best reloading book?

[andyjason]

i started to get set up for reloading about 5 years ago. i have most of the equipment for metalic. i'm looking for a new book. whos is the best? i'm sure that this is a loaded question.

 

[db_tanker]

there really is no "best"....

try the Lyman manual...they cover multiple types of projectiles and powders...I prefer it over my others....

next one would have to be the Sierra manual for the most comprehensive.


MTCW
D

 

[Clark]

I like Sierra for rifle and free on line data from powder manufacturers for pistols.

These days, I use Quickload software in lieu of published data.

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

I don't think there's a one "BEST".

I tend to stick with the published data from the manufacture of the "Bullet" I'm loading for.

That said, for cast stuff I use the Lyman Cast manual.

For various pistol and rifle loads, I use Speer, Sierra, Hornady and Nosler manuals specific to the bullet I'm shooting. Layout of the manual, and the balistic charts in the back, with the two piece pistol/rifle set, I prefer the design of the Sierra manuals.

Remember though, that if you're shooting Rainier LSWC, there won't be reload data in the manuals listed above particular to that bullet. And the Speer and Hornady are the only two that list LSWC load data since Sierra and Nosler only manufacture jacketed bullets.

My next step will probably be to a Balistics software package.

-Steve

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Your "old" books and online powder data from the manufacturer's websites should get you going just fine.

Dave

 

[bigcim]

I only have one book the Lyman 46th edition. I was wondering what I should get next; An updated Lyman manual or one from a different company

 

[The Bushmaster]

I agree with db_tanker...Update with a Lyman 48th edition and get the Sierra edition V 2nd printing. Get the rest of your data from the bullet manufactures that you are using on line... That will give you the new bullets and powders available...

 

[tikkat3]

I agree that the Lyman is a good guide. The Hornady is disappointing in that it does not have a full spectrum in some of the key calibres (eg .223 REM) - they miss out their heavier weight bullets, and also are extremely lawsuit safe compared to other manuals/data. The Speer is also a good place to start.

 

[Ala Dan]

Lymans's 48th is a "must have"~!

 

[highlander 5]

Lyman's 48th and Speer No 13

 

[NateG]

The Lyman 48's the one I use the most. Hornady's isn't bad, Speer's is probably second best.

Next time you go to a Cabela's or the like, pick up a bunch of the power manufacturers' booklets for free. IMRs is pretty mild, if I remember correctly.

I use google a fair amount (search the powder and cartridge name --- ".30-06 IMR4895" for example), just remember to do a sanity check with a reputable source or two to make sure you're not about to load 60 gr of IMR4895 under a 180gr bullet in a .30-06 or something equally stupid. (NOTE: 60gr IMR4895 is most definitely NOT a safe load. I just filled a case and weighed it for an example of something stupid. Don't do it)

I've heard good things about the Sierra manual, and want to pick one up one of these days...

Nate

 

[tbtrout]

I have the Speer, Sierra and Lyman. You need more than one.

 

[lee n. field]

I have used Speer and Lyman's 47th, just got the 48th.

 

[bigcim]

I have lymans 46th is there a big difference between the 47th and 48th

 

[ArkansasFatboy]

I have lyman,speer,hornady,lee,an old nra load manuel and I am still looking for more.

 

[ID_shooting]

Like most others, there is no one book. I find my self comparing the data from multiple sources when working up a new load (especially if the bullet is unlisted such as Remington). Some of the older books have loads that differ from the new versions so even if I buy an updated version, I keep the old one and use it to

 

[The Bushmaster]

bigcim...The only difference that I could tell from my Lyman 47th edition and my 48th edition was the addition of new calibres and new powders and the omission of some charts and graphs that I liked...Other then that they were the same. I really don't know about the 46th edition...

 

[Master Blaster]

Lyman 48th, and their pistol manual which has extra things and new powders.

Speer and Hornady if you use their Bullets, cause thats all they have data for, I like them as a second and third reference. Then you may want to consider Hodgon as well since they use others bullets but only their own powder. The hodgdon annual data manuals are like $12 and would provide a good 2nd reference to Lyman if you use Hodgdon / IMR powders.

Then there is the free online data.

 

[bigcim]

my book recommends using imr-4350 because it says its the most accurate. I was wondering if imr is the brand or can I get 4350 from any powder manufacturer

 

[Odnar]

If it says imr use imr. There are some examples of different manufacturers that use the same numbers but are completely different powders.

 

[bender]

isn't the Lyman book on the overly conservative side? I thought the starting loads were ridiculously low sometimes.


A friend who has the lyman book had several squibs when using the starting loads.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Yes Lyman tends to be on the conservitive side. Your friend may have substituted a different bullet then what Lyman suggested. Especially if he loaded a jacketed bullet in place of a lead one. It takes more powder to get a jacketed bullet down the barrel. Howsomeever...Lyman has one of the most easy to read, understandable and comprehensive manuals when it comes to information for a beginning reloader of all of them except maybe Lee.

I use Lyman for my moderate to warm loads and Sierra and other bullet manufaturers for my hot loads. Works for me...

 

[bender]

Your friend may have substituted a different bullet then what Lyman suggested. Especially if he loaded a jacketed bullet in place of a lead one. It takes more powder to get a jacketed bullet down the barrel.

yes, I'm pretty sure the bullets were not the same, but it was definately lead/lead, or jacketed/jacketed. Plus the weights would have been the same.

I mean, it may have specified lyman bullet # xxxx 125gr lead, but he may have used a similar style Oregon Trail Laser Cast 125gr lead bullet.

I have the speer # 12, but I was thinking of buying the newest Hornady also. The last Hornady manual I have is way old, #3 I think from 1981.

 

[JA]

There really is no best loading manual but........

If you want the manual with most load data for the largest number of cartridges of any loading manual get the second edition of the Lee manual.

If you want a maunal with load data for the least number of cartridges that lists which load was the most accurate but with the most lead bullet data get the latest edition of the Lyman manual.

If you want a load manual that has data only for the bullets they mfg. get anyone of the bullet mfgs. manuals. Sierra,Speer,Hornady,etc.........

If you want a load manual that has data for only the powder they make get one of the powder mfgs. manuals. Accurate Arms,IMR,Hodgdon,etc........

If you want a load manual with the most data for only one cartridge get one of the Loadbooks USA for the cartridge you are interested in.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Or go broke and buy them all.. ..One of the neat things about reloading your own ammunition is that you can taylor your ammunition to your gun and taylor your manual to your own tastes. Buy more then one and pick those that fits YOUR needs... A variety will give you new ideas to try and experiment with...