Looking for a good reloading manual

[kingarthur]

I'm looking for a manual that has the latest powders and list all bullet types. Some manuals I've found seem to favor a certain type of bullet or brand. Would like a good one to cover all...

BTW... Will be using a Hornady lock n load progressive press, mostly lead bullets and will be loading 357 mag, 45acp, 9mm, and 380acp.

 

[WESHOOT2]

I wanna be taller.


Since no one book offers what you want, I can only suggest some books that offer something close.
I would also add that in my opinion these books I'll list are a mandatory minimum for serious handloaders:

Lyman Pistol & Revolver (#2 or #3)

Hodgdon Annual Manual (any from the last few years)

Sierra #whatever-they're-up-to-now

LoadBook (cartridge-specific)

Then add Speer and Hornady and Accurate and Hodgdon #26.
Then add more.


I have data collected since 1976.
I gotta lotta data.

 

[WIL TERRY]

WELL SAID, WESHOOT2 !!!! THIS is why I have a 7' [seven foot] bookcase full of loading data that I started collecting in 1960.
These new guys just DO NOT get it. They all want to do it on the cheap without thinking it is the future of their very own eyeballs and fingers that is at stake. THey also do NOT realize we are in the golden years of available loading data, loading components, and all the other goodies readily availavable RIGHT NOW !!!

 

[kingarthur]

Come on guys... I was born in 1972 and I just started reloading a year ago. I started with the Classic turrent press with the lee reloading manual. That manual is great but there are some powders that are not listed.

I get what ya'll are saying...have more than one manual. With WESHOOT2's recommendation...I have just order the Lyman Pistol & Revolver #3. I haven't found #2 yet.

Be easy on me...still learning.

 

[Rclark]

You should pick up also the new Hornady manual #8, and Speer. That pretty much will cover your bases. I goto Hornady first, then Lyman, then Speer, and finally Lee as my primary references. I also have a binder that I am accumulating load data from articles and such on specific calibers.

 

[Quarterbore]

I also like those bound "Loadbooks" reloading manuals like this one:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=558392


These pool the information from various bullet and powder manufactures and I have them for the primary rounds I reload (223, 308, 45 Colt being the big three) and I really like them!

I need to check if they have a new version as my 223 and 308 books are getting a little old now. The 45 Colt is a fresh one :wink:

 

[Bucks Owin]

I like the "one book" series too....

Also, the powder/bullet makers give away scads of free data that I find at my friendly local shootin' & blastin' store... :wink:

 

[DeletedMember275]

The closest thing that you're going to find that covers 'all the bases,' IMHO, is the Lyman 49th Edition Reloading Handbook. It contains data for (some of) several different manufacturer's bullets, and many popular powders.

http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/publications/49th-edition.php

 

[Dale53]

I have a suggestion. I would start with the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook(#3 is discontinued but still around, #4 is current), the 49th Edition of Lyman's reloading manual, the latest Speer Manual and/or Hornady Manual.

In addition, Hodgdon's online Reloading Data Center is VERY useful (the most information online to be had).

Start out with the Lyman books, then when a birthday or Christmas comes along, ask the family to give you the manuals instead of an ugly tie or a box of candy you really don't need. Be creative! :mrgreen:

Dale53

 

[kingarthur]

I had forgot all about Hodgon's online data. Good idea about the chistmas gifts.

 

[powder smoke]

I have several but I believe the most complete is the Lyman. There is also tons of info free on line, all the powder manufactures have lots of recipes

 

[WESHOOT2]

Good order.

When I use Sierra bullets I find their manual best.
When I use Accurate powders I find their manual best.
When I use Speer bullets I start with their manual but then I make my own data.
When I want a general 'Start' load, regardless of bullet, I pick up my Lyman Pistol & Revolver #2. Then I coordinate THAT data with the reams of other data I've collected.

Nowadays I do little real development, but I still do a bit 8)

 

[jmonto]

After accumulating several shelves full of obsolete or less useful data, I've found a delightful few that satisfy all my needs for many loads. They are: Current edition manuals from Speer and Nosler. If you are largely into excellent commercial hard cast, also see:
http://www.laser-cast.com/images/LOGOoregontrail2.gif
Starting there, see if you can find a copy of their Reloading Manual (mine's pretty aged, but they might have updated it). I also enjoy Ken Waters 'Pet Loads' for insight into cartridge history and classic loads. Best.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

1972???

You ain't even 40 yet. :lol:

Seriously though, I always recommend the Lyman Pistol and Revolver Handbook since it is the one I taught myself reloading with. I also have Speer, Lee, the big Lyman book, the Lyman cast bullets book, and a few others. If you just want to load for pistols and revolvers, the Lyman P&R book will serve you fine.

For getting started, the most important thing in a manual is it has a good chapter on the basics of reloading. That's why I like the Lyman books, they have good illustrations showing exactly what is happening at each step of the process. In fact, when I first started I kept my manual open to that page so I knew what I was doing every time I moved on to the next process. Lee has a good learning section, but the photos don't show as much as Lyman's illustrations do. Same with Speer. Lee tends to be much more conservative with his data than any of my other books.

These days, if I am starting out loading a new caliber, or trying a new powder, I make a survey of all my books and on line to get a good idea of loads before I start to pull the handle.

 

[M'BOGO]

Arthur Rex, you've hit the problem on head. Since there are around 100 canister powders on the market, years would be needed to compile and include all recipes of all combinations under one roof, then there would be the cost. So there will never be a complete listing of all combinations. The solutions are mentioned by all the other posts, ribbing aside, you must cross reference your sources.

The guides from component manufacturers will be biased to their product line, and include their best results. The Lee manual has a lot of broad brush strokes, with data from other sources generalized for the range, "125 grain lead .357". It will put you in the ballpark, but not specify case, alloy, primer used, or what it was shot in (TC Contender, Blackhawk, S&W M-19 with a 4" barrel?). It will give you Auto Disk CC info. Between the Lyman, and the Lee manuals, you will get a good view of the landscape, and be on track.

 

[Divernhunter]

Lyman manual

 

[gunslinger]

The ABC'S of RELOADING 8th Edition
By Bill Chevalier

gunslinger

 

[Boxhead]

I use the data the various powder and bullet mfg's have on the 'net and am never lacking. Also send emails to them for specifics at times. No need to fill the den with books in the 21st century.

 

[WESHOOT2]

Unless your electricity expires......ay?

I am equipped to load by candlelight.

 

[kingarthur]

Unless your electricity expires......ay?

I am equipped to load by candlelight.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[WESHOOT2]

No; really.

I've had to literally load by candlelight to meet delivery obligations.

 

[onthehunt]

If I had to pick just one it would be the LEE book. Far more calibers listed than any other. Love the lead bullet data for rifles.

 

[Dale53]

No; really.

I've had to literally load by candlelight to meet delivery obligations.

There's a LOT better way to do it rather than candles.

Coleman lantern is most common. However, I have a Bernz-a-matic propane lantern and also a French back packer lantern that uses butane. Both thow better light to work by than the Coleman.

We have power outages here from time to time and I bring my camping and back packing gear to bear.

FWIW
Dale53

 

[WESHOOT2]

But I prefer the relaxed and romantic atmosphere of the candles.

 

[WESHOOT2]

The LEE book is, IMNSHO, unsafe.

 

[onthehunt]

The LEE book has many hot loads, I will agree. The new Speer book is the reverse. Lawyer-proof.