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Posted: 1/30/2013 6:01:35 PM EDT
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I'm new to the reloading scene, and I guess,I should pick up a new book. I bought all of my equipment from an older gentleman, and he gave me a few books with it, but suggested I pick up something new, since his are from the mid 80's.
I was looking around and there was a lot to choose from. What is the difference in them, is one generally preferred over another? Thanks for the help guys! |
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If you have favortite bullets, get a manual from that manufacturer, you are more likely to get data for that exact bullet. I like Loaddata.com, they have data from almost everyone, powder manu., bullet manu., obscure cartridges, etc. More than 250k loads. Also on your paper manuals, there is a ton of great info in the front of them, not just the load data. |
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I have recently found myself at a loss for printed info as well. Dryflash and a few others have shared a bit of data here and there to help me out with stuff. What I am saying is that even with several different sources of info I have found I dont have enough. I have a few older speer books and some hodgdon books but it isnt enough. I shoot a lot of cast and many books just dont list much. In front of me right now is a friends Lyman 49th. I am gonna order my own next payday. I shoot lots of Hornady bullets as well. Guess what is supposed to be arriving in the mail tomorrow? Yep a new Hornady book. and a new 38/357 mold, and a front sight for a 44mag. So I agree with others. Get various different books, and you can compare data too. And some of the old books have good info as well you just wont get in the newer books.
Enjoy your new hobby. |
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Quoted: I have recently found myself at a loss for printed info as well. Dryflash and a few others have shared a bit of data here and there to help me out with stuff. What I am saying is that even with several different sources of info I have found I dont have enough. I have a few older speer books and some hodgdon books but it isnt enough. I shoot a lot of cast and many books just dont list much. In front of me right now is a friends Lyman 49th. I am gonna order my own next payday. I shoot lots of Hornady bullets as well. Guess what is supposed to be arriving in the mail tomorrow? Yep a new Hornady book. and a new 38/357 mold, and a front sight for a 44mag. So I agree with others. Get various different books, and you can compare data too. And some of the old books have good info as well you just wont get in the newer books. Enjoy your new hobby.  Lyman also has a cast bullet only manual if your interested.
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Check out LoadData.com
For around $30 a year you can have access to several bullet maker loading books along with many other resources for reloading information. Beats buying a new reloading manual every time they come out and you get the same information. |
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First of all, don't get rid of the older books he gave you. You'll be amazed how often you find information in old loading books to be valuable. Sometimes, you need information that hasn't been contained in load manuals for decades -- there's only so much space and editorial decisions have to be made.
As to the one best book -- the Speer manual is the most comprehensive with the most trustworthy lab data. You really need as many as you can get your hands on. But, a lot of valuable information is available on the web these days -- at manufacturer's web sites. |
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Quoted:
I'm new to the reloading scene, and I guess,I should pick up a new book. I bought all of my equipment from an older gentleman, and he gave me a few books with it, but suggested I pick up something new, since his are from the mid 80's. I was looking around and there was a lot to choose from. What is the difference in them, is one generally preferred over another? Thanks for the help guys! Answer depends on your style of reloading and what you plan on doing bolt action match or hunting rifle focus with match or premium hunting bullets, Sierra, Nosler or Hornady (go with the maker of your bullet choice) military semi autos - Sierra or Hornady hunting rifle only - Sierra, Hornady, or Nosler Handgun with metallic bullets - Speer, Lyman, Hornady hangun with lots of cast lead bullets - Lyman Cast Bullet 4th edition (different than the regular Lyman) As a tutorial on reloading I found the Speer to be without peer and the Nosler was a close 2nd. They were my first manuals in the late 80's and early 90's. Never throw an old manual away, I don't know how many times I have 4 manuals open at the same time comparing stuff or looking for certain powders that aren't listed in my newer manuals as they can't test every powder combo. i often interpolate data to get a start with unlisted components. (like subbing a Nosler 150 for a Speer 150 but using the Speer data because they used a certain powder than Nosler did not. Start low and work up is obviously important here to avoid nasty surprises. I also will call Sierra or whomever and pick their brain say for a new bullet with no published data. Like when the .30 135 grain SMK came out. They also did not have data or much data, in those circumstances they recommend to use the data from the next heaviest bullet (150 grain) and work up from that start load. Pretty basic advice but building a comprehensive data base takes time. |
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In addition to Lyman 49, which I agree is an excellent general purpose load book, I would suggest the Lee manual.
The reason I suggest the Lee is based on what I've seen it provides the broadest range of bullet weights and powders of any manual. It does lack a lot of details which can matter - such as exact bullet used, etc. In times like today when powder or bullets may lack ready availability having a broad range of load data to choose from can be very nice. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
I have recently found myself at a loss for printed info as well. Dryflash and a few others have shared a bit of data here and there to help me out with stuff. What I am saying is that even with several different sources of info I have found I dont have enough. I have a few older speer books and some hodgdon books but it isnt enough. I shoot a lot of cast and many books just dont list much. In front of me right now is a friends Lyman 49th. I am gonna order my own next payday. I shoot lots of Hornady bullets as well. Guess what is supposed to be arriving in the mail tomorrow? Yep a new Hornady book. and a new 38/357 mold, and a front sight for a 44mag. So I agree with others. Get various different books, and you can compare data too. And some of the old books have good info as well you just wont get in the newer books. Enjoy your new hobby. Lyman also has a cast bullet only manual if your interested.
Dang, just one more book I am just going to have to get! Oh, and since everyone loves pictures I thought I would have some fun and do this on! I don't know where my buddy got this hardbound edition but its the only one I have seen so far. 
ETA: I guess Midway sells a hardcover edition. |
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Quoted:
Hardcover, nice effect.  I seem to be hard on my books, so I always spend the little bit extra for hardcover. They store on the bookshelf better that way, too. 
ETA. I just wish Sierra would do away in that abhorrent 3 ring binder and go with a hardcover. Sierra is the bastard in my library 
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