Next Good Manual??

[CPLofMARINES]

Haven't started reloading yet, still reading and researching,
Already have Lyman's 49th, was wondering what you all
Think about, "Pet Loads" by Ken Waters ?? If anyone has
Any insight on this book, thank you. If this has been asked
About in the past, I apologize.

Semper Fi

 

[Reloadron]

The Lyman 49th Edition is likely the best start you could have.

Pet Loads, Complete Volume" Book by Ken Waters is a good book based on the little I have read in it, a friend has it. The one I saw could have done better with some of the image quality but the text content was real good reading. Waters takes many years at the reloading bench and gets the important things in print. Things like what to watch for as high pressure signs and how things work. The text is written in easy to understand wording.

With Mr. Waters book and others like it is that while all the information can be researched on the Internet, the books have it all in one place at your finger tips. Good reference material.

Semper Fi
Ron

 

[maxyedor]

I have manuals from each of the bullet manufactures I use. Compare that data to the Lyman manual and you'll be good to go. For an extra layer of security, I check my data against powder manufacturer's website.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Waters Pet Loads is an excellent reference, especially if you are loading oddball cartridges. One issue with the book is the age of the data, some loads are too hot by today's standards. While I will sing the praises of the book, it is not the best book for the beginning loader. I would recommend another manual with more general information on general reloading first, such as Lee.

 

[rcmodel]

Next to Lyman #49?

Get the latest Speer manual.

Some of Ken Waters Pet loads data is pretty hot nowadays with modern bullet construction.

And while packed with good info.
Much of the load data is getting a little dated.

For instance, the .22 Hornet data can get you in trouble with modern brass and powder.

rc

 

[CPLofMARINES]

Thank you folks, the latest Speer manual was on my list
As well, I believe it is the 14th ??

Semper Fi

 

[red rick]

I just got the Sierra Rifle & Handgun today Ed. V. Just started reading it, but I like so far. This is my fifth book and my second favorite right now behind Lyman's 49th.

 

[James2]

I suggest the manual for the bullets you are most likely to buy. Here Hornady bullets have always been available locally and I have shot many thousands of them. So the Hornady manual made good sense for me.

You can get load data online these days. I am in favor of more one set of data when looking to work up a load. That as far as I am concerned is the main reason for having more than one manual. The HOW TO steps are in all the manuals. Download some data from the powder and bullet manufacturers and go for it.

45 ACP Loads

More Data

 

[KansasSasquatch]

I'm not a big fan if the Lee 2nd Edition's how to section, mainly because Lee interjects much of it with overly high praises for his equipment. But the data section is much better than Lyman's. There's more bullet/powder combinations in the Lee manual. I have both the Lee and Lyman, between them and powder manufacturer websites I think you can get all the starting data you'll need.

 

[gamestalker]

My first thought, as well, was pick up a Speer Manual. There are numerous other good books out there too, but Speer has always incorporated an excellent teaching mechanism into their manuals. With a step, by, step introduction to reloading, that addresses just about every essential detail, in a plain and easy to comprehend manner.
GS

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Unfortunately, Speer #14 is out of print. It also appears #15 is in the works, but not available yet.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you're going to load Cast bullets the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 4th Edition is a must. It's more current than the Lyman 49th Edition and it's not a reprint of the data. It has additional data not included in the full manual including data for bullets from molds other than Lyman. (for the first time ever)
http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/publications/cast-bullet4.php
You can find it for a better price than on the Lyman site I linked to above. (~$20)

 

[Nappers]

If you're going to load Cast bullets the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 4th Edition is a must.....

If you buy the Lyman big dipper kit, it's included in the box. It's a great book!

 

[rfwobbly]

I suggest the manual for the bullets you are most likely to buy.

That's the ticket.

Get the book from the bullet manufacturer who's product you're most likely to purchase at your LGS.

 

[Rem700CDLSF3006]

does anyone have a Nosler Manual that lists H414 for a 165 gr BT for a 30-06

 

[scottishkat]

Data for 165gr Nosler bt 3006

Niether the Nosler 6 or 7 manuals have data for H414 and 165 gr BT. They both however have data for Win 760 which since Hodgdon and Winchester have become the same is the same powder. The 760 data says 52-56 grains for the 165 gr bt with wlr primers.

I did not call Hodgdon but learned this elsewhere. I note the data in my Lee #2 states that H414 and Win 760 says 51-56.5 for both. You will see the same at Hogdons web site. Minimum OAL 3.300.

Good luck 414 and 760 vary slightly batch to batch they're both great powders.

 

[Rem700CDLSF3006]

thank you Scottish cat I just loaded 2 rounds to try Used fed cases fed 210 primer 52.0 grains of H414 and a OAL of 3.422

 

[CPLofMARINES]

 

[orionengnr]

I'm not familiar with the "Pet Loads" manual, but I will look into it.

The Lyman was the most recent manual I have bought (I am reluctant to say the "last", because it won't be). However, if I had bought it first, I'm not sure I would have bought several others.

Nah, I'm a book geek. I'd have bought them all anyway.

 

[06]

My favorite is the Lyman manual--it is not so company oriented as most others. Go to Alliant, Hodgen, etc. for comparative stats.

 

[CPLofMARINES]

Orionengnr, thank u, folks have said it's old data, but good
Info, just thought it would diversify my resources.