Making DC current gain assumptions when solvin BJT transistor circuits
If you want to know the correct value of current gain for a specific transistor then you must measure it yourself. But you should know that the gain also varies with collector current and temperature.

If you are analyzing a circuit by hand you can estimate typical behavior by using the specified typical gain. If the datasheet doesn't give you that, then analyze your circuit for both the minimum and maximum gain and make sure the circuit meets your needs for both cases.

Circuit simulators typically use a more sophisticated model rather than relying on any fixed value of the transistor parameters.