BwanaNelson,

my .470 was regulated with TBBC and TB Sledgehammer as well.

I have good news for you:

Today I have actually field-tested a load with Hornady DGS solids to see how they would fare versus the expensive Sledgehammer factory loads. Load was 107 grains of Hodgdon 4350, with Fed 215 primer and OAL of 3.930' in a Norma case. Speed came out at about 2150 f/s, which I had planned for. Recoil 'feel' and barrel-rise is almost identical to the Federal load (which was weaker at an average 2089 f/s), except that it kicks a lot less (is subjective, of course, but I was quite pleasantly surprised). So, more speed with smoother recoil, and very consistent ignition. Also no flattened primers and stressed brass as with the Fed load. Furthermore, with the Federal loads (TBBC and TB Sledgehammer) there was always the occasional round that would really go off kilter with a big boom (and very harsh recoil) - if that happens, consistent shooting becomes a drag as you guard against the next unexpected 'bomb'. This DGS load, as well as DGX loads that I had tested earlier, is now one of my favorite loads. I had bought the Hornady bullets initially only for plinking, now I am actually a bit miffed that I'm sitting on a ton of Federal factory ammo. I don't know whether it is my gun or the caliber, but I have no issues with changing bullets and varying speed - everything regulates well, no change in POI or anything else that would matter. (Usual Disclaimer: Load data only valid for my gun, a modern H&H, with 24' barrel, start out low and work up...)

I cannot speak for the Hornady factory ammo, which is supposedly loaded with Hodgdon 4831, which did not work well in my gun with the Hornday bullets at all (muzzle flash, rough ingnition) - maybe they did because they use Winchester primers on about everything - that one did not go well with H 4350 in another gun of mine, might do better with H 4813 (which I tested with Fed 215). But if you reload, you might want to give the DGX /DGS with H 4350 a try.

Mike,

Hornady is not using Woodleighs because they are (amongst other things) a bullet company. Even though they are usually cheaper then the competition, they produce very good bullets and ammo.