Best reload manual?

F1sh · February 22, 2006, 08:04 AM

Hi all,

I'm going to start reloading and was wondering which manual would be my best bet. If it matters I'll be reloading .38spc, .44 mag/spc, 303, 7.5 x 55, and possibly some .223 and 7.62 x .39 specialty loads.

Thanks

1tomcat · February 22, 2006, 11:58 AM

For cast bullets I prefer the Lyman manual, speer also makes an excellent manual,=.
These are my choices and am sure others have different ideas

RonC1 · February 22, 2006, 12:29 PM

There probably, or arguably, isn't a 'best' manual. It gets expensive but I have purchased a LoadBook for each caliber I reload.

This a caliber specific flimsy, photocopied manual, that gives combines virtually all the published load data for a single caliber from recognized sources, Speer, Hornady, Sierra, Lyman, RCBS, Hodgdon, IMR, Alliant, etc.

They cost about $7-$8 each. And, no, the sources rarely agree with each other and often their velocity data is at odds with what I actually get in my firearm. That is the nature of the reloading. The manuals are just a guide to help define safe limits.

loggerhead · February 22, 2006, 01:54 PM

tpmv. were can I buy some "loadbooks."?

caz223 · February 22, 2006, 02:03 PM

http://www.midwayusa.com/esearch.exe...=loadbooks+usa

Leftoverdj · February 22, 2006, 02:33 PM

The best loading manual is Ken Water's "Pet Loads". The most comprehensive is Lee's "Modern Reloading".

caz223 · February 22, 2006, 03:20 PM

Pet loads was a great book 10 years ago, but it isn't up to date, AFAIK.
It has so much good info that it will never really be obsolete.
Ackley's works are excellent reference materials too.
Modern reloading by lee doesn't belong in the same sentence as pet loads. Or paragraph. It's just a promo for lee equipment.
If you're looking for a n00B book, ABCs of reloading, pretty much any edition (I like the 4th myself.). Lots of basic info. Get you some. Interesting read too, like keith.

The best load book is the one that has to most data that you need.
This can be free suppliments, online sources, a library of caliber specific loadbooks, or a set of reputable manuals.
Get as much info as you can. Then make up your own mind.

MrGee · February 22, 2006, 03:41 PM

Lymans # 48 Edition [newest version] is very good , gives all the info you'll need to start out with, even accuracy loads along with OAL measurements .. Sierra's loading manual would be a second choice, having both is even better..

Rico567 · February 22, 2006, 03:44 PM

The first manual I used (40 years ago now...) was Lyman's, I think the 45th Ed. Some time later I got the Speer #8, and liked it well enough that I've kept it as my main reference. I've got #13 now, and #14 should be out pretty soon. I hope they do a good job of updating it for the new powders; there have been a bunch introduced in the last few years.

ClarkEMyers · February 22, 2006, 04:14 PM

Earl Naramore had a great one in Principles and Practice... and Townsend Whelan's Why Not Load Your Own was the best introduction in its day. There is no single best manual available today and Pet Loads is obsolete too. Bob Hagel's Game Loads and Practical Ballistics... was better in its day than anything newer but it too is obsolete. The subsequent reprint by Wolfe and Wolfe's collection of Hagel's writing in their journals shouldn't be missed.

In particular the use of a chronograph in estimating pressure is not well enough covered in modern manuals and there is too much hangover from the days of measuring case expansion and judging pressure by looking at the primer and the case head.

For load information the powder vendor's manuals are a good check for pressure tested loads and the manual by the maker of the bullet you choose to use should always be read thoroughly. After that reading everything you can get your hands on is wise.

AlaskaMike · February 22, 2006, 07:36 PM

I have Lyman #48, Speer #12, and a couple of loadbooks, along with Pet Loads. I mostly rely on my Lyman manual, not only because it's my most recent, but also because it lists OALs and pressures. The Speer manuals have always bugged me because of the lack of this info.

Mike

goose2w1 · February 22, 2006, 07:58 PM

One easy way to start getting information is the web sites for all the different powder, and some of the bullet manufactures. You can print out all their recipies for free. As for regular load manuals I like Speer and sierra's.

farmall · February 22, 2006, 08:13 PM

I have been most impressed with the Sierra manual. The Lyman is excellent too. Started with "Modern Reloading" and did ok, lots of info, and sales pitch, though. My point is that they all have useful info. Thats why most of us have so many! My only problem is that the Loadbooks, while informative, are also getting somewhat outdated.
Andy

Leftoverdj · February 22, 2006, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Modern reloading by lee doesn't belong in the same sentence as pet loads. Or paragraph. It's just a promo for lee equipment.

Caz, I almost agree with you, but I was talking about the data. It has as much current data as you are going to find in one place. It also has really good cast bullet info.

goose2w1 · February 22, 2006, 09:53 PM

I don't want to steal this thread, but I thought I'd ask this. With the differences in data from the powder maker, bullet maker, and press maker, who do you go with?

rwilson452 · February 22, 2006, 11:37 PM

Of the three I would suggest that the data on the powder makers web sight to be the most accurate. Sadly most of those sights are a little skimpy in data
as they don't cover all bullets. That is the reason I consult more than one source. If something seems out of tolerance I do more research. A case in point would be check the max load for H-380 in a 55gr bullet for 22-250. Check your manuals then check the Hodgdon's web page. I accually called Hodgdon on this one. There was a BIG difference.

I don't want to steal this thread, but I thought I'd ask this. With the differences in data from the powder maker, bullet maker, and press maker, who do you go with?

MrGee · February 23, 2006, 12:27 AM

i think the opening question by F1sh has basically been answered hopefully .. to further help with other statements made .. [the max load for H-380 in a 55gr bullet for 22-250] .. [I don't want to steal this thread, but ] .. cross reference between book loading manuals, finding a difference i
think is do to what they test the powders with .. it use to drive me crazy too, but looking at opening page for each caliber says what was tested like Lyman as example i have # 43 , 44 , 45 an 48 the newest [also have Sierras an #11 speer] each year they have tested w/ with a different firearm .. one mite say they used a Ruger w/ a 22" barrel, another year Win Model 70 or a Universal action w/24" barrel, then yet another mod.700 26" , cases, primers all being different as well .. i guess adding up all those things not even getting into free bore an chamber sizes could do it .. if i was just starting out i'd have to go with middle of the road as a new loader, pick out some products an work up/down from there. .. just my .02 cents ......... But,
i'd be curious on what Hodgdons answer was to you on that .. if you would share that info..?

loggerhead · February 23, 2006, 07:42 PM

caz223, thanks. I found them in the cabalas shooting and reloading catalog, order 3 different ones today. Will order a couple more later, don;t want too much to show up on the card, know what I mean.
I have been loading for over 40 years and all of my manuels are old and don;t have info for some of the newer powders, Don't know why I have never known of these "loadbooks." They sound like just what I am looking for and I will get me a general one just in case, like say a hornady.
Thanks, again.

rwilson452 · February 23, 2006, 11:40 PM

I really don't want to repeat what he told me. I don't want to get anyone getting carried away. I suspect they have reformulated H-380. So if you like 380 and want to load it look at their website.

As a final note. I always back off from max load and work my way back up looking for pressure signs. generally speaking when I start to see signs of over pressure, usually primers getting flattened real good that is where I stop. I load for accuracy and have found that without exception the max load is not the most accurate. IMNSHO generally speaking, powders that give the highest load density give the best accuracy. In the rifles I shoot C.O.A.L does as much for aacuracy as anything. In a case as big as a 30-06 +/- .5 grains doesn't mean much. but in smaller cases such as a .223 .3 grains can make a significant difference. I think there is a % of load thing here. So do you need to trickle charge your 30-06 load? not really. but for your .223 I sure would. When I do load development I tricle all loads untill I find the "sweet spot" and just how big it is. If I have enough room to play with that pet load I may not trickle charge.

February 22, 2006, 02:03 PM	#5
caz223 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,429	http://www.midwayusa.com/esearch.exe...=loadbooks+usa __________________ I'm not just a gun. I'm YOUR gun. (Hold me.)

February 22, 2006, 03:20 PM	#7
caz223 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,429	Pet loads was a great book 10 years ago, but it isn't up to date, AFAIK. It has so much good info that it will never really be obsolete. Ackley's works are excellent reference materials too. Modern reloading by lee doesn't belong in the same sentence as pet loads. Or paragraph. It's just a promo for lee equipment. If you're looking for a n00B book, ABCs of reloading, pretty much any edition (I like the 4th myself.). Lots of basic info. Get you some. Interesting read too, like keith. The best load book is the one that has to most data that you need. This can be free suppliments, online sources, a library of caliber specific loadbooks, or a set of reputable manuals. Get as much info as you can. Then make up your own mind. __________________ I'm not just a gun. I'm YOUR gun. (Hold me.)

February 22, 2006, 03:44 PM	#9
Rico567 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Posts: 162	The first manual I used (40 years ago now...) was Lyman's, I think the 45th Ed. Some time later I got the Speer #8, and liked it well enough that I've kept it as my main reference. I've got #13 now, and #14 should be out pretty soon. I hope they do a good job of updating it for the new powders; there have been a bunch introduced in the last few years. __________________ "Dear reader, suppose you are a member of Congress. Now, further suppose you are an idiot. But I repeat myself." - Mark Twain

February 22, 2006, 04:14 PM	#10
ClarkEMyers Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2004 Location: PacWest Posts: 455	Phil Sharpe's was the best; it's obsolete. Earl Naramore had a great one in Principles and Practice... and Townsend Whelan's Why Not Load Your Own was the best introduction in its day. There is no single best manual available today and Pet Loads is obsolete too. Bob Hagel's Game Loads and Practical Ballistics... was better in its day than anything newer but it too is obsolete. The subsequent reprint by Wolfe and Wolfe's collection of Hagel's writing in their journals shouldn't be missed. In particular the use of a chronograph in estimating pressure is not well enough covered in modern manuals and there is too much hangover from the days of measuring case expansion and judging pressure by looking at the primer and the case head. For load information the powder vendor's manuals are a good check for pressure tested loads and the manual by the maker of the bullet you choose to use should always be read thoroughly. After that reading everything you can get your hands on is wise.

February 22, 2006, 11:37 PM	#16
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	Who's Data?? Of the three I would suggest that the data on the powder makers web sight to be the most accurate. Sadly most of those sights are a little skimpy in data as they don't cover all bullets. That is the reason I consult more than one source. If something seems out of tolerance I do more research. A case in point would be check the max load for H-380 in a 55gr bullet for 22-250. Check your manuals then check the Hodgdon's web page. I accually called Hodgdon on this one. There was a BIG difference. I don't want to steal this thread, but I thought I'd ask this. With the differences in data from the powder maker, bullet maker, and press maker, who do you go with?

February 22, 2006, 08:04 AM	#1
F1sh Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2005 Posts: 121	Best reload manual? Hi all, I'm going to start reloading and was wondering which manual would be my best bet. If it matters I'll be reloading .38spc, .44 mag/spc, 303, 7.5 x 55, and possibly some .223 and 7.62 x .39 specialty loads. Thanks __________________ Glock 22 .40 Taurus 85 .38 Ruger Super Redhawk .44 mag 7.5" MAK 90 7.62 x 39 Russian SKS 7.62 x 39 Enfield No4 Mk1 .303 Swiss K31 7.5 x 55 Stevens 200 .223 Marlin Glenfield 60 .22

February 22, 2006, 11:58 AM	#2
1tomcat Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2005 Posts: 147	For cast bullets I prefer the Lyman manual, speer also makes an excellent manual,=. These are my choices and am sure others have different ideas

February 22, 2006, 12:29 PM	#3
RonC1 Member Join Date: February 10, 2006 Location: East of the mountains Posts: 35	There probably, or arguably, isn't a 'best' manual. It gets expensive but I have purchased a LoadBook for each caliber I reload. This a caliber specific flimsy, photocopied manual, that gives combines virtually all the published load data for a single caliber from recognized sources, Speer, Hornady, Sierra, Lyman, RCBS, Hodgdon, IMR, Alliant, etc. They cost about $7-$8 each. And, no, the sources rarely agree with each other and often their velocity data is at odds with what I actually get in my firearm. That is the nature of the reloading. The manuals are just a guide to help define safe limits.

February 22, 2006, 01:54 PM	#4
loggerhead Junior member Join Date: February 10, 2006 Location: Right of the Mississippi but South of the Mason Dixie line Posts: 132	tpmv. were can I buy some "loadbooks."?

February 22, 2006, 02:33 PM	#6
Leftoverdj Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 2004 Posts: 934	The best loading manual is Ken Water's "Pet Loads". The most comprehensive is Lee's "Modern Reloading".

February 22, 2006, 03:41 PM	#8
MrGee Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2005 Location: NC Posts: 260	Lymans # 48 Edition [newest version] is very good , gives all the info you'll need to start out with, even accuracy loads along with OAL measurements .. Sierra's loading manual would be a second choice, having both is even better..

February 22, 2006, 07:36 PM	#11
AlaskaMike Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Posts: 941	I have Lyman #48, Speer #12, and a couple of loadbooks, along with Pet Loads. I mostly rely on my Lyman manual, not only because it's my most recent, but also because it lists OALs and pressures. The Speer manuals have always bugged me because of the lack of this info. Mike

February 22, 2006, 07:58 PM	#12
goose2w1 Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2005 Posts: 123	One easy way to start getting information is the web sites for all the different powder, and some of the bullet manufactures. You can print out all their recipies for free. As for regular load manuals I like Speer and sierra's.

February 22, 2006, 08:13 PM	#13
farmall Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2004 Location: Beatrice Nebraska Posts: 613	I have been most impressed with the Sierra manual. The Lyman is excellent too. Started with "Modern Reloading" and did ok, lots of info, and sales pitch, though. My point is that they all have useful info. Thats why most of us have so many! My only problem is that the Loadbooks, while informative, are also getting somewhat outdated. Andy

February 22, 2006, 09:53 PM	#15
goose2w1 Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2005 Posts: 123	I don't want to steal this thread, but I thought I'd ask this. With the differences in data from the powder maker, bullet maker, and press maker, who do you go with?

February 23, 2006, 12:27 AM	#17
MrGee Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2005 Location: NC Posts: 260	i think the opening question by F1sh has basically been answered hopefully .. to further help with other statements made .. [the max load for H-380 in a 55gr bullet for 22-250] .. [I don't want to steal this thread, but ] .. cross reference between book loading manuals, finding a difference i think is do to what they test the powders with .. it use to drive me crazy too, but looking at opening page for each caliber says what was tested like Lyman as example i have # 43 , 44 , 45 an 48 the newest [also have Sierras an #11 speer] each year they have tested w/ with a different firearm .. one mite say they used a Ruger w/ a 22" barrel, another year Win Model 70 or a Universal action w/24" barrel, then yet another mod.700 26" , cases, primers all being different as well .. i guess adding up all those things not even getting into free bore an chamber sizes could do it .. if i was just starting out i'd have to go with middle of the road as a new loader, pick out some products an work up/down from there. .. just my .02 cents ......... But, i'd be curious on what Hodgdons answer was to you on that .. if you would share that info..?

February 23, 2006, 07:42 PM	#18
loggerhead Junior member Join Date: February 10, 2006 Location: Right of the Mississippi but South of the Mason Dixie line Posts: 132	caz223, thanks. I found them in the cabalas shooting and reloading catalog, order 3 different ones today. Will order a couple more later, don;t want too much to show up on the card, know what I mean. I have been loading for over 40 years and all of my manuels are old and don;t have info for some of the newer powders, Don't know why I have never known of these "loadbooks." They sound like just what I am looking for and I will get me a general one just in case, like say a hornady. Thanks, again.

February 23, 2006, 11:40 PM	#19
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	Hodgdon and H-380 I really don't want to repeat what he told me. I don't want to get anyone getting carried away. I suspect they have reformulated H-380. So if you like 380 and want to load it look at their website. As a final note. I always back off from max load and work my way back up looking for pressure signs. generally speaking when I start to see signs of over pressure, usually primers getting flattened real good that is where I stop. I load for accuracy and have found that without exception the max load is not the most accurate. IMNSHO generally speaking, powders that give the highest load density give the best accuracy. In the rifles I shoot C.O.A.L does as much for aacuracy as anything. In a case as big as a 30-06 +/- .5 grains doesn't mean much. but in smaller cases such as a .223 .3 grains can make a significant difference. I think there is a % of load thing here. So do you need to trickle charge your 30-06 load? not really. but for your .223 I sure would. When I do load development I tricle all loads untill I find the "sweet spot" and just how big it is. If I have enough room to play with that pet load I may not trickle charge.