Got my first reloading manual

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Heir Kommt Die Sonne

Heir Kommt Die Sonne

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Richard Lee's Modern Reloading, 2nd edition the 2021 update.

I never used a manual for a long time, relying on forums and the CC data charts online. (and I know i shouldn't have). Having a phsyical resource that lists all available loads is a HUGE improvement and investment.

The greatest thing is the true-to-scale picture of the cartridge on the top. This is a great resource for figuring out fire formed brass cases. (like the Arisaka case from one of my previous threads. I think it's a .280 Ackley Improved)

However I am disappointed on how limited the data can be, because it doesn't list cast bullet loads for alot of rifle calibers. The different companies release their own manuals that center around their own products, like powder companies releasing manuals for their powders, or Hornady making a manual that focuses on their bullets. The Lee manual I have focuses on them all, and maybe this is why i find it lacking in that regard. I already want to buy more manuals, probably the Lyman one as I heard that one is the most extensive one.
 
Look around. There are a lot of older manuals to be had for not much money. I have them starting from 1940 or so. There are old loads that now have been dropped from manuals. Sometimes for safety and other times for lack of popularity. Best part is they will work if your computer gives up for some reason. I like the belt and suspenders approach to all things such as reloading. Any of the older Lyman cast bullet manuals are one you should get.
 
I've been at this for about 3.5 years, so I'm a relative newbie, but I simply cannot imagine reloading without at least one hard copy loading manual.

In addition to the actual useful data, I've spent hours laying in bed with the book light on poring over data for cartridges I'll probably never even load. I consider that entertainment value. :)

True, powder manufacturers only list data for their powder, bullet manufacturers only list data for their bullets, but each one of those books has something good to offer worth far more than the books cover price.

Lyman's 50th is indeed a great manual, and so is their cast bullet handbook.
 
Lee & Lyman are great manuals.
Don't forget the powder mfgs all have data online.

There's also the cheap "One Book, One Caliber" manuals from LoadBooks USA.
There's no "How To" in those manuals, just data from a whole host of legitimate, reliable sources
 
Like Honda said, Lyman is a great one for cast bullets.

Online, Hornady has some info since they make lead bullets as well.

Lefty
 
My SO got an older Speer reloading manual from Amazon. I had loaned it to a friend and it was lost. Apparently there are used books out there in eBay as well. Good luck and happy reading!
 
Books are great to have, for casual reading also . I read them like a novel at times, so much hidden info in there . When picking components for a load I want to try I sometimes lay out 4 or more books on the bench to cross reference . I have at least 20 manuals, and I am still on the hunt for ones I may not have yet .
 
You may check out Half Price Books, www.hpb.com. I got a Lyman 47th edition manual there on the cheap. I find data in there that my Hornady and Speer books don't list. I do like to compare the different books when developing a load. Good luck!
 
Lyman would be a great second addition. I also like the LoadbooksUSA single caliber booklets, but they can get expensive if you load many calibers.
I have both the 1st and 2nd editions of the Lee Modern Reloading manuals. They are an excellent resource for general reloading information, focused on Lee equipment of course.
I had a few dozen of the Lyman books, bought them as overstock directly from Lyman, but, unfortunately, they're all gone.
All the major manufacturers have manuals, some real books and some available electronically only. A lot of the manufacturers that have online only data will send you a printed copy if requested. Get them for the components you use or plan to use. And most importantly, keep your own *detailed* records so you can establish what works for your unique circumstances.
 
I use the Lyman 49th, and the cast bullet handbook 4th the most.

The Lyman 46 and 47 are full of great info and the data is still useful, and the cast handbook 3rd, is full of good info too.

And I second the use of the loadbooksusa one book one caliber manuals.
 
Heir Kommt Die Sonne said:
Richard Lee's Modern Reloading, 2nd edition the 2021 update.

I never used a manual for a long time, relying on forums and the CC data charts online. (and I know i shouldn't have). Having a phsyical resource that lists all available loads is a HUGE improvement and investment.

The greatest thing is the true-to-scale picture of the cartridge on the top. This is a great resource for figuring out fire formed brass cases. (like the Arisaka case from one of my previous threads. I think it's a .280 Ackley Improved)

However I am disappointed on how limited the data can be, because it doesn't list cast bullet loads for alot of rifle calibers. The different companies release their own manuals that center around their own products, like powder companies releasing manuals for their powders, or Hornady making a manual that focuses on their bullets. The Lee manual I have focuses on them all, and maybe this is why i find it lacking in that regard. I already want to buy more manuals, probably the Lyman one as I heard that one is the most extensive one.
Click to expand...

What I love about physical manuals is the speed. You see volumes of data besides just "your" combination. Really helped me understand the relationships between bullet weight, powder charge, speed, pressure, etc...

Never heard anyone speak of a "bad" manual to avoid. They all have slightly different purposes, published for slightly different reasons. In "my" opinion, you picked the right one to start with. The Lyman will be an excellent addition to what will become a very useful library.

You're probably familiar with Segal's Law "A man with a watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure." You will see slight differences in some load data due to different test conditions, different test configurations, etc... This is good because nobody will ever publish load data using your gun, with your components, at your altitude and temperature anyways. There are good reasons to start low and not exceed maximums. Read the manuals, make your choices.

Enjoy the journey!
 
check out AMAZON and EBAY for cheap good used reloading books.

LEE just copy/pastes other sources load data.

Speer, Lyman, Sierra, test and publish loads.
 
Heir Kommt Die Sonne said:
Richard Lee's Modern Reloading, 2nd edition the 2021 update.

I never used a manual for a long time, relying on forums and the CC data charts online. (and I know i shouldn't have). Having a phsyical resource that lists all available loads is a HUGE improvement and investment.

The greatest thing is the true-to-scale picture of the cartridge on the top. This is a great resource for figuring out fire formed brass cases. (like the Arisaka case from one of my previous threads. I think it's a .280 Ackley Improved)

However I am disappointed on how limited the data can be, because it doesn't list cast bullet loads for alot of rifle calibers. The different companies release their own manuals that center around their own products, like powder companies releasing manuals for their powders, or Hornady making a manual that focuses on their bullets. The Lee manual I have focuses on them all, and maybe this is why i find it lacking in that regard. I already want to buy more manuals, probably the Lyman one as I heard that one is the most extensive one.
Click to expand...
Your manual lists hard cast loads using rifle powder along with jacketed loads. In the beggining of the manual there’s instructions how to do it
 
FROGO207 said:
Look around. There are a lot of older manuals to be had for not much money. I have them starting from 1940 or so. There are old loads that now have been dropped from manuals. Sometimes for safety and other times for lack of popularity. Best part is they will work if your computer gives up for some reason. I like the belt and suspenders approach to all things such as reloading. Any of the older Lyman cast bullet manuals are one you should get.
Click to expand...


Ebay
 
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