Where Hornady publishes reloading data and how to access it

Hornady publishes reloading data in three main places: their printed Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading (updated periodically, currently in its 10th edition), their free online database at hornady.com, and their Hornady Reloading App available for iOS and Android. The online database and app are the fastest routes because they're searchable by cartridge and bullet weight, and they update more frequently than the printed handbook.

To access the online data, go to hornady.com, find the "Reloading" section, and look for "Reloading Data" or "Load Data." You'll need to select your cartridge (for example, .308 Winchester), then the bullet weight and type (such as 168-grain ELD Match). The site will display powder options, charge weights, primer recommendations, and case specifications for that combination.

The printed handbook is still useful if you reload without internet access or prefer a physical reference. It's organized by cartridge and includes data for dozens of Hornady bullet weights in each caliber. Most reloading manuals from other manufacturers (Nosler, Sierra, Speer) follow the same layout, so the handbook format is familiar to most reloaders.

Key Takeaways

  • Hornady's free online database at hornady.com and their mobile app are the quickest way to find load data for any Hornady bullet you own.
  • You must match the exact bullet weight and type (such as ELD Match versus ELD-X) because different bullets in the same weight can have different load data.
  • Hornady data includes recommended powders, charge weight ranges, primer types, and case specifications — everything you need to set up your press.
  • The printed Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading is current but updates less often than the online version, so check the online database first if your bullet is recent.
  • Hornady data is specific to Hornady bullets; if you're using bullets from another manufacturer, you'll need that maker's data instead.

Why you need the exact bullet weight and type

Hornady makes multiple bullet designs in the same weight, and each one has different ballistic properties that affect how much powder you can safely use. A 168-grain ELD Match bullet and a 168-grain ELD-X bullet are not interchangeable in load data, even though they weigh the same. The ELD-X is designed for hunting and has a thicker jacket; the ELD Match is built for target shooting and has a thinner jacket. Using the wrong data can result in pressures that are too high or too low.

When you look up data, you'll see the bullet name printed on the box or listed on Hornady's website. Write down the full name — for instance, "Hornady 6.5mm 147-grain ELD Match" — before you search. If you can't find your exact bullet in Hornady's database, it may be a discontinued weight or type, and you should not substitute data from a different bullet without consulting a reloading manual or contacting Hornady directly.

How to read Hornady load data tables

A Hornady load data table shows you the cartridge at the top, then lists several powder options below it. For each powder, you'll see a starting charge weight (the minimum safe amount), a maximum charge weight (the highest amount Hornady tested), the type of primer to use, and the case brand they used during testing. The table may also show velocity and pressure data, though these vary depending on barrel length and other factors in your rifle.

The charge weights are given in grains, and you measure them on a reloading scale. Always start at the minimum weight listed and work up in small increments (usually 0.3 to 0.5 grain) while watching for pressure signs. Never start at the maximum weight. The primer type — small rifle, large rifle, small pistol, or large pistol — must match your cartridge; using the wrong primer size can cause misfires or unsafe pressures.

Some tables include data for different case brands (Hornady, Remington, Federal, Lapua) because case capacity varies slightly. If your cases are a different brand than what Hornady tested, start lower and work up more carefully, as your actual pressures may differ.

Comparing Hornady data to other manufacturers' manuals

Hornady's data is conservative — meaning the maximum charge weights are set lower than some other manufacturers publish for the same bullet and powder combination. This is intentional and reflects Hornady's testing standards. If you compare Hornady data to Nosler, Sierra, or Speer data for the same cartridge and powder, you may see higher maximum charges in those manuals.

You should not mix data sources. Pick one manufacturer's manual and follow it consistently. If you want to use a higher charge weight than Hornady publishes, consult the manual from the bullet manufacturer you're actually using. Never assume that because one manual allows a charge weight, all manuals will — pressure curves are different, and safety depends on following the specific data for your specific components.

If you're using a Hornady bullet but want to cross-reference with another manual, look for the same bullet weight and type in that manual's index. Some manuals list Hornady bullets by name; others group them by weight and construction. The manual's introduction will explain how it's organized.

What to do if your bullet isn't in Hornady's database

Hornady discontinues bullet weights and types periodically, and their online database may not include every historical load. If you can't find your bullet, check whether it's been replaced by a newer design. For example, Hornady's older Match King bullets were replaced by the ELD Match line. If a newer bullet exists in the same weight, you can use that data as a starting point, but you should verify the construction is similar (jacket thickness, core material) before proceeding.

If the bullet is truly discontinued and you have no substitute, contact Hornady's customer service directly. They can tell you whether data exists for that bullet and may provide it even if it's not in the online database. Their phone number and email are on hornady.com. Do not guess or use data from a different bullet weight — the difference between 165 grains and 168 grains can affect pressure significantly.

As a last resort, if Hornady cannot provide data, you can consult a general reloading manual that covers multiple manufacturers' bullets. Lyman and Lee Precision publish manuals that include data for many bullet types, including older Hornady designs. These manuals are available in print and sometimes online.

Using the Hornady Reloading App versus the website

The Hornady Reloading App works offline once you read the data, which is useful if you reload in a workshop without internet. The app is faster to navigate than the website on a phone or tablet because it's designed for that screen size. You can bookmark your favorite loads and set up custom powder and primer preferences.

The website is better if you're using a desktop computer or if you want to print the data. You can also compare multiple powders side by side on the website more easily than in the app. Both sources receive updates at roughly the same time, so neither is significantly more current than the other.

If you reload frequently, downloading the app is worth the time. If you reload occasionally and have internet access at your reloading bench, the website is sufficient. Either way, bookmark or save the specific loads you use so you don't have to search every time you reload the same cartridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Hornady load data for bullets made by other companies?

No. Load data is specific to the bullet manufacturer because jacket thickness, core material, and overall design affect pressure. Using Hornady data with a Sierra or Nosler bullet of the same weight can result in unsafe pressures. Always use the data published by the bullet manufacturer you're actually loading.

What if I can't find my exact powder in Hornady's data?

Hornady tests a limited set of powders for each cartridge. If your powder isn't listed, you have two options: use a powder that is listed, or consult the powder manufacturer's website or manual. Many powder makers (Hodgdon, Alliant, IMR) publish load data for common cartridges and bullets. Start conservatively if you switch powders, as burn rates vary.

Is the printed Hornady Handbook still accurate?

Yes, but it's less current than the online database. If your bullet was released in the last few years, check the website first. The printed handbook is useful as a backup reference and for reloading without internet access. If you own a recent edition, the data is safe to use.

What does "starting load" and "maximum load" mean?

The starting load is the minimum charge weight Hornady tested safely. The maximum load is the highest weight they tested without exceeding pressure limits. You begin at the starting load, fire a test round, and increase the charge in small steps while watching for pressure signs (flattened primers, hard extraction, case bulging). Never start at maximum.

Do I need to buy anything to access Hornady's load data?

No. The online database and mobile app are free. The printed Hornady Handbook costs money but is optional — the free online sources contain the same information and are updated more often.