I've been loading the same loads pistol clambers for years using the same recipe using win 231 / hp38. The time has come and near the end of my supply being forced to use what I can get. I have plenty of clays which I use for shotgun and understand can be used for pistol but recently put my hands on a good supply of Unique, Universal and Titegroup all of which a cursory reading can reasonably used for my needs. The question is rather than ask for recipes and opinions is what is the best resource for load data these days. Back when I got started we had Lymans which covered most things reasonably. Also do these come in digital format for download or on CD. your input is greatly appreciated and wish me luck.
Reloading manual recommendation
- Thread starter F5guy
- Start date
Someone else wrote this up, good recommendations...
T.
Hands down the best single manual on the market is the Lyman #49 Manual. The Lyman manual has the best beginners "how-to" section of all the manuals, the best and easiest to read and use layout and includes extensive data on both cast and jacketed bullets.
There is a reason why Lee is on their 2nd edition, Speer is on their 14th edition with just about everyone else somewhere in between and Lyman is on their 49th!!! Regardless of what anyone else says about RCBS or any other company for that matter, Lyman has been around a LONG TIME. Lyman was providing reloading data 50-100 YEARS before any of these other companies even existed! Since Lyman is also one of best and likely the oldest cast bullet mould maker their manuals are FULL of cast bullet loading data. Companies like Sierra and Nosler make no lead bullets so their manuals have no lead bullet reloading data.
If you loaded handgun cartridges only Lyman also have a specialized "Pistol & Revolver Manual" and a "Cast Bullet Manual".
It may be blasphemy to everyone else but FORGET about the "ABC's of reloading". There is NOTHING in the "ABC's" that isn't covered better in the Lyman manual but there is a lot that the Lyman manual covers that the "ABC's" does not cover.
All of the powder suppliers provide FREE reloading pamphlets in addition to larger reloading manuals that they charge for. Pick up as many of these as you can and save any old editions.
My second reloading manual choice would be from the maker of the bullets I use the most. Since I use a lot of Sierra Bullets my second choice in reloading manuals is the Sierra Manual #5. Another reason for choosing the Sierra manual second is that they have SEPARATE DATA SECTIONS on the .223 Rem. for bolt-action rifles and the AR-15.
My third reloading manual choice would be from the supplier of the powder you use most. Being a new reloader it would be the powder you are starting with. Currently all of the powders I use are from Accurate, Alliant and Hodgdon so I have all of their manuals.
For loading a single cartridge, such as just the .45 ACP, another good choice are the "Load Books". Problem I have with the "Load Book" is I don't know the date/revision this data came from. Did the data from Speer come from the new #14 manual, a 15 years old manual or somewhere in between! These are good as "supplemental" manuals, you still need a full reloading manual with a complete "how-to" section in it.
C.
T.
Hands down the best single manual on the market is the Lyman #49 Manual. The Lyman manual has the best beginners "how-to" section of all the manuals, the best and easiest to read and use layout and includes extensive data on both cast and jacketed bullets.
There is a reason why Lee is on their 2nd edition, Speer is on their 14th edition with just about everyone else somewhere in between and Lyman is on their 49th!!! Regardless of what anyone else says about RCBS or any other company for that matter, Lyman has been around a LONG TIME. Lyman was providing reloading data 50-100 YEARS before any of these other companies even existed! Since Lyman is also one of best and likely the oldest cast bullet mould maker their manuals are FULL of cast bullet loading data. Companies like Sierra and Nosler make no lead bullets so their manuals have no lead bullet reloading data.
If you loaded handgun cartridges only Lyman also have a specialized "Pistol & Revolver Manual" and a "Cast Bullet Manual".
It may be blasphemy to everyone else but FORGET about the "ABC's of reloading". There is NOTHING in the "ABC's" that isn't covered better in the Lyman manual but there is a lot that the Lyman manual covers that the "ABC's" does not cover.
All of the powder suppliers provide FREE reloading pamphlets in addition to larger reloading manuals that they charge for. Pick up as many of these as you can and save any old editions.
My second reloading manual choice would be from the maker of the bullets I use the most. Since I use a lot of Sierra Bullets my second choice in reloading manuals is the Sierra Manual #5. Another reason for choosing the Sierra manual second is that they have SEPARATE DATA SECTIONS on the .223 Rem. for bolt-action rifles and the AR-15.
My third reloading manual choice would be from the supplier of the powder you use most. Being a new reloader it would be the powder you are starting with. Currently all of the powders I use are from Accurate, Alliant and Hodgdon so I have all of their manuals.
For loading a single cartridge, such as just the .45 ACP, another good choice are the "Load Books". Problem I have with the "Load Book" is I don't know the date/revision this data came from. Did the data from Speer come from the new #14 manual, a 15 years old manual or somewhere in between! These are good as "supplemental" manuals, you still need a full reloading manual with a complete "how-to" section in it.
C.
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Yes, I too have a Lyman #49 and use it sometimes as a reference when debating on what load to use.
BUT, I generally go by the "bullet" mfg's manual 99% of the time since they have exact load data for the bullet I am using. Since 90% is Hornady's bullets that's the manual I follow the most. I also like using the powder mfg's manual and for years bought Hodgdon's paper back manuals for about $10.00 each per year, but they general have the same information year after year, so I just go to their website for load data now and print it out.
I do also have both Lee manuals as well as Speer's and a bunch of old paper manuals from Winchester and IMR given to me by a friend.
What is the BEST? All of them, but I will stick to the one produced by who's bullets I am using for any one particular loading. Unless you are using off brand or bulk bullets in which case then the powder mfg's would be better to follow and cross referenced against the Lyman #49 book.
Good luck and have fun and stay safe.
Jim
BUT, I generally go by the "bullet" mfg's manual 99% of the time since they have exact load data for the bullet I am using. Since 90% is Hornady's bullets that's the manual I follow the most. I also like using the powder mfg's manual and for years bought Hodgdon's paper back manuals for about $10.00 each per year, but they general have the same information year after year, so I just go to their website for load data now and print it out.
I do also have both Lee manuals as well as Speer's and a bunch of old paper manuals from Winchester and IMR given to me by a friend.
What is the BEST? All of them, but I will stick to the one produced by who's bullets I am using for any one particular loading. Unless you are using off brand or bulk bullets in which case then the powder mfg's would be better to follow and cross referenced against the Lyman #49 book.
Good luck and have fun and stay safe.
Jim
Agree with the above answers; Lyman 49th, Hornady's 9th, and one by the manufacturer of the bullets you choose to use (Speer bullets = Speer manual, etc.). I am of the mind that you can't have too many manuals and I now have several. Not a Lee hater, but I don't care for Lee's reloading manual data section. I read the "How To" section and it's OK, but I found the load data lacking.
Another thought as we're discussing load data sources; My "theory" that I've uses for many, many years (since the first reloading "advise" I got from an "expert" at the range), is I pay no attention to any forum expert, gun counter clerk, range rat, pet loads website, or gun shop guru regarding load data. I just smile and say "thanks, I'll remember that". I have used published reloading manuals for nearly 30 years and have had zero problems. The only other source I use is powder manufacturer's web sites, but they too can be limiting, and mostly just check the web site's data against my manuals...
Go slow, double check everything, and most important, have fun...
Another thought as we're discussing load data sources; My "theory" that I've uses for many, many years (since the first reloading "advise" I got from an "expert" at the range), is I pay no attention to any forum expert, gun counter clerk, range rat, pet loads website, or gun shop guru regarding load data. I just smile and say "thanks, I'll remember that". I have used published reloading manuals for nearly 30 years and have had zero problems. The only other source I use is powder manufacturer's web sites, but they too can be limiting, and mostly just check the web site's data against my manuals...
Go slow, double check everything, and most important, have fun...
kilimanjaro
New member
I've got six manuals, and still look for them at estate sales and such. Can't have too many, as long as they're all different.
Pathfinder45
New member
OR, .... you could just start your own personal library and get 'em all.
Reloading manuals don't improve with age.
The only other consideration is the age of the manual in question. If it's fairly recent, you're probably in good shape. As they get older, more and more of the information within tends toward obsolescence.
I have a Lyman Manual that was first published in 1970. Many of the loads in it, especially in the rifle section, reflect current loads. Some of the data in the pistol & revolver section, however, are quite hot by today's standards. I'm not above entertaining the use of the older data, but I certainly check it against a more recent manual to see what kind of difference there might be.
The only other consideration is the age of the manual in question. If it's fairly recent, you're probably in good shape. As they get older, more and more of the information within tends toward obsolescence.
I have a Lyman Manual that was first published in 1970. Many of the loads in it, especially in the rifle section, reflect current loads. Some of the data in the pistol & revolver section, however, are quite hot by today's standards. I'm not above entertaining the use of the older data, but I certainly check it against a more recent manual to see what kind of difference there might be.
MarkGlazer
New member
I own both Lyman and Lee. Lyman is too narrow for my liking; lacks diversity. The Lee manual has more depth when it comes to bullet types + bullet weights + powders. A post from some time last week posed a similar question and one of the responses was such that Lee takes their data from the powder companies while others from the bullet manufacturer. Neither is right nor wrong, it's just about preference.
I do agree that you can't have enough information at your fingertips, thus never enough manuals. Some approach their loading from the bullet back to the case and others visa versa.
I do agree that you can't have enough information at your fingertips, thus never enough manuals. Some approach their loading from the bullet back to the case and others visa versa.
Like this Forum. The more information or experience you have the more you learn. It's a lot like many big Businesses they all have their experts and they continually learn from the competition.
You have more knowledge in 5> manuals then you will ever get from one. I suppose I have close to 20 manuals... My issue is remembering every thing.
But all I need to do is pick up a Manual or two and then there are (The Firing Line) opinions. All have their value but none are perfect.
You have more knowledge in 5> manuals then you will ever get from one. I suppose I have close to 20 manuals... My issue is remembering every thing.
But all I need to do is pick up a Manual or two and then there are (The Firing Line) opinions. All have their value but none are perfect.
firewrench044
New member
I hesitated because of higher price of the Sierra manual
but on recommendation of others I purchased one
I am glad I did it has been my go to manual ever sinse I got it
so I also recommend the Sierra manual
It is organized very well and easy to use it also has good information
reloading ins and outs
On my manuals, I have added Tabs to pages of the size calibers I use
for quick reference
but on recommendation of others I purchased one
I am glad I did it has been my go to manual ever sinse I got it
so I also recommend the Sierra manual
It is organized very well and easy to use it also has good information
reloading ins and outs
On my manuals, I have added Tabs to pages of the size calibers I use
for quick reference
AVirginian
New member
Plus 1 on the Sierra manual and the others mentioned too. They are all good as is the internet.
Read, read and read again.
Read, read and read again.
I don't see what bullet and cartridge you want to load, but the powder company's load data online is the place to start. For lead bullets, Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook is premier for me, but it might not support the bullet and powder you have. The powder company that I find best supports lead bullet use is Western/Ramshot. It was very helpful to aid me in applying Enforcer/A4100 to my 41 Magnums, drawing a blank with anyone else.
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For my standard reference it is Sierra and Hornady.
both have complete data though not pressure that you find in some manuals.
Both tell you what rifle (pistol) they use as well as the length and twist.
Both have wide ranges of powders and both have a lot of bullet types that pretty well match anyone else for grains and shape.
Cross ref both and it gives you a good starting point (and if powder common to an accurate load then also a help)
I have looked at Lyman's and have not fallen in love with it but need to look again. It is generally acknowledge as one of the standards and I would go with that recommendation
I have a couple others around, though I use the modern ones and just ref old loads or sometimes bullets from the past no longer made in the old manuals (Speer_)
both have complete data though not pressure that you find in some manuals.
Both tell you what rifle (pistol) they use as well as the length and twist.
Both have wide ranges of powders and both have a lot of bullet types that pretty well match anyone else for grains and shape.
Cross ref both and it gives you a good starting point (and if powder common to an accurate load then also a help)
I have looked at Lyman's and have not fallen in love with it but need to look again. It is generally acknowledge as one of the standards and I would go with that recommendation
I have a couple others around, though I use the modern ones and just ref old loads or sometimes bullets from the past no longer made in the old manuals (Speer_)
g.willikers
New member
Since you are using their powders, might as well start with the free Hodgdon web site reloading data.
Ditto for the Alliant web site for Unique.
If they have the combination of components you use, there's really no need to look further.
Ditto for the Alliant web site for Unique.
If they have the combination of components you use, there's really no need to look further.
Have a couple old Lyman manuals and ordered 49th. I found tons of info from powder companies too so I should be all set. Thanks for the input looks like I can do just about everything I've been doing for years with clays but have the other stuff as a hedge. Now need to stock up from bullets and going to switch from lead cast to Berrys plated and il be all set for a few years. Thanks again.
Freeloader Reloader
New member
Which Manual is best?
I've been reloading for about four years now...not a lot of time but I've loaded a pretty good quantity of ammo. I started out with the Lee 2nd Edition at first and later on got the "newer" 2nd Edition. I cross reference between the two and the loads are indeed different. I also have the Lyman 49th, the Lyman Pistols & Revolvers, and the Lyman Cast Bullet Manual, which I use frequently when I cast my bullets. I also purchased a Hornady Cartridge Manual when I started loading a lot of Hornady bullets. That was also the only manual of the ones that I have that had loads for 300 Blackout listed. I like to cross reference my data whenever possible, just to keep it safe. I am currently thinking of getting a Speer Manual also. The idea of making a "library of my own" really appeals to me.
I've been reloading for about four years now...not a lot of time but I've loaded a pretty good quantity of ammo. I started out with the Lee 2nd Edition at first and later on got the "newer" 2nd Edition. I cross reference between the two and the loads are indeed different. I also have the Lyman 49th, the Lyman Pistols & Revolvers, and the Lyman Cast Bullet Manual, which I use frequently when I cast my bullets. I also purchased a Hornady Cartridge Manual when I started loading a lot of Hornady bullets. That was also the only manual of the ones that I have that had loads for 300 Blackout listed. I like to cross reference my data whenever possible, just to keep it safe. I am currently thinking of getting a Speer Manual also. The idea of making a "library of my own" really appeals to me.