? I have Accurate #5 handy but have been trying to use it up in a .38 Special load lately. W231 is a staple powder for me and was what I used for 9x19mm 115-gr FMJ loads. WSF I just happen to have laying around and wouldn't mind an excuse to use it up.
Still...both W231 and AA#5 have substantially different ranges amongst these sources. With W231 I seem to have the best odds building a ladder between 4.0 and 4.4 grains, right? Or should I try to find a workable load with AA#5 and if so which resource do I believe? The single data point for WSF gives me pause (besides which I usually use WSF for a pet .45 ACP load).