Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
I use a combination:
Speer #13
Lyman #48
and Pet Loads by Ken Waters
Speer #13
Lyman #48
and Pet Loads by Ken Waters
What Kind'a Loading Manual(s) Are At Your Side When Handloading?
- Thread starter Ala Dan
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Speer 10 and the New 14, as well as Ken Waters' Pet Loads.
But what I rely on heavily are the loads published in the magazines and related books. Finn Aagaard's loads, Layne Simpson, and Ed Matunas in particular. Other authors too, but those are what come to mind.
But what I rely on heavily are the loads published in the magazines and related books. Finn Aagaard's loads, Layne Simpson, and Ed Matunas in particular. Other authors too, but those are what come to mind.
I really like those "one caliber" books. I have one for each of the 3 calibers I load for and they're great because I can compare data from different sources very quickly and easily. Hornady's manual is easy to read, but lacks a lot of data. Lee's manual has a ton of data, but is a pain to read.
In the relative order of importance, to me:
1) the latest loading data I can get from powder manufacturers for the powders I use (you can get this off the 'net, but you can also get free printed copies when you order from Powder Valley).
2) the "loadbook" for the calibers I reload (and since I reload just a few, popular, calibers, there is one for each of the calibers I reload).
3) The Lee manual.
What the loadbook will give me that 1) doesn't is load data from bullet manufacturers. Saves me the cost of buying a Sierra or Hornady manual. I've gotten powder manufacturer manuals from PV for powders I don't use -- yet, just so I can read and compare what's available to what I do use.
There is obviously a lot of overlap in the three sources I list above, but that's okay. It is all just to get some idea of where to start. The loads I end up with come from testing them at the range, not from what is listed in a book.
1) the latest loading data I can get from powder manufacturers for the powders I use (you can get this off the 'net, but you can also get free printed copies when you order from Powder Valley).
2) the "loadbook" for the calibers I reload (and since I reload just a few, popular, calibers, there is one for each of the calibers I reload).
3) The Lee manual.
What the loadbook will give me that 1) doesn't is load data from bullet manufacturers. Saves me the cost of buying a Sierra or Hornady manual. I've gotten powder manufacturer manuals from PV for powders I don't use -- yet, just so I can read and compare what's available to what I do use.
There is obviously a lot of overlap in the three sources I list above, but that's okay. It is all just to get some idea of where to start. The loads I end up with come from testing them at the range, not from what is listed in a book.
ReloaderFred
Member
I have all the popular manuals, plus the free handouts. I also use the data from Handloader Magazine, when appropriate, and subscribe to loaddata.com for any additional information that I might need.
Hope this helps.
Fred
Hope this helps.
Fred
mainebear
Member
I also use my own developed data. Refer occasionally to a Speer #10, Ammoguide.com, and Powder manufacturers published info. I always cross creck all that i can when trying something new to me.
Pretty much the same as baz:
1. Powder manufacturer (to see where their max is)
2. A loadbook or whatever it's called that has all the loads from Speer, Hornady, Sierra, Nosler, etc. They often have "accuracy" and "hunting" load suggestions.
3. Sometimes my Speer #13 or Lee's book. Some of the Speer loads are WAY lower than anyone elses though.
1. Powder manufacturer (to see where their max is)
2. A loadbook or whatever it's called that has all the loads from Speer, Hornady, Sierra, Nosler, etc. They often have "accuracy" and "hunting" load suggestions.
3. Sometimes my Speer #13 or Lee's book. Some of the Speer loads are WAY lower than anyone elses though.
RecoilRob
Member
I've come to rely on Lyman data. Never had a problem with any of their loads while I cannot say that for an older Speer book.
You CAN find hotter loads at the manufacturers sites or other books sometimes. But, if I had to use only one source for data, it would be Lyman.
You CAN find hotter loads at the manufacturers sites or other books sometimes. But, if I had to use only one source for data, it would be Lyman.
brasskeeper
Member
The book that I rely on is Lyman #48.
I do review other manuals and powder manufacturers web sites from time to time.
I do review other manuals and powder manufacturers web sites from time to time.
jfh
Member.
since returning to reloading after eight-ten years,
I've taken a more internet-centric approach. I did buy two recent manuals, but primarily for process and concepts, not data.
Then I scouted out the current official reloading data--that includes *.PDFs from bullet manufacturers like speer, and powder sites like Alliants, Winchester (now with Hodgdon), and Hodgdon.
Finally, I googled out and found appropriate reloading forums--handloads.com, for example, and I have even joined LoadData (at least for one year). However, I view any load data entry in gun forum topics with no small amount of paranoia, and I will not use it until it is verified from "official" data. That official data, BTW, may well be twenty-year, even forty-year old data from Handloader, and it is considered and weighed as well.
Then I have download and save data as appropriate, or simply print the data for inclusion into my own load data notes.
I find having ONLY the relevant data for the cartridge / bullet / at hand is smart--and since I have limited "desktop" space at the bench, I try to keep paper / junk out of the way.
I've taken a more internet-centric approach. I did buy two recent manuals, but primarily for process and concepts, not data.
Then I scouted out the current official reloading data--that includes *.PDFs from bullet manufacturers like speer, and powder sites like Alliants, Winchester (now with Hodgdon), and Hodgdon.
Finally, I googled out and found appropriate reloading forums--handloads.com, for example, and I have even joined LoadData (at least for one year). However, I view any load data entry in gun forum topics with no small amount of paranoia, and I will not use it until it is verified from "official" data. That official data, BTW, may well be twenty-year, even forty-year old data from Handloader, and it is considered and weighed as well.
Then I have download and save data as appropriate, or simply print the data for inclusion into my own load data notes.
I find having ONLY the relevant data for the cartridge / bullet / at hand is smart--and since I have limited "desktop" space at the bench, I try to keep paper / junk out of the way.
When loading I use the latest manual for the bullet I am useing and data from the company that produced my powder and cross referance. If I`m useing a bullet that I can`t find data for I use the data for a similar wgt bullet of like geometery from as many sources as I can find and toss the highest and lowest max charge listed and use the charges left as a guide.
I have at least 3 editions of the manuals from each of the major (USA) bullet makers plus the Lyman #47 & 48, Hodgdon #26, #27 and 2006 and 2007 magazine manuals. I also have Lees book, VV #2 & #3 and a pile of the free powder company pamphlets. One can never have too much info.
I have at least 3 editions of the manuals from each of the major (USA) bullet makers plus the Lyman #47 & 48, Hodgdon #26, #27 and 2006 and 2007 magazine manuals. I also have Lees book, VV #2 & #3 and a pile of the free powder company pamphlets. One can never have too much info.
The Bushmaster
Member
When starting with a new calibre or powder I use Lyman's 48th Edition, Sierra V edition 2nd printing and any other data I can find. When loading from known quantities I use my personal load data log...
zxcvbob
Member
I use Lyman's #48 as my main reference, but it's not at my loading bench. What I have there is a printout of the pistol data from an Alliant reloading guide (I use mostly Alliant powders), and some of my own notes.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I use the load data from the powder manufacturer available online and from the free books they give out every year. I also buy those single caliber books mentioned above. I have older Speer and Lyman book from the 80's. Of course my personal records of load data are the most valuable.
XD-40 Shooter
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1) Powder manufacturer loading guide, in my case, its Alliant.
2) Lee Modern Reloading 2nd Edition.
2) Lee Modern Reloading 2nd Edition.
lee n. field
Member
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Ditto, with Lyman's 47th and and older edition Lyman's Pistol and Revolver handbook.
redneck2
Member
Having a book open is confusing. Too many lines, too many loads. Too easy to jump between loads.
I use a 3x5 index card with my data that I have established for every load. I have everything listed for that load. Once. Many index cards in my file. One on the bench at a time.
If you're asking "What do you use for reference?", the answer would be longer than I care to list here. I don't believe any manual. I do believe multiple manuals and references.
I use a 3x5 index card with my data that I have established for every load. I have everything listed for that load. Once. Many index cards in my file. One on the bench at a time.
If you're asking "What do you use for reference?", the answer would be longer than I care to list here. I don't believe any manual. I do believe multiple manuals and references.
Master Blaster
Member
I like to look at at least 4 different sources. I have Hornady 6, Speer 14, Lyman 48, and I will look at the powder manufacturer's online data, and call the Bullet company for their data. I use Sierra bullets for .223 and .308, since I don't have their manual, I have called them for data.
I keep track of accurate loads in a notebook, and will refer to that for my past experience.
I keep track of accurate loads in a notebook, and will refer to that for my past experience.
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