You can start with one, especially if you plan to just load a couple of calibers and plan to stick with a few standard loads. I would get the one from your press/die maker (Speer/RCBS, Lee, Lymans, etc.)
But, if you want to try out unfamiliar cartridges, bullet weights, or various powders, then you should have at least three:
- one from your favorite press/die maker
- one from your favorite bullet maker
- one from your favorite powder maker
This way you get some cross-checking just in case
a manual has a typo. I have found loads switched in rows or columns, or just the wrong digit, but was able to check reality in a couple of other manuals.
Of course there are advanced ones like the Any Shot You Want, and Ken Waters Pet Loads, etc.
I have two editions of Lymans, Speer, Nosler, and Hodgdon, Silver Cast, and the new Lee. Plus, I checkout loads on the various maker's web sites for the latest cartridges and powders.
But, if you want to try out unfamiliar cartridges, bullet weights, or various powders, then you should have at least three:
- one from your favorite press/die maker
- one from your favorite bullet maker
- one from your favorite powder maker
This way you get some cross-checking just in case
a manual has a typo. I have found loads switched in rows or columns, or just the wrong digit, but was able to check reality in a couple of other manuals.
Of course there are advanced ones like the Any Shot You Want, and Ken Waters Pet Loads, etc.
I have two editions of Lymans, Speer, Nosler, and Hodgdon, Silver Cast, and the new Lee. Plus, I checkout loads on the various maker's web sites for the latest cartridges and powders.