Sierra 6th Edition Reloading Manual Disappointment

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fnbrowning

fnbrowning

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Across the years I have upgraded from the Sierra 4th to the 5th editions, and just recently bought the Sierra 6th Edition Reloading Manual. I have to say I'm dissatisfied with the manual.

I do not care for the new layout, or the new fonts. But most of all, some of the data has me questioning the value of the manual. Let's review a closed High Road thread on the 9mm vs. the 6th edition: https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/sierra-manual-6-9mm-data.871117/

I am in complete agreement with some of the observations in the above thread, specifically the Unique data. I have to say that I've been using Unique + 9mm for years, and I have probably a dozen sources of Unique data, along with information from the redoubtable Stephen Camp, an authority in the classic Browning Hi Power pistol. The Sierra 6th Ed. data is flat wrong.

I also have to add the same observation in the .357 Magnum data, especially with the listed maximum for Alliant 2400 powder. Again, the numbers do not agree with modern listed data from other reputable sources.

This has me questioning other data that I may not be so familiar with. I would like some other opinions, as I'm about ready to send the book back to the store!
 
I have the Sierra 6th as well as their phone app, and while I appreciate it for what it is, I still cross reference the data with other sources. I always try to keep in mind that Sierra makes bullets, and their data is using their bullets. Same with Hornady, or Speer. Also, the bearing surface on one manufactures bullet may create more resistance/pressure than a similar bullet from a different manufacture. Same goes for testing equipment, barrel fixture vs gun, etc....

I have seen data for the 45acp using 1.275" as the COAL from different sources. Maybe that's what they used, but that is also SAAMI max to the best of my knowledge and won't fit in some magazines. This is why we start low and work up.

You could contact them and see what they say. If you do, I would certainly like to hear their response. FWIW I don't load 9mm so have never bothered to look at that data, but may do so now out of curiosity.

chris
 
Remember that for a long time 9x19 was loaded to a different standard in Europe. This caused a lot of confusion back in the day. Also why NATO 9x19 is so hot. Sierra is probably getting in line w modern liabilty standards. Like most data, it is a reference point, & by no means absolute, regardless what they choose to publish.
 
kcofohio said:
It is my understanding that they have only recently started the piezo pressure testing. Could that be difference people are seeing?
Click to expand...

FROGO207 said:
This might be the reason. They are seeing a pressure spile that is bad so otherwise modified data. I also would like to know what their reply is if you contact them.
Click to expand...

You’d think that if that is the case they’d mention it somewhere hopefully in bold print and point out why there is that much of a difference. Some kind of explanation would be helpful and prevent lots of calls or emails.
 
They had a big section in the Lyman 45th discussing the shift from cup to strain Guage measures. Unfortunately their books still contain a lot of cup data so there isn't a lot of fresh testing even in the nato standards.
 
The discrepancies between manuals makes extrapolation entirely necessary.

Makes one yearn for the days of yester-year when loading a 45-70 was as simple as filling the case and stuffing the lead.
 
Interesting, I haven’t seen a recent manual in a while. Most of my loads have been developed for a long time and I only load one load in 38, and one in 357. 9mm I loaded one load for years till be-86 came out and there was no current data then and we figured it out. 223 I loaded to duplicate military rounds with the same components so no need for load data.

What little I venture out from old standards now is easily found on manufacturers sites with supporting data gathered here and another forum I frequent and I have enough experience to decide how to use the data. Everything I load is for targets and not long range so no max loads, just accuracy. I do get the Hodgdon magazine every year, and I still have my signed copy of Accurate #1. I did have a few others but lost them in a house fire 25 years ago.
 
kcofohio said:
It is my understanding that they have only recently started the piezo pressure testing.
Click to expand...

I believe this is the case.

And regardless of the names remaining unchanged, I suspect the components do change over the years despite efforts to make them perform the same.

There are reasons why component manufacturers always say to use the latest published data with their products.
 
BBarn said:
I believe this is the case.

And regardless of the names remaining unchanged, I suspect the components do change over the years despite efforts to make them perform the same.

There are reasons why component manufacturers always say to use the latest published data with their products.
Click to expand...
One does have to wonder how everything from quality of steel to machining processes, gets better but the testing causes a reduction in loads.... I am unaware of previous book loads causing problems or failures. If the powder is reformulated, and they often are a shift would be prudent. The why is never clearly stated for these shifts.
 
I'm wondering how they calibrate the transducer and if the shock wave from the round being fired is inducing a frequency that's impacting the readings. A good test would be to tap the receiver with a hammer and see if the TD detects it. I know from experience that high speed acquisition can be challenging if there is noise being introduced.
 
My LGS, when they stocked supplies, kept a copy of Sierra 5th on the counter. It was a primary reason that I bought 8lbs of Hi-Skor 700-X...it was on the shelf, and the Sierra manual listed loads for every pistol caliber I load. Of course, I decided to buy this manual to keep on my load bench. Alas, my purchase bought me the Sierra 6th edition, and all of the 700-X loads were gone...not a single one listed. So, yeah, big disappointment. I had to return to the LGS and take snaps of the 5th ed pages with my phone.
I do reference the Sierra 6th frequently, but not when I'm using 700-X.
 
markr6754 said:
My LGS, when they stocked supplies, kept a copy of Sierra 5th on the counter. It was a primary reason that I bought 8lbs of Hi-Skor 700-X...it was on the shelf, and the Sierra manual listed loads for every pistol caliber I load. Of course, I decided to buy this manual to keep on my load bench. Alas, my purchase bought me the Sierra 6th edition, and all of the 700-X loads were gone...not a single one listed. So, yeah, big disappointment. I had to return to the LGS and take snaps of the 5th ed pages with my phone.
I do reference the Sierra 6th frequently, but not when I'm using 700-X.
Click to expand...
I'm a cave man, I write in loads and the source... I even add the bullets I cast that are not listed minus picture.....
 
I keep a composition note book on the loading bench. I only load three calibers in smokeless, 308, 7.62x54r and 45acp. Plus 45-70 with BP. All my notes go back 30+ years.

There are notations in some of my manuals, but I also lost some over the years.
 
Last edited:
Another thing to keep in mind is the newer manuals are meant for current manufactured powders, not necessarily for your inherited 30 year old lot you just got at auction or inherited or bought 30 years ago. Also keep in mind 30 year old powder with data from the correct 30 year old manual may have loads that exceed current pressures due to better technology in testing.
 
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