I need to know if this load passes the smell test. One of my manuals lists it as nearly a starting load, and the other lists it as a maximum load... which makes me a little nervous. The .40 seems less forgiving than other calibers I've loaded for.
I'm looking for a reliable practice load only, not needing to make Major PF or anything:

Montana Gold 165 FP
Titegroup 5.1 grains
COL 1.12 in.
Win. small pistol primer and win. brass

Pistol is a stock G22.
I fired a handful of loads this morning at 4.8 (reduced for initial testing) and 5.1 grains respectively this morning. I saw no flat primers in either load, and they were both softer recoiling than my full-house factory defensive loads by far. Function was fine... but if I'm close to trouble, I'd like to know it.

What do you think?
-Hobbit

Hodgdons site says you're right at max with 5.1gr

165 GR. BERB FP  Hodgdon  Titegroup  .400"  1.125" 4.5  960  24,300 PSI  5.1  1060  31,800 PSI        
165 GR. SIE JHP  Hodgdon  Titegroup  .400"  1.125"  4.6  961  27,000 PSI 5.1  1047  33,600 PSI

With pistol, and especially TG, I prefer to load a couple tenths under max to cover me for any variance from the powder drop.

I feel like I shot a bunch of titegroup and 165's that were 4-4.5 grains as a steel load but it has been a long time

I run 4.2 grains of titegroup under 165's. I like them light. Over 5 seems like the higher end of the spectrum. Data on the 165's can be tough to find.

Thanks for the great replies-
Looks like I'll go to the 4.8 grain loads. Don't want to tempt fate...

Thanks again-
Hobbit

I go 4.7 - 4.8gr of titegroup with 165gr bullets.