best manual

[oldreloader]

I have manuals from Speer, Hornady, Sierra, Lee, Lyman, and data from most powder manufacturers. While there is nothing wrong with the Lyman manual, I'm not as impressed with it as everyone else seems to be.
I try to use data from the bullet mfg and cross reference it with data from the powder mfg.
My main problem is I use a lot of cast bullets in handguns, mostly from Missouri Bullet Co. and to my knowledge, there is no available verified data for MBC. Some bullets are basically the same as other brands (ie 200 gr swc) so that's not a problem . Their new 9MM 125 gr 9 cone and 9MM 125 gr swc are not made by anyone else and are not listed in any data. I do not have the Lyman Cast manual but since I don't use Lyman bullets I wonder how helpful it would be.

 

[bobnob]

For something a bit different you might like to try Nick Harvey's manual. He is an Aussie and the manual is Aussie focused, but in practice the only difference is that Hodgdon powders are listed under their ADI names. He lists loads for all the components listed down here.

Its a good manual as he has no proclivity to any company, and is immensely experienced.

If you can get it cheap its well worth picking up.

 

[Hondo 60]

+ a bunch on the Lyman manual.

The problem with Hornady, Speer, Sierra, Nosler etc is that they only have data for their own bullets.

Lyman has the widest range of bullet types.

You might also look into the "One Caliber/One Book" series from Loadbooks USA.
I have for each of the calibers I load.
(except for 7.62x25 Tokarev - they don't publish one for that caliber)