New reloader - what is the best reloading manual? Or are they getting obsolete too fast?
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RealGun
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If relying on bullets you can find locally for the most part, you should purchase the Hornady manual. There is no online version.
rfwobbly
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• I like a general use manual, and for that I chose a Lyman hardback. You can easily find the Lyman #49 on sale because #50 is out and that shouldn't cost you more than $20. But remember, the Lyman comes hardbound and paperback, so be sure of what you're buying.
• I love the bullet maker's manuals (Sierra in particular), but you have to remember, if that manufacturer doesn't make a bullet in a certain caliber, then there's no load data in that book. E.g. if you get a deal on a Makarov pistol, then don't look in a Speer manual.
salpal48
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I have been Loading since the late 1960's. The data Then was not Old and it's not Old Now. I prefer to use those manuals. The only Difference from then and Now. is all the loading data produced by the companies are all Lawyered Up for insurance purposes. . Yes, The testing Facility Have changed , and Claim It is More accurate. I have shot several calibers I have with old Data. and new data. The new data Does not Cut It
shadowsmith
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I love my old books. 1973 Lyman cast bullet book is one of the most valuable I have. If you want a hot pheasant load I go to my Lyman 2nd shotshell book. The Lee “modern reloading” book is good. I have a Hornady 7th because I load almost exclusively Hornady rifle bullets. I have a slew of free powder mfg books. Barnes sent me their data on some of the calibers I load their bullets for. You can’t have too many books and they never expire as far as I’m concerned, but newer stuff of course isn’t included in the old books! I really wish my Lyman casting book had 300blk loads in it and stuff like that. But as mentioned lawyers are slowly ruining America.
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I have a LOT of Reloading Manuals, In my opinion the Lyman or the Lee are very good, both instructional as well as loading data. Another thought, there are others that like Spear, i'm not a fan, but there is good information in it. I would suggest at least 2 manuals.
As information: I was researching a new load, first I went to the Lee Manual, for the caliber and specific bullet I wanted to use, there was 1 Load presented. When I went int the Lyman #50 there were 7. I should have checked it against Lyman #49, just didn't. More than 1 manual is very handy. Hope this helps, just my $0.02
dg
As information: I was researching a new load, first I went to the Lee Manual, for the caliber and specific bullet I wanted to use, there was 1 Load presented. When I went int the Lyman #50 there were 7. I should have checked it against Lyman #49, just didn't. More than 1 manual is very handy. Hope this helps, just my $0.02
dg
mcb
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A reloading manual is good, especially if you are a new reloader learning the techniques and how-to. Having been reloading as long as I have now I find that I rarely look at dead tree manuals for load data any more. I almost always turn to the internet. Powder manufacture websites (Love Hodgdon's online database) first and then reloading website like handloads.com and then to the reloading and shooting forums. I collect as much data as I can from those sources for the cartridge/bullet I want to load and then the start plugging those loads into Quickloads to double check things. I then use that pile of data to make my initial load, case, primer, bullet, OAL , crimp, powder and charge ladder to test. Then off to the range with the chrono I go. If all goes well I have the load I need when I am done. Worst case I take the results for the first trip to refine the Quickload data and by the end of a second trip I have what I need.
Some of that old data is over pressure. They have better ways to measure pressure and and the data is safer.
I see "lawyered up" thrown around all the time as an excuse to exceed new data. Is there some merit to it? Might be, but I use newer data if there is some. Only you the reloader can decide how much risk you are willing to assume.
Besides, that isn't what the thread is about.
WestKentucky
Member
I have an app called Reloading Assistant. It’s free on android. Last I looked it’s not available for IOS. The app pulls data from the major powder suppliers websites and consolidates everything into a simple list. Just pick your caliber and scroll to find what you are after.
RealGun
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mcb
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I have not found it necessary and I use a fair amount of Hornady bullets. I have loaded XTP and/or FTX bullets in 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 10mm Auto and 450 Bushmaster and not used a Hornady manual. I am not afraid to start with data for similar bullets of the same weight from other manufactures as a starting point working up to towards my desired velocity with the assistance of Quickloads and a chronograph.
BiknSwans
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I have the Lyman and Lee manuals and they have been a great help. But neither manual told me how to work up a load or how to do a plunk test. Knowing about those procedures would have saved me a lot of trouble. This website is the best for that information. I'm sure I've learned a lot more about reloading here than from the manuals. For load data, I prefer the powder manufacturers, but also check on this website and the manuals.
Arkansas Paul
Member
It's true you can find most of what you need online. Hodgdon and Alliant have data available, as well as resources like handloads.com (though that is what people have posted, so double check that data with manuals) are good things to reference.
However, I am old fashioned. I like having the books.
Lyman and Speer are my favorites.
If you load many lead bullets, Lyman is really good.
However, I am old fashioned. I like having the books.
Lyman and Speer are my favorites.
If you load many lead bullets, Lyman is really good.
thomas15
Member
Step two. It's called the Rule of 1500. You must read 1500 pages of manual(s) before you start to make your own ammo. Set aside 4-6 weeks (depending on haw fast you can read). While you are soaking up important data on calibers you don't own, you can stock up on primers.
RealGun
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mcb
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No problem, I have little doubt that Hornady's manual contains a lot of good data. It is just data I have not found useful enough in my particular case to purchase. I seem to do enough odd-ball stuff that QuickLoads was a far better investment for what I am doing with my reloading.
George P
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The way it was explained to me was that the powder makers are coming out with new powders to replace many that were made by an older process that not only took a lot longer to manufacture (and thus cost them more), but that process also generated a lot of hazardous waste which they also had to pay a lot to dispose of.
I started reloading metallic and shotshell over 35 years ago and still use a few powders I have had for almost 20 years. A few of those have gone away, so if I decide to keep those particular guns, I will need to start all over on load development for them. Whether that will be financially worthwhile, I will just have to see when it comes to that time.
foxmeadow
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I haven't seen Loadbooks mentioned yet. They collect data from bullet and powder manufacturers and publish them all together in caliber specific booklet. I have Loadbooks in every caliber I reload. They're great for comparing data from bullet and powder makers. I still like the big books for the material in the front and back, but I'll usually just grab the Loadbook for the caliber I'm looking at.
www.loadbooks.com
www.loadbooks.com
It is available for IOS for $3.99, there is a Patch on the way to fix a couple of oversights...
I like having a hard copy by my loading bench to confirm loads are safe. I prefer the Lyman. The powder manufacturers all have loads listed on the net but having a manual right there is faster. The extra educational info is good to have also.
I have Lee, Lyman, Sierra, and Hornady manuals plus a number of those cartridge specific books in 30-06, 243, 9mm, 45 Colt, and .223. Other than checking online my first stop is generally the Lee manual because there are so many loads there. Exception is if I have Hornady or Ssierra bullets, then I check their manual. Like has been said it is nice to have multiple sources. I shoot a lot of SIerra and Hornady loads so I have their manuals. I also shoot Nosler but their site is nice, and not sure if they even have a manual. Maybe I like the Lee because that was my first read when I started reloading.
-Jeff
-Jeff
quest4perfection
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quest4perfection
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I seem to be the only shooter in our group at the range that has even heard of CFE223. Good results in my .204. You, or do use CFE223 pistol powder only?
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