1. A method for data error recovery in a tape storage system, by a processor device, comprising: in a tape storage system using an iterative hardware decoder, dynamically initializing at least one microcode iterative decode cycle on a buffered dataset, each iterative decode cycle providing an error feedback loop; initiating n microcode iterative decode cycles on the buffered dataset while tape is at speed; wherein n comprises a number of microcode iterative decode cycles able to complete without stopping the tape due to buffering; and initiating x microcode iterative decode cycles on the buffered dataset while the tape is stopped; wherein x comprises at least one of a plurality of the microcode iterative decode cycles.