[Nick_C_S]

Keep in mind that AA5 is a double-base, spherical, medium-speed powder. Point is, it's fairly forgiving. It has a predictable, linear progression when working up loads. It would be difficult to make a major mistake, especially if you're shooting them in a 357 Magnum gun - you'd have tons of pressure "headroom" to spare. If you're shooting them in a 38 gun, I can see approaching with a little more caution.

Also: It has been my observation that Accurate's load data tends to be very conservative. Hence, the discrepancy.

Sierra No. V shows 6.4g - 8.2g.
Hornady 9th shows 6.6g - 7.6g.

This is where loaders use good judgement to make their load decisions. The fact that your AA5 is burning dirty is you're clue that your current load is nowhere near its "sweet spot" and proper operating pressure.