Best reloading manuals

[mydoghasfleas]

I have seen many reloading manuals suggested in other threads. However, if you could name your top picks for general loading tips/info/learning and load recipies (pistol and rifle) Other than Lymans 49th (I have that one already) what would they be? I have looked/seen them online as well, but would rather have a book to depend on.

Any input would be appreciated, and thanks for the help!

 

[LeverGunFan]

After the Lyman 49th, my suggestion for your next manual would be one from your favorite bullet manufacturer. The Lyman manual has a variety of bullets, but it doesn't usually have the same one that I'm using. So for me I have the Hornady manual for handguns and the Sierra and Nosler manuals for rifles, this allows for a good cross check of data.

 

[SSGSAD]

I like the SPEER manuals, I like the way they "pick" the bullet, and then give you a "range" of powder weights ...

 

[wolfman]

I have seen many reloading manuals suggested in other threads. However, if you could name your top picks for general loading tips/info/learning and load recipies (pistol and rifle) Other than Lymans 49th (I have that one already) what would they be? I have looked/seen them online as well, but would rather have a book to depend on.

Any input would be appreciated, and thanks for the help!

For cast lead, Lymans is about the best, Lee's "Modern Reloading" 2nd edition would be a good second choice. I also recomend getting a copy of the bullet manufacturer's info if you are using jacketed, along with the data from the manufacturer of the powder you are using. Once you have all of these, you will notice none, and I mean "none" of them will match, but by staying away from the extream max loads, you can easily work up a comfortable and accurate mid range plinking load. If you keep at it, you will probably find that the best load, the one that is most accurate, for your gun, will come in at mid to upper mid range of the available data.

 

[sgreen3]

This is the one I use Modern Reloading 2nd Edition Reloading Manual very detailed, and alot of loads

 

[kboom524]

After the Lyman 49th, my suggestion for your next manual would be one from your favorite bullet manufacturer. The Lyman manual has a variety of bullets, but it doesn't usually have the same one that I'm using. So for me I have the Hornady manual for handguns and the Sierra and Nosler manuals for rifles, this allows for a good cross check of data.

I shoot alot of Hornady bullets so Hornady manual is a must have. Sierra manual also has a place at my bench. Lyman cast bullet handbook is very good for cast bullet data. Another thing to check into are Loadbooks USA, these are caliber specific and contain data from most the major bullet and powder manufacturers, very handy for cross referencing.
Here is the one for 45acp, you can get one for almost any caliber.

45 ACP Reloading Manual

 

[jackadew]

I like to use the manual from the brand of bullets and powder i'm useing. Hodgon has a nice online manual. http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

 

[mydoghasfleas]

All these are of great help, thanks. Are there any good books that contain more than just the recipies? I actualy like to read and learn as much as I can on the subject. I have allready read the lymans several times.

 

[mac45]

If you're looking for more than just data, far and away the best one is Pet Loads by Ken Waters.
Amazon.com: pet loads by ken waters: Books
Besides being an excellent reference for load data, it's just plain fun to read.

 

[Caldad]

For learning about reloading- "The ABC's of Reloading."

When it comes to load data- I use several sources, and spreadsheet the load data side by side, to create my own based off the correlated data. I have found some sources way off from others on certain loads, so comparing several, and eliminating anything outside the consensus of several sources, always makes me feel better. I use LEE, Bullet Manufacture data, Sierra, Powder Manufacture Data, etc. ...and ignore any data that is inconsistent.

Remember to start with a light load, and work your way up. Also, outside temperature has an effect on pressure. If you make a hot load, and it works fine in your gun when it's 20 degrees out, that doesn't mean that same load will be safe during the summer. I always avoid loading the top 20% of my load data, and try to find something that will be accurate in the bottom 80% just to play it safe.

Good Loading!

 

[NIFT]

For learning about reloading- "The ABC's of Reloading."

When it comes to load data- I use several sources, and spreadsheet the load data side by side, to create my own based off the correlated data. I have found some sources way off from others on certain loads, so comparing several, and eliminating anything outside the consensus of several sources, always makes me feel better. I use LEE, Bullet Manufacture data, Sierra, Powder Manufacture Data, etc. ...and ignore any data that is inconsistent.

Remember to start with a light load, and work your way up. Also, outside temperature has an effect on pressure. If you make a hot load, and it works fine in your gun when it's 20 degrees out, that doesn't mean that same load will be safe during the summer. I always avoid loading the top 20% of my load data, and try to find something that will be accurate in the bottom 80% just to play it safe.

Good Loading!

Excellent advice!
While it is highly recommended to have some hard-copy loading manuals and books, those manual are not the only source of reloading information. The Internet gives access to even more sources but be sure they are reputable.

Suppliers introduce new bullets and powers, while discontinuing some older ones, and no one manual has every possible combination; however, every manual has many hundreds of data on calibers, bullets, and powders that you will never use! Choose your manuals carefully.

 

[Electronrider]

ABC's is a great first book, and should be read by anyone getting into reloading. Both of my manuals ( Lee and Hornaday) have great sections in the fron of the book about reloading.

 

[mydoghasfleas]

ABC's is a great first book, and should be read by anyone getting into reloading. Both of my manuals ( Lee and Hornaday) have great sections in the fron of the book about reloading.

Does the Lee book also cover set-up procedures on thier equipment in their books as well? (I have heard they can be tricky)

 

[Electronrider]

Does the Lee book also cover set-up procedures on thier equipment in their books as well? (I have heard they can be tricky)

I can't remember, it has been a while. I do remember the Lee manual throws in complaints about how all the other equipment makers charge way too much

 

[Caldad]

The Internet gives access to even more sources but be sure they are reputable.

What online sources do you like?

 

[U.S. Patriot]

If you are not already using it, powder manufactures are a good source for data as well. It's not always in depth, but it has helped me a lot. I can only personally speak for the Lyman manual.

 

[NIFT]

What online sources do you like?

Powder and bullet manufacturers: Hodgdon, Alliant, Accurate, Winchester, Speer, Nosler, Hornady, etc. have data specific to their products.

Some other possibilities:
http://www.handloads.com/
LoadData.com - Ammunition Reloading Data, Supply and Equipment. Over 100k Loads Currently Listed.

At this point in my shooting/reloading, I have settled in on a few "pet" loads, almost exclusively for practice ammunition or ammunition for my classes.

For my classes, I am using .357 magnum cases with 134 gr. SWC cast lead bullets with ridiculously low quanities of Trail Boss powder so new shooters are not dealing with muzzle blast and recoil. The downside of such extremely light loads is powder fouling and blow-by between the case and chamber because there is not enough pressure to seal the case to the chamber wall. After a class, I have some really dirty guns to clean!
By the way, I had an extensive converstion with a technical specialist at Hodgdon before adopting Trail Boss in extemely light quantities. And no, I do not have a problem with bullets not leaving the barrel.

For my semi-auto (Glock) practice ammunition, I am using TiteGroup powder and jacketed bullets--180 gr. for .40 cal., and 230 gr. for .45 ACP.
Semi-autos, unlike revolvers, need enough "umph" to function; so, I cannot load down the same way. However, I have done extensive function testing with various charges of TiteGroup to arrive at the lightest load that still reliably functions my guns.

 

[mydoghasfleas]

When comparing all these different recipies, I would make the assumption about the order of importance when following them as; Bullet weight with correct starting load of powder type/amount would be paramount. Followed by primer used, then bullet type (weight being far more important than HP, FMJ, RN and so on.) Cause it seems impossible to find your EXACT components listed. Am I wrong on this or not? Some of this info is put into the book say follow recipie EXACTLY. That seems to be nearly impossilble as other sources show different recipies with the same exact components.

 

[jackadew]

When comparing all these different recipies, I would make the assumption about the order of importance when following them as; Bullet weight with correct starting load of powder type/amount would be paramount. Followed by primer used, then bullet type (weight being far more important than HP, FMJ, RN and so on.) Cause it seems impossible to find your EXACT components listed. Am I wrong on this or not? Some of this info is put into the book say follow recipie EXACTLY. That seems to be nearly impossilble as other sources show different recipies with the same exact components.

I always verify my loads by more than one source. When they say follow recipie EXACTLY...you really need to do so. Some powders are just as dangerous if you use to little as they are if you use to much. Learn what pressure signs are and verify your loads and you will be fine.

 

[mydoghasfleas]

I always verify my loads by more than one source. When they say follow recipie EXACTLY...you really need to do so. Some powders are just as dangerous if you use to little as they are if you use to much. Learn what pressure signs are and verify your loads and you will be fine.

I would never vary the powder type/amount with bullet weight. I also get info from multiple sources and average suggested starting loads. I mean more like if it says use 180 gr hornaday FMJ and you use 180 grain berrys FMJ? What about varying bullet types? (not composition or weight) like FMJ or HP?