Which Lyman manual should i get?

[Shivahasagun]

I don't have a Lyman manual but I read they have more cast / lead loads than others and I like that.

I'm not sure if I should buy the newest one (51st?) Or an older one.

My focus is pistol cartridges. I load .25 acp, .32 mag, .38 Colt Short, .38 spec, .357 mag, .45 acp. Just sold my .44 special but will end up with a .44 mag eventually, probably.

I'll probably load .32 acp eventually and possibly .40 s&w.

 

[.45Coltguy]

Lyman #50 or #51 will cover those. Lyman does have their cast only mauals. I believe the latest edition is the #4.

 

[Shivahasagun]

Lyman #50 or #51 will cover those. Lyman does have their cast only mauals. I believe the latest edition is the #4.

Ohh... I didn't know they had separate manuals like that.

If it matters, I buy lead / coated bullets. I do not cast them.

 

[.45Coltguy]

Nope, won't matter. Lyman puts out a very good manual. They are not beholden to one powder or bullet maker.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

Here is a free one to get you started. https://www.nzha.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Lyman44.pdf

 

[IWAC]

Nope, won't matter. Lyman puts out a very good manual. They are not beholden to one powder or bullet maker.

My #49 has the same info as #s 50 & 51. The later manuals may have newer cartridges like the 350 Legend and others, but, if you are just reloading the "classics", any one will do.

 

[mdi]

Might as well get the 51st Edition. If wanting more for cast bullets I'd suggest the 3rd Edition of Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook. I have the 4th also but I think the 3rd is more new caster friendly as the 4th seems to have a lot of info on Black Powder Cartridge reloading (Mike Venterino is editor of 4th)

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

Google Marvin Stuart reloading. Lots of stuff there to look at. The Cast Bullet Handbook is under Bullet Casting.