How old is too old for a reloading manual?

[Project355]

FWIW, I just found a Speer #10 manual in like new condition, $20 from a used bookseller with a good rep for saying books were more worn than they actually are (in other words, pleasant surprises when the book arrives).

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

My next topic is going to be, "Who keeps a personal 'Pet Loads' book and if you do, is it hand written, typed, printed or just digital? If you don't keep a loads book, how do you keep track of your favorite 'recipes'?"

I get asked a lot by newbies about how to get going reloading. One reason is, I'm good friends with the owners of three gun stores and they refer customers to me. Another reason is, I'm willing to help people out if they seem nice and sincere in their efforts. I'm doing a sort of self-check with the topics to make sure I am still giving people good advice, even if it isn't the "best" advice. One of the first things I tell them is, "Documentation is your friend."

Thanks everyone for participating in the Sanity Check. Great comments. Good discussion.

 

[edwardware]

The only major no no in my opinion is duplex loads. Not doing that no matter what.

Not very sporting 'eh?

Seriously though, have you ever found duplex data in a manual? I've seen some in very old articles (before Rifleman had an Attorney on staff), but never in a manual.

 

[AJC1]

Not very sporting 'eh?

Seriously though, have you ever found duplex data in a manual? I've seen some in very old articles (before Rifleman had an Attorney on staff), but never in a manual.

I have actually never seen one in print, but the risk seems way beyond the reward in my mind.

 

[edwardware]

My next topic is going to be, "Who keeps a personal 'Pet Loads' book. . .

No, not "pet loads", but you should absolutely have a written record of every single round you load, at least until it's fired. My databooks take up 2' of shelf space.

 

[mcb]

No, not "pet loads", but you should absolutely have a written record of every single round you load, at least until it's fired. My databooks take up 2' of shelf space.

Expound upon this I am not following. Why do I have to have a written record for every round loaded? I have load data on every batch of ammo I load so I know what it is but that it typically just some painters tape on the box(s) with load data recorded. It comes off easy later when I refill the box with another batch.

 

[AJC1]

Expound upon this I am not following. Why do I have to have a written record for every round loaded? I have load data on every batch of ammo I load so I know what it is but that it typically just some painters tape on the box(s) with load data recorded. It comes off easy later when I refill the box with another batch.

I do the exact same thing with printer labels. I write highlight and make notes in my lyman manual. It's kinda a record???

 

[Highland Lofts]

I use index cards to write down my loads. One index card bin for bad loads, one for good loads. I need to get another index card holders and get deviders so I can seperate the pet, proven loads my caliber and each individual gun.
I,m not in to electronic storage, old school.

 

[edwardware]

I have load data on every batch of ammo I load so I know what it is. . .

You've got it. I much prefer a batch # and brief summary in the box and a page of notes in a databook, but if your notes fit in the box, you've still got it covered.

 

[mcb]

You've got it. I much prefer a batch # and brief summary in the box and a page of notes in a databook, but if your notes fit in the box, you've still got it covered.

Thanks, The load data on the box will correspond to a load in my reloading notebook I guess I just never thought to go the extra mile to make that link more explicit. Good idea.

 

[forrest r]

Myself I use sources from the 20's and up, mainly for bullet reference.

The biggest difference in the older manuals compared to the newer manuals is the components being used. Balloon headed cases, changes in wad designs, shotgun shell hull designs, etc.

The other thing to keep in mind is the saami was founded in 1926 and IMHO this is what aided what I consider the "golden era" of reloading.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

No, not "pet loads", but you should absolutely have a written record of every single round you load, at least until it's fired. My databooks take up 2' of shelf space.

---
Were I not so careless in my youth, I might be able to make the same statement. C'est la vie.

By "Pet Loads" I mean those which are published and I have refined for my guns AND those for which I have had to create a good, safe, functional loading - entirely without the benefit of proper factory equipment, which is why I DO NOT share them. For example: I buy factory second bullets fairly often for my common practice loads. I'm not just cheap, I'm also broke. Sometimes they're a real bargain for a high-quality bullet the factory has discontinued because they didn't sell or a new-and-improved version was released - I picked up a 1000+ 105gr. Federal EFMJ "Guard Dog" 9m/m bullets for under $90 and 1000+ Remington 124gr. GSHP 9m/m for under $100 that way - but since they're for factory boxed ammo, a lot of times there is no published data for a starting load and I have to work one up starting with known facts: bullet weight and type, material, factory published velocities and COAL, SAAMI specifications for that cartridge, similar previously published loads, all of the information you can get from a set of micrometers and a good set of reference manuals. The more data the better. Those loads and the data I use to get to a starting point and beyond go into my "Pet Loads" book. Yes, I did steal the idea from Ken Waters - guilty! - and the phrase, "Pet Loads" from the title of his excellent works - nolo contendre - no offense intended to Mr. Waters (RIP) and I'm sorry if I created any confusion or caused any consternation.

 

[FROGO207]

I also store my reloaded rounds in Zip-Loc freezer bags in easy to manage quantities with a load card in each bag. Those correspond to my load data log. Also I can reference the card and know what I need to reload that empty brass so I can return the rounds to inventory.