alanwk
Member
What is the best reloading manual that is not tied to a specific bullet maker besides Lee Modern Reloading?
Manuals
- Thread starter alanwk
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Blue68f100
Member
The ones put out by Powder Mfg. Some/most are available online for free.
alanwk
Member
Thanks
1KPerDay
Member
I like Lyman 49 and 50th. However I found Hornady’s book very useful as well and fun to read about each cartridge.
Alliant and Hodgdon powders (and pretty much every other powder maker) offers fairly good data online. Berry’s is good as well.
Alliant and Hodgdon powders (and pretty much every other powder maker) offers fairly good data online. Berry’s is good as well.
GeoDudeFlorida
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I kinda like the mobile device version of the Vihtavuori manual. Other than that, the best information I’ve found is in the bullet and powder makers manuals in that order.
Soonerpesek
Member
Hodgdon has an annual manual, and most of the powder manufacturing sites have free manuals if you call or email them…as @Blue68f100 stated…
The local Scheels here had a pile of the Vihtavouri manuals for the taking…
The local Scheels here had a pile of the Vihtavouri manuals for the taking…
Alaskamike
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In addition to the powder manufacturers, I also find myself referring to Ken Waters' Pet Loads quite a bit.
While I might not call it "authoritative" data, it really is a great resource.
Propellant Profiles is also a very good resource, although it focuses more on the characteristics of a powder, but each article does include a small amount of load data.
While I might not call it "authoritative" data, it really is a great resource.
Propellant Profiles is also a very good resource, although it focuses more on the characteristics of a powder, but each article does include a small amount of load data.
ballman6711
Member
If you're just looking for data for a single caliber, the "One Book/One Caliber" is pretty good, but sometimes a bit dated.
chris
chris
Mostly Lead
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- Oct 31, 2011
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- 197
I've got three on my shelf: Modern Reloading, Lyman 49th and Speer 13.
Will sometimes look up data online, but generally rely on these manuals to help me form an acceptable load. They do not all agree, that is why I have them...
Will sometimes look up data online, but generally rely on these manuals to help me form an acceptable load. They do not all agree, that is why I have them...
Nothing new to add, but I too use Lyman's manual (49th, I think) and the data available from the powder manufacturers. If you are after reloading instructions/techniques and not just recipes, Lyman's provides that and I don't think the powder mfgs do.
.308 Norma
Member
I like Hodgdon manuals, including Hodgdon's "Annual Manuals" that I pick up and read from the newsstands in department/grocery stores while my wife does the shopping.
You'll soon learn that the conditions under which each manual are compiled are unique since there is no industry-wide standard for compiling such a document.
Buy multiple manuals (preferably the ones that correspond to the powders you are loading), start at/near the minimum recommended load and work up from there - the process which is described at the beginning of the manual.
Buy multiple manuals (preferably the ones that correspond to the powders you are loading), start at/near the minimum recommended load and work up from there - the process which is described at the beginning of the manual.
johnjohn
Member
Lyman 47 and Lyman Cast 3. I've also got a Lee somehow. ( don't use it too much)
rfwobbly
Member
Without a doubt it's Lyman.
• Lyman is not trying to sell you their bullets, because they don't make bullets. They show a variety.
• Lyman is not trying to sell you their powder, because they don't make powder. They use a variety.
• There are other non-affiliated manuals out there, but most of them do not do their own testing. They buy the data they are offering. Lee is a great example. Lyman does their own testing in their own lab.
Lyman shows their bullets/moulds in my manual. And doesn’t show AA powder.
I like the powder manu data; some of the older ones like Accurate Number One are fantastic. They tend to show loads for more/most powders rather than the same few favorites over and over.
I like the powder manu data; some of the older ones like Accurate Number One are fantastic. They tend to show loads for more/most powders rather than the same few favorites over and over.
.45Coltguy
Member
"And doesn't show AA powder". Sure they do. Rifle, handgun, it's there.
My Hodgdon reloading manual is the best for covering almost everyone's powders, and not being brand specific for bullets. Only drawback for myself is it covers very few older cartridges, and none that are obsolete. So I use it for modern reloading, but never much for my 1800's rifles.
1KPerDay
Member
LMK if you want to sell the Lee cheap… I just gave mine away to my nephew and I miss it LOL
Well, I’m confusing something- someone has had a statement about USA powders only; is it Hornady?
.45Coltguy
Member
Not sure about the newer Hornady manuals; I have the 8th edition and it does have various powders in it, USA and otherwise.
My Lyman is #50.
My Lyman is #50.
JohnMc
Member
Another vote for Lyman, 49th in my case.
Also in printed form: Sierra & Lee, I forget the editions.
I also download any company's pdf versions I can.
I use Hodgdon's website, too.
Also in printed form: Sierra & Lee, I forget the editions.
I also download any company's pdf versions I can.
I use Hodgdon's website, too.
LV Gun
Member
I have Lyman’s 47 thru 51 plus there Cast Bullet # 4 , Pistol and Revolver 2 & 3 . Also have Lee’s , Speer , Hornady , Accurate/Western , IMR , Hodgdon, ML McPherson’s Cartridges of the World, and various other powder companies booklets. I also use the online versions also plus have the VV app on my phone.
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