Whose data: 6.5 grendel question

[SquarePizza]

Basic dilemma: Alexander arms data and sierra data list different loads for the same bullet/powder.

AA data:
123gr SMK with varget 28.0grs min, 28.5 max

Sierra data:
123gr SMK with varget 24.4grs min, 27.7grs max

I have been running 123gr sierra match kings with 28.5gr Varget in my Howa Mini Action. I know, varget is not the preferred powder for 6.5 Grendel but I have lots of it on hand and I have been happy with it.

After seeing the sierra data I am worried that I am shooting over max by using the AA data. I am not really seeing any pressure signs: Bolt lift is smooth, CCI primers are still rounded.

The only sign I am seeing is brass is a light polishing on the brass from the ejector plunger, but it is not an indent, just a faint shine and not present on all brass. This same polish is also present on brass from 120 gr gold dots loaded to 28.0 varget.

 

[Vodak]

In the Howa you're fine.
It seems like AA did something weird with their numbers. 28-28.5 is too close of a spread min-max for a normal work up. And even though it's over what sierra suggested by .8gr, that is scaled to the much lower pressure ceiling of an AR bolt vs your Howa action.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

You can't load enough Varget in a Grendel case to be dangerous.