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Posted: 2/14/2016 9:50:29 AM EDT
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Just starting to get into reloading and am pretty excited about it. Looking to reload mostly 308 but 556 and 9mm some as well.
My question is what powder and data load book do you guys recommend. I just know there are a lot of different kinds and don't know which to choose from. Thanks in advance |
 Start by reading the front of this manual as it has a very good "how to reload" section before the load data. Will teach you how to pick components and tools besides the loading procedures. Then read the top of the page, start in FAQ's and work you way down. Then read this, http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/263380_Everything_You_Wanted_to_Know_About_Reloading_But_Was_Afraid_to_Ask.html Welcome to our hobby.  |
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Good advice here from dryflash.
Lee's Modern Reloading Second Edition is another great source for information to get you started. Richard Lee wrote a lengthy introduction that covers most of the basics. As for reloading data, I shoot a lot of Hornady bullets so the Hornady manual has been a great resource. I use the 8th Edition but a newer version is available. Once you're set on the basics, the powder manufacturers have some good info available for free online as well. To answer your question, I like IMR 4064 for .308, Hodgdon H335 for .223, and I use various powders for 9mm depending on the load - W231, Accurate #5, and CFE Pistol are some favorites of mine. You will need to experiment with different combinations to find out what works best for you. Remember to always start at the low end of the load data and work your way up to hotter loads |
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I use this quite a bit also:
Hodgdon Reloading Lyman has limited data for different bullet types. The internet is also a great resource. |
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Quoted: I use this quite a bit also: Hodgdon Reloading Lyman has limited data for different bullet types. The internet is also a great resource. If you know the theory of start loads, they have everything covered. |
| If you shoot Hornady bullets get their manual, Sierra bullets then their manual etc. I like to compare data from the bullet company and the powder company of whatever components I use. Lyman's 49th is a very good manual too. The more sources you have to compare the better. Accurate Arms, Hodgdon, and other powder company data is available on-line however I do like to have a printed hard copy rather than just depending on the internet. Get the powder company manual too. Only other tip I like to give is to use a powder that more than half fills the case. That way it almost eliminates the possibility of a double charge of powder. Have fun and be careful. |
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Quoted:
I use this quite a bit also: Hodgdon Reloading Lyman has limited data for different bullet types. The internet is also a great resource. Research research research. The internet is great but be careful about using some of the loads you find on the internet. |
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Buy the ABCs of reloading.
It is an awesome read. The best part is it has a step by step guide for reloading pistol, rifle and shotgun. I mean step by step. Like step 1, put the case on the press. Step 2 size the brass and remove the primer. Etc. It has pictures of each step too. That was the best reference for me to learn actual reloading skills. After that, a lot of YouTube videos and a lot of reading on here in the reloading forums. |
| I concur with DrFroglegs. "The ABCs of Reloading" is not a loading manual, it's a how-to manual. And I'll go further and say that it would be best to get a copy of one of the editions written by Dean Grennell. Grennell's writing is accessible and clear without oversimplifying anything. I felt like he was mentoring me as I read his book the first time; that's how strongly I believe that his editions are worth finding. |
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Quoted:
I use this quite a bit also: Hodgdon Reloading Lyman has limited data for different bullet types. The internet is also a great resource. You're absolutely correct. The Internet is indeed a great resource, but I would caution any beginner to stick to data they either get from a book or from an Internet site like the IMR/Hodgdon reloading center. In other words, stick to the "real" data. I suspect that what you meant without actually saying it. To the beginner, I would say this: Do not take the word of some guy responding to a forum request for "the best load". Chances are if a forum member really knows what he's talking about, he will give you advice on neck tension, seating depth, etc. but won't reveal his load data for reasons which should be obvious, or which will become obvious once the beginner gains some experience. Bottom line: Read everything you can about reloading, both on the internet and in the huge selection of good books. But ignore any "non official" load data, at least until you gain a lot of experience, and even then take that load data with a grain of salt. |
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The Lyman's 49th manual is probably the most affordable and also one of the best general manuals. I don't see a lot of need for the Lee manual, unless you are using Lee equipment, maybe. The load data in the Lee manual is nicely organized, but it's all data that's published for free by powder manufacturers, so you're really only paying for the reloading info and a convenient format. Until you have a lot of powders to choose from, you're not going to get much out of the layout. I would get the Lyman book and, as other mentioned, the book from whatever manufacturer makes the bullets you plan to use.
You can get the powder manufacturer's load data online, I used Hodgdon's site a lot when I started, or you can get their cheap/freebie manuals. If you are ordering powder/primers online, look at Powder Valley and order one of each powder manufacturer's book for free with your order. They charge a hazmat fee because the books are listed in the powder section, so it won't be worthwhile to order unless you are getting powder or primers as well. |
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