Both varieties of ironwood are used in tool handles and generally speaking denser is better in pegs.
I believe that's the same report that appears in the green book on page 88. Top of the list is "Hophornbeam (dry)", it's the Eastern Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) that was dried in a microwave. An entry for Hophornbeam (green) falls about 2/3 of the way down the list.
Bear in mind this is a list of single results, the forth strongest peg was Red Oak but the third weakest peg was also Red Oak. They don't have a result for the American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) aka: Blue Beech, Ironwood & Musclewood.
I'd say you are pretty safe pegging with the Eastern Hophornbeam.
