Reloading Manual??

[karlborman]

I am new to reloading and purchased some old presses with old loading manuals.

I have about 6 different books but still can't find loads for newer bullets.

Is there one manual out there that is pretty comprehesive that covers most of the current bullet loadings? I am specifically looking for loading info for 9mm luger and other pistol loadings, but I'll be moving on to rifle reloading shortly also.

Thanks guys.

 

[esheato]

Typically, Nosler bullets are covered in Nosler manuals, Hornady bullets are in Hornady manuals. There is one exception though...One Book/One Caliber books that cover all data (propellant and bullet manufacturers) in one book.

Of course, you can also extrapolate your own data. A 115 grain is a 115 grain, no matter what shape...of course this only refers to charge weight. OAL is a different story entirely.

Ed

 

[azar]

No manual is going to cover "most bullet loadings", if by that you mean the majority of the bullets on the market. Way to many bullet and powder combinations. Many manuals are often specific to a bullet manufacturer or powder manufactuer. Some are more general, like Lyman or Lee.

Lyman #49 would be my first recommendation.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree Lyman 49th Edition is a good place to start. They cover many loads including a wide variety of lead bullets.

When it comes to rifle reloading, if you used mostly bullets from one company you might want to get their reloading manual. Sierra's manual is a good one but even better if you mostly use Sierra bullets. If you are going to load all different bullets the Lyman manual might cover most of what you load.

 

[tbtrout]

Another endorsement for Lyman #49.

 

[Jimfern]

powder makers

You can also check the websites of the powder manufacturers that you plan to use.

 

[rcmodel]

A 115 grain is a 115 grain, no matter what shape...of course this only refers to charge weight.

That used to be pretty true when a bullet was a bullet, no matter who made it.
Not so much anymore though.

With all the high-end bullets coming out made entirely of copper, or with bonded or plated jackets, or steel inside copper with a divider in the middle, you can't & shouldn't always do it now.

rc

 

[esheato]

rc,

You're totally right and I should have clarified my statement...pistol bullets aren't too weird. Rifle can be a bit tricky with some of the more esoteric bullets these days.

Ed

 

[CU74]

I use the Lyman book, and note that the Lee book has a bullet variety as well. You can also go on-line to powder manufacturers sites and find reloading data.

 

[pmeisel]

If I could only have one -- Lyman. Second one -- Lee. After that, for rifle, I would consider the bullet makers manuals. 80% of my shooting is revolvers and most of that is lead bullets, so the bullet makers aren't that much help to me.

 

[karlborman]

Thanks guys

That is helpful.

I have a couple of old Lyman and Speer and Sierra manuals. None listed the 147g bullets which are pretty common nowdays.

I'll check with the bullet manufactures and see.

I didn't think of that.

Thanks.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Which powder are you using on those 147gr bullets in a 9mm? If you are using a Hodgdon /Winchester /IMR powder you can get a good amount of data from the online Hodgdon Load Data site. They have 11 powders listed under a 147gr Hornady XTP bullet and a lead load too. Alliant lists 3 powders for a 147gr Speer Gold Dot bullet and Accurate Arms lists 147gr XTP data for their AA#2, AA#5 and AA#7 powders.