Which reloading manual?

[Pelon]

I´m close to starting: Bought a Dillon 650, have 10,000 primers, 8 lbs. of powder (Hodgdon TITEGROUP), 4,000 pieces of brass (from brassmanbrass.com) and 10,000 lead bullets (made by a friend).

All I need now is a reloading manual.

I bought The ABC´s of Reloading by C. Rodney James but that one doesn´t come with suggested loads.

I plan to reload 100% handgun ammo (.380, 38 Special, 9 mm, .40 S&W).

Any suggestions?

 

[BigG]

Modern Reloading by Richard Lee
Lyman Reloading Handbook, Vol. 48

 

[Steve Smith]

Lyman's Pistol and Revolver is a GREAT load book, IMHO.

 

[Johnny Guest]

There's such a wealth of information - - -

I personally like the Speer Handbook - - I freely admit to prejudice, as the editor, J. Alan Jones, is a personal friend. I also like The Hornady book, and an old Lyman book is of great value to me. I keep other manuals and company booklets on hand as well.

Please, ALWAYS check at least two sources for load dats. You'll seldom find two agreeing in EVERY particular, if only from all the variables involved. A change in brand of brass or primers, bullets of the same weight and type but by different manufacturers, barrel length - - All these and others will contribute to exact results being different. You should be able to see, though, when loading data tends to be confirmed or contradicted by different books.

If you're to be serious about reloading, you NEED a couple of manuals. If confining yourself to one or two cartridges, you can obtain a lot of useful data for free on the 'net, by asking questions on the loading boards, or hitting the powder manufacturers' web sites.

Welcome to The High Road, Pelon, and especially to the H&R forum. Please participate frequently, and don't be afraid to ask specific questions. And do keep us informed about your progress in loading and shooting. What type firearms are you using?

Best of luck,
Johnny

 

[DonQatU]

Another vote for the 48th Lyman. I have just about every reloading manual available. But if I only had one, it would be the Lyman 48th Ed. Reloading Handbook.

Don

 

[JohnK]

All I need now is a reloading manual.

Actually I'm with Johnny, you don't need A reloading manual you need at least two.

I like the Speer manual as well, if money is tight I'd get the Hodgdon Annual manual as the second one, it's only $10.50.

Welcome to the world of handloading.

 

[larryw]

In addition to the minimum of two reloading manuals, powder and bullet manufacturers often publish load data on their sites.

http://www.hodgdon.com/data/index.php

 

[Poodleshooter]

Get a $10 caliber specific "Loadbook" from midwayusa or some such internet retailer. They contain all of the manufacturers older data from 2-3 years ago. This allows you to compare all of the powder and bullet manufacturers data in one handy reference guide.

 

[Pelon]

Bought the Lyman and the Speer

You guys are GREAT!

I went to Cabelas.com (a favorite) and bought:
Lyman 48th Edition Reloading Handbook
Speer Reloading Manual No. 13

I´m all set!

Thanks for the valuable advice!

 

[Gunfyter]

Hodgdon #26 and #27

 

[Jim Watson]

All the powder companies provide FREE load data in print. And usually on their www site, but my computer is not close to the loading press.

Do be careful, Titegroup is a fast powder and it won't take much in high pressure rounds like 9mm and .40. Don't try to hotrod them, just take what functions the guns.

 

[Calanctus]

You might want to check out this site too:

http://www.stevespages.com/page8.htm

Poke around there, you'll find a list of damn near all loads published for anything anywhere, as well as links to all the major powder manufacturer's data (in .pdf format).

I also like P.O. Ackley's Handbook for shooters and reloaders; there's a lot of really good articles on why certain combinations perform better than others, as well as data for all the Ackley Improved wildcat cartridges.

I always check at least one published manual (Lee, Lyman, etc.) AND the powder manufacturer's data before pulling the handle. Better safe than sorry!

 

[yzguy]

anyone know the site for the Winchester loads online??

I have some 748, and the spear manual, but wanted to check out what Winchester reccomends also.

 

[Pelon]

Software?

Is there any software worthwhile buying for reloading handgun ammo and keeping records?

 

[E357]

If that dosen't work post a reply and I'll email it to you.

Elliot
www.winchester.com/pdf/reloadersmanual_15_i.pdf

Cut and past it - I'm too stupid right now to get the link to function.

 

[yzguy]

that works, thanks....

 

[redneck2]

Ditto...

on the manufacturers pamphlets. I have probably a dozen.

there is no way that a reloading book can have all the possible bullet-primer-powder-case combos

To me, the biggest variable is powder. And the pamphlets are FREE.

Do yourself a BIG favor. After you get a "Pet" load worked up, write it on a 3x5 card and keep it on the bench while reloading. Saves flipping back thru the books.

And, while changing set-ups, it makes a great check list

 

[LewG]

Besides the standard manuals, I would recommend three others that seem to not get much mention, but are really super.
For precision reloading techniques, no loads, the Sinclair International "Precision Reloading and Shooting Handbook" and Precision Shooting's "Precision Shooting Reloading Guide".
For reloading technique, they are great, incl. special sections for tools, shooting technique, and the autoloading rifles special chapters.
For one that is a hoot to read, with 287 pages of loading technique and special hunting reloading technique, A-Square's "Any Shot You Want" is great. It's reloading section of cartridges is not as comprehensive as some, but covers a wide range of practicle rifle cartridges.
You will wind up reading and rereading the technical sections, and using these as a great technique set of frequently referred to books. - Lew

 

[Alan Smithiee]

Speer 13 and Lymans. and all the online places and manufactuers you can find. but the manuals will be right there to hand when you have a brain fart...