What’s the better “Bible”?

I like and recommend the Lyman with Sierra being next. But like most of you here, I have several. I think dgod has me beat though!

I have the Lyman and Speer. Plan on adding the Nosler as well as I use their bullets for hunting. If you use Western Powders they have their manual in PDF form on their website. I really like their manual as well as it has lots of different bullets in it for their powders.

Ironicaintit said:

it’s this one
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I see Guide to Reloading by Sharpe. I was a much younger man when I bought a copy of that book. Provided many a night of good reading.
Later bought a Star reloader from information talked about in that book. Ah the good times of youth.... thanks

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dgod said:

I have a large selection. My experience (A little over 35 years) is that some manuals change. Plus, I like the option of a lot of resource lookups. I usually start with Lyman 50, them select at random, ending with Nosler (All but #3,6, &7), then to thee on-line “Load Test” database.

With this method, I can usually find the combo I’m looking for.

Good Luck with your choices.

Dan

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BOOMER.......!!!!!!!

If you'll just have one , Lyman. Everything a basic reloader will need is there and the data is pretty accurate.

I consider Speer's and Lyman's the best, though Speer's15th edition does contain errors in the handgun loading data section (at least the first printing does). Nosler's is very good as well.

When looking for loading data, it's best to use data for the specific bullet. The bullet characteristics are the variables influencing pressure as much or more than powder lot or primer choice. For rifle cartridges, be mindful of the distance the bullet is off the lands, especially as you approach max charge.

I don't think that there is a best source of truth when it comes to reloading. I think the best practice is to learn as much as you can from as many sources as possible. Then you can mix the knowledge you gain from reading and research with the experience you gain from reloading to come up with what works best for you in your shooting with the firearms that you own and are reloading for. When I first started reloading I saw questions asked on forums and the pat answer was 'read the manual'. Well if you read enough manuals you will start to see variations in recommendations between manuals. If you compare the same exact powder and bullet combinations between Hornady and Hodgdon they are rarely the same. Now I am not saying don't read manuals. But I am saying if you put all of your faith in one manual you will not have fully explored your reloading options.

Austin Albright said:

I see Guide to Reloading by Sharpe. I was a much younger man when I bought a copy of that book. Provided many a night of good reading.
Later bought a Star reloader from information talked about in that book. Ah the good times of youth.... thanks

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That one was the first I’d read, and it’s still my favorite.

So far Lyman

When I started to reload pistol and rifle, I was told to get three references for every load I put together. That hasn't changed much. Here's my take: Hornady is rather conservative on maximum loads, though there are exceptions in their manuals. Lyman is rather liberal in their loads towards maximum and their loads may be true maximums. Their bullet seating seems to be a little extreme. Lee has every possible load I can think of, many may be out dated. Sierra and Hornady are good for military loads like for a M-1 Garand. If all else fails check the internet with Hodgdon, Speer and Alliant websites.

Yes, I always recommend lee for start with. Hand loader magazine because those old guys have made our hobby what it is. Hornady, Nosler, Barns also include history and good short tales. Haven't used Speer or Sierra yet. Joined today because its hard to get what few young guys I know to put down the phone and read. So much to learn.

Ironicaintit said:

That one was the first I’d read, and it’s still my favorite.

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Just goes to show you have good taste

Austin Albright said:

Just goes to show you have good taste

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Oh stop (but do go on)

I like Lyman but I use several resources to develop a starting load. From paper manuals by different companies to powder manufacture recommendations, I look at various powder/bullet loads to formulate my starting point.

I use the Lee 2nd edition mainly due to the numerous powders listed but cross reference everything with online data also. I've been loading since 94 but still wanting to learn .

Bill

Like most everyone else I'm with the "you're going to end up with several" fellas.

Lyman is my go-to favorite, but if you begin to get into it you're going to want more, PLUS Internet resources.

But, I'd start with Lyman as my very first.

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I'm with dgod.
The first pic is the up-to-date books that I go to first. The rest are my reference library.

Lyman 49th, Lyman Cast, Lee. Cross referenced with online data from powder/bullet mfgs.


I don't reload a large gambit of calibers or different powders/bullet profiles, so my information used is pretty slim compared to many others. Most times I don't even reference the books or online data any more, have just kept duplicating loads for years. I've found what works well for me and my firearms, so no need to step outside the "norm" if you will. And yes, I have plenty of components to keep doing what I do for a very long time.


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It is best to have several sources. Comparing data is very eye opening. text in each of the ones i have proved very useful over the years.

The best manual is the one you write yourself based on your best and worst loads, what you have on-hand and how those combinations performed in the firearms you use most.

You build your personal loads book one load at a time. The manuals are great starting places and they all have advantages and disadvantages but, until you put the components together and test them in your gun, using your chronograph and by inspecting your cases... it's all just an informed suggestion.

I own and reload for 40 or so calibers. Most every single one is an American caliber, a few are considered obsolete. Lyman and Lee are the most universal. I also like to have one from the main bullet manufacturers that I use: speer, sierra, hornady, Berger, nosler. My stack of books is about 5 foot tall. Some are older than I. I like to use multiple references for a load.

Lyman is definitely my go-to, and IMO the best. But I have several, and cross reference, as well as using the internet as well. You can never have too many reloading manuals.