Pawn Stars is buying and selling interesting items. I have never seen anyone do a loan on that show.
Hard Core Pawn is all about the drama. It's not about the stuff so much as it is about the wild people. Customers and employees are the stars of the show, not the items being spotlighted. People want thier stuff back and cause a scene or whatever. It is a bit "rougher" on the edge as compared to "Pawn Stars". The demographics are different so the show will appeal to a different group of viewers.
Pawn Stars FTW!!
-Mark.