which reloading manual ?

[rebs]

They all seem to have different starting and max loads for given bullets. Which do you guys trust ? I start with the starting load and work up but even the starting loads are different in different manuals.

[Retired45]

I have the Lee, Seirra, Lyman, and the Hornady. I usually check them all when working up a new load, but almost always go with the Hornady. Reason being is the Hornady seems to be a little more on the conservative side.

[Farmland]

When it comes to lead I use the Lyman because they have the most load data. Then next I try to find the data by bullet mfg when it comes to cooper jacket bullets.

Since I use mostly Nosler I have their book.

If I use a different bullet I will search the bullet mfg web site or the powder web site I want to use. Companies like Hornady do not publish on line data for their bullets.

I don't get all that excited between the two books I have and the mfg web sites I always find loading data then start at the lower end and work up if needed.

No matter what generally one book is not a solution and buying every book is over kill.

If I just had to have one it would be Lyman.

[tahunua001]

different companies have different lawyers. they start at different points and when they get as enimic or hot as they feel comfortable recommending then they call that good. also, each reloading manual is used only using bullets from a specific maker. hornady only uses hornady bullets, sierra only uses sierra offerings so on and so forth. also different companies use different test barrels. hornady for instance with their 6.5 japanese load data uses a 31/5 inch barrel while sierra uses a 19 inch barrel, it takes a lot more powder to get a 140gr bullet going 2200 FPS out of a 19 inch barrel than it does a 31.5 inch barrel. so naturally you need to use the data that best conforms to the gun you'll be using. I use mostly the sierra book unless I need something that they don't list like 7.5 french or M1 garand specific loads.

[AllenJ]

I tend to trust my Lyman more than the others. It just makes sense to me that a company that does not make bullets or powder has nothing to loose printing the truth about pressures and velocities.

[57K]

I rate the Lyman higher than the rest and the reason is that pressure data is given in the Lyman manuals where it's not in others. You can't learn about the pressure characteristics for a specific powder in a given cartridge without pressure data to analyze.

[Gster]

I started with the Hornady 8th edition because I used Hornady bullets the most, but I like Titegroup powder and the Hornady book doesn't list it for a lot of the loads I use. Now I have Lees' 2nd edition and I have pretty much all the info I need.

[rebs]

Thanks for all your replies.

[TheNatureBoy]

Depends on the product. If its Nosler, Sierra, Berger, Hornady, Barnes.

[Bart B.]

You guys need to remember that all handload data was not developed with the same set of components. Different barrels, cases, primers, powders bullets and people were involved; they all had variables. There was no set standard they worked by. And peak pressure listed was more often a UDAG (unscientific dumb ass guess) by looking at fired cases compared to high-end CUP or PSI systems would accurately measure a load.

So, it's no wonder to those observant to all this that a given bullet may well have 1,234 different recipe's for a given cartridge across all the available sources.

Remember, all listed loads are considered safe by the folks developing them unless otherwise stated.

Is your barrel and component set exactly the same (powder, case and primer lot number as well as barrel chamber, bore and groove dimensions) as what was listed for the load?

[57K]

No, different components will yield different results, however, it is safe to use the Start Charge data from Lyman as a basis for where to start handload development. A bit more critical with higher pressure rifle rounds that should be worked up to specifically suit the rifle. For handgun loads, it's pretty easy to adapt the Lyman data when using a different bullet/primer beginning with the Start Charge listed and going from there. And it's better than a WAG (Wild Ass Guess) or a SWAG (Scientific Wild Ass guess) and better understanding of pressure can't begin without a frame of reference, even with a Start Charge. I realize you mean to be cautious, but over-caution is counter-productive in this case.

[mmb713]

I have Hornady, Speer, Sierra, Nosler and Vihtavuori manuals. I also get Hodgdon's guide every year. I also have a One Book/One Caliber pamphlet for every cartridge I reload. They aren't a substitute for a good manual by a long shot but they do contain most of the published data for each cartridge in one handy pamphlet. It makes for easy cross referencing, especially between the bullet makers' and powder makers' data.

[WESHOOT2]

When moving into the unknown, I look at ALL my data, and average the start charges.
I use that to start.

[Revolver1]

The Lee Loading Manual is the one I use most.

[Old Grump]

To begin with I bought a book from a powder manufacturer, a bullet manufacturer and a book from a reloading equipment manufacturer. I have slowly expanded my library from there including shotguns shells and black powder but at least 3 books one from 3 different sources and then read them all before doing anything. I use them all but Sierra and Speer are probably the two I use most.

[Dondor]

Get at least 2 and cross referenece.

I use Lyman and Nosler. I also have these paperback books with cartridge loads in them for specific calibers.

You can obtain load data from powder mfg and use that to xref as well.

Check, recheck, and check again your load data before starting.

[Eppie]

It depends.. if you just want load data any of the above will do. However, if you also want it to learn precision reloading then I would go with the Sierra manual.

If you're not loading for precision read no further. I started out with the Hornady and Lyman then as I searched for more detail I added the Nosler. But it wasn't until I bought the Sierra that I found the info I needed. It's like a bible, I have to read it slowly and a paragraph at the time to absorb it all. If I had to have only one that's the one to have.

[BumbleBug]

I can pretty much tell from the responses to this thread, it's almost universal that everyone uses multiple sources to cross check there loading information. I myself have many manuals, some very old, but still useful. The only problem that I have found is that in the last few years there have been so many new powders introduced that my old stand-by manuals aren't much help.

I'm beginning to think that each year I need to acquire a different, but current reloading manual to get my loading library back on track. Used & year old manuals are available on Half.com & eBay sometimes. That's where I'll be looking. Midway also has sales pretty often when a new book comes out.

FWIW...

...bug

[hooligan1]

I read the Precision Handloading book by John Withers before I ever laid a hand on my press.. I pick a bullet, then I purchase Manual from that bullet maker. I then read manuals load data to acertain what I want to glean from this bullet.
Like Bart said those test barrels are different than my hunting rifle barrels, so velocities that are published are missleading, I don't go by what they test.. I look at the powders that fill my cases and have reasonable velocity and accuracy as posted in manual.....
THEN I FREAKIN TEST IT!!!!!!!
Read evrything you can get a hold of and try to retain their vposted velocity as well as pressure. I'm not a big velocity nut, as much as a precision nut, which between you me and Bart, there's no real need for benchrest precision in a 350.00 hunting rifle, but that precision is what I strive for each and every time I test my data....

[Old Grump]

Ditto, I loaded my .308 up and up and it kept getting tighter groups then it decreased. I backed up and found according to whatever manual I was using in 1976 that I was below max. I find most but not all my accurate loads are just below maximum. I know otherwise sane people who just have to get 13 more fps than the book says or the guy next to him on the line. I'd rather worry about putting that deer in my freezer. My 45 ACP load is nowhere near maximum but its almost embarrassing to see that single large hole in the paper. Wouldn't want it for a self defense load but it sure strokes my ego at the range.

[dmazur]

I used the Speer, Hornady and Sierra Manuals for many years.

Then Barnes came out with copper bullets and I needed another manual...

[Nathan]

You guys need to remember that all handload data was not developed with the same set of components. Different barrels, cases, primers, powders bullets and people were involved; they all had variables. There was no set standard they worked by. And peak pressure listed was more often a UDAG (unscientific dumb ass guess) by looking at fired cases compared to high-end CUP or PSI systems would accurately measure a load.

And yet like most people, you probably assume factory ammo is safe....huh!