Reloading manuals
Thanks ya'll for the comments so far.
As far as my reasons for wanting info on data sources other than specific powder & bullet manufacturers, there are several:
1 - I'm already reasonably confident they (manuf.) provide accurate and reliable data for their particular and specific product usage, so a recommendation is somewhat unnecessary. If I find myself consistently using a particular bullet or powder, then I'll aquire one of their manuals. I already have some older maker-specific manuals that I can cross ref. with a couple new broader manuals to be sure I'm still in the safe zone.
2 - I'm not overly allied to any particular bullet or powder maker (well except maybe Hodgdon) at this time, so re-investing in several maker-specific manuals would most likely cost me more to end up with similarly broad data coverage as a couple of non maker-allied manuals. And as pointed out, several manufacturers provide data online, so there is additional data out there available at low/no cost.
3 - I've seen/heard of some other titles out there in the past, but couldn't remember them to ask specifically about their quality/content. The Lee manual is one that I didn't know about, but sounds like one I'll want to look at to add to the library. The Ackley set is another one (although I believe they're pricey?) I don't have any experience with. The Loadbook caliber-specific ones I've known about but never really looked at before.
4 - I'm one that likes to see data in black and white, and not guesstimate by cutting roughly 10% or more off max loads to find a starting load, or a % off jacketed bullet data to substitute lead bullets, or other such methods. I don't have a chrony (yet) either, so I stay conservative with loads and don't push the max loadings. Another reason I like manuals that specify a min/max range of powder weights for a variety of powders, not just a max.
5 - I'm out here in the boondocks of SE Virginia, where a decently stocked gun/reloading shop is way over an hour+ away, so simply dropping by and checking out the latest manuals is difficult for me. And there's no guarantee that any particular shop will have all the different ones to compare/contrast with before buying. Mail order or a gun show (also well over 1 hour, when they're held) are the primary methods for getting reloading supplies.
I've got 5 bound manuals right now from the late 80's/early 90's - Lyman, Accurate, Hodgdon, Hornady, and Sierra (in the binder) - along with some freebie handouts from a few other powder makers. I prefer using lead pistol bullets over jacketed because of the cost. Only 2 of those manuals list any load data for lead bullets in .40 S&W/10mm - the Lyman and the Accurate #1. The Accurate book only lists Accurate powders, so now I'm down to one manual (the Lyman) for any load info using 231, Bullseye, Unique, whatever. Since I'm already planning on picking up the latest Lyman (#48), I'd like to get at least a second and hopefully a third manual with very broad coverage (like the Lyman), so that I've got a couple of sources to cross ref. for a wider selection of bullet/powder combinations. It's not my intention to ignore or downplay the value of the maker-specific manuals, it's just that the ones I presently have don't help as much as I'd like for some of my reloading data needs. If they don't list lead bullet data because they don't make/sell non-jacketed lead bullets, then there's nothing in black & white to cross ref with.
And I agree wholeheartedly, having 3 or more good (and hopefully current) manuals to cross ref with is a requirement (IMHO) for safe and efficient reloading.
Sounds like the best options for me are the latest Lyman and Lee books, along with an updated Hodgdon and maybe a Loadbook or two. I also like my old Accurate #1 book, since it lists specific loads for High Power Service Rifle for my .308 re-barrelled Garand, and I hope to pick up a CMP Garand someday as well.
Thanks!
GP
